Survival of African Governments in the Fourth Industrial Revolution

Projections from the World Economic Forum in 2016 indicated that close to 6 million jobs would be lost in the event the Fourth Industrial Revolution takes full control. An analysis of the previous industrial revolutions (first, second and third) indicates that many African countries could not benefit as many of them were still under or coming out of colonial rule. Due to poverty and inequalities in many African states, embracing the Fourth Industrial Revolution is a huge obstacle as the perceived loss of jobs to machines bears a negative brunt on ordinary people working in administrative positions. The chapter draws from various peer-reviewed articles and expansive literature on the Fourth Industrial Revolution around the world. Guided by socio-technical perspectives, the chapter found that some African governments have adopted digital technology in agriculture, education, financial and health sectors. With Africa prone to climate change, wars, and presently diseases such as the Coronavirus pandemic, adoption of digital technology has become a complex phenomenon as governments battle to contain the Coronavirus pandemic while addressing socio-economic inequalities. The chapter concludes that surviving in the Fourth Industrial Revolution requires African governments to establish conducive policy environments that promote technology adoption and innovation. Such environments emanate from visionary leadership that seeks to transform the economies and lives of citizens. The chapter recommends that African governments should adopt modern technology to grow their economies while minimising risks that can be triggered by this advanced technological revolution.