Staff Writer 
TWO weeks ago, I argued that Africa needs impactful digital solutions more than humanoid robots.
While much of the global focus is on humanoid robots, which are machines designed to resemble human beings in both form and function, Africa’s immediate needs require practical, scalable digital solutions that address the continent’s most pressing challenges. As Africa is home to a rapidly growing population, widespread poverty, infrastructure gaps, and social inequities, the focus should shift towards leveraging digital technologies that can have a tangible, positive impact on daily life. This argument is not to diminish the phenomenal tech developments which are happening on the continent.
In many countries, especially Kenya, Nigeria, Ghana, South Africa, Zimbabwe, and many others, tech apps are making significant strides in addressing SDGs by focusing on issues ranging from education, health, and financial inclusion to climate action, food security, and economic growth. These apps not only contribute to solving local challenges but also foster digital transformation that empowers communities, promotes inclusivity, and ensures sustainable development. However, despite the immense potential of tech apps to address pressing challenges across Africa, many have not delivered the substantial impact expected. While there have been notable successes like financial inclusion apps such as Zimbabwe’s EcoCash, Omari and others, Kenya’s M-Pesa, as well as some e-learning tools, e-health and agritech solutions, numerous other apps have struggled to scale, reach their target audiences, or create lasting change. The proliferation of apps in a tech boom Africa has not necessarily translated into systemic, scalable solutions that address the continent’s most pressing issues.
My observation through tech research across the continent is that Africa’s tech ecosystem is often fragmented, with many apps solving similar problems without collaborating or sharing data. This results in duplicated efforts and inefficiencies. For example, multiple apps may target financial inclusion, agriculture, or health without a coordinated approach, which dilutes the impact. Without a central vision, aligned goals or strategy, apps can end up focusing on isolated issues rather than addressing the broader challenges faced by communities. A more coordinated effort from governments, development organisations, and the private sector is needed to align the solutions with national development priorities and scale them effectively.
Suppose I was Minister of ICT in an African country, my priorities would focus on creating a robust digital ecosystem that can drive economic growth, promote innovation, and improve the quality of life for citizens. Given the challenges and opportunities unique to Africa, I would need to balance technological advancement with social development and ensure that digital transformation benefits all sectors of society, particularly underserved communities. This is the reason I decried the fanfare and excitement over humanoid robots in my previous article.
In addition to strategic investments in infrastructure, education, regulatory frameworks, and public-private partnerships on my priority list, I would also fund and promote hackathons as a strategic and effective way to drive innovation, foster youth empowerment, and address key socio-economic challenges. Hackathons are high-energy, collaborative events that bring together university and college students, developers, designers, and entrepreneurs to work on solving complex problems in a short time frame. These intensive, time-bound events where participants come together to solve problems using technology, often focusing on specific issues, such as financial inclusion, healthcare, education, or agriculture, can have a profound impact on innovation, skills development, and national development.
Hackathons across the globe have demonstrated their capacity to address national development priorities, producing innovative solutions that align with SDGs.
Estonia, a leader in digital governance, has hosted hackathons that focus on improving e-government services and cybersecurity. The e-Estonia initiative encourages tech developers to create solutions for better digital public services. Singapore has held multiple hackathons focused on smart city solutions, sustainability, and improving urban governance. Singapore’s Smart Nation Hackathon challenges participants to develop solutions for traffic congestion, waste management, and environmental sustainability.
In Brazil, hackathons have been leveraged to address public health and urban safety issues. The Brazilian Public Safety Hackathon focused on developing technology solutions for crime prevention, disaster management, and improving emergency response.
India has hosted numerous hackathons aimed at solving critical urban and environmental issues, particularly around water management and smart cities. The Smart City Hackathon and Water Innovation Challenge are examples of events in India that encouraged the development of sustainable urban solutions. In Africa, there are isolated successful hackathon events which have delivered favourable results. The Tech4Good hackathon organised by the Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy of Nigeria, delivered solutions for e-learning and healthcare access in underserved areas. South Africa has used hackathons to solve critical energy issues, particularly around sustainable energy and smart grids.
Hackathons are a potent tool for driving innovation, addressing local and regional challenges, and fostering collaboration toward achieving SDGs in Africa. By engaging youth, empowering communities, and promoting cross-sectoral partnerships, hackathons can catalyse digital solutions that tackle pressing challenges in areas like education, health, financial inclusion, sustainability, and economic growth. With the right support and scale, hackathons can play a key role in creating inclusive, resilient, and sustainable societies across the continent.
l Dr Ruhode is a lecturer and researcher of Digital Business Transformation at the School of Business and Creative Industries at the University of the West of Scotland. He is also external PhD supervisor at the Midlands State University in Zimbabwe. He can be contacted at Ephias.Ruhode@uws.ac.uk
