The Urgent Need for Digital Upgrades in Africa: A Reflection on Recent Internet Cut-Offs

Before any action is taken to correct a situation, Africa is always paying attention to a disaster to happen before it is given the needed attention. This demonstrates that we are a reactive society without visionary leadership, and we learn lessons the hard way. One recent instance of Africa's neglect of critical areas of vigilance is the disruption of the internet. Many workers heavily rely on the internet to complete daily tasks, so it is obvious that if this had not happened, no one would have ever thought it necessary to have a backup plan should something like this happen.

Several parts of West Africa and Central Africa have experienced significant internet cut-offs, leaving millions of people completely disconnected from the online world. This abrupt disruption has shed light on the urgent need for the continent to prioritize digital infrastructure upgrades and reduce reliance on external resources, particularly from Western origins. The implications of this issue extend beyond mere connectivity concerns; they directly intersect with education systems, highlighting the imperative need for comprehensive reform in the curriculum with more focus on STEM and vocational skills.

Internet Disruptions: A Wake-Up Call

The most recent internet outages in Africa have highlighted the vulnerability of the continent's digital infrastructure. While the reasons behind these disruptions may vary and may raise a lot of heads, the message is clear: Africa cannot afford to remain complacent and "Okay" in the face of technological advancement with all these happening around it. The reliance on external resources for critical digital infrastructure leaves the continent susceptible to disruptions that have far-reaching consequences.

Overcoming Reliance on Western Resources

A core challenge that Africa faces is the heavy dependence on Western resources for its digital needs. Whether it's hardware, software, or even internet connectivity, the continent has often looked beyond its borders for essential technological support. While international collaboration is vital, there is an inherent risk in relying solely on external sources, as demonstrated by the recent internet cut-offs.

Africa needs to work toward establishing its own technological capacities in order to promote creativity and independence. In addition to lessening the effects of disruptions, this move toward internal development and investments in digital infrastructure will help accelerate technological advancement and economic growth within the continent.

Education Systems and Digital Literacy

The digital interruption in Africa and Ghana has also underscored the pivotal role of education systems in shaping a digitally empowered society. In light of these events, it becomes increasingly evident that curriculums within the education system need to adapt to the demands of the digital era. There is a pressing need to incorporate comprehensive digital literacy programs that equip students with the skills necessary to navigate and thrive in the digital realm.

African curriculums should integrate digital literacy and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education from an early age to equip students with the skills needed to thrive in a technology-driven world. This includes teaching coding, digital skills, and critical thinking to adapt to rapid technological advancements. A lot of NGOs are out on this mission, an example is REEd Africa, an organization on a mission to empower through education. Children who have benefitted from projects taken by REEd Africa have shown evidence that they are not incapable of exploring the world, they need resources and guidance and they will come out better than what we expected. The best thing and way forward is to include technology learning ideas and make it compulsory at primary levels and early ages. This will help cultivate a generation of digitally know-how individuals who are skilled to drive change. Traditional ways of doing things are good only when we use them as guidelines while we adopt other ways of doing things in this ever-evolving world.

The Call for Holistic Reform

This unfortunate incident serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness of various systems within Africa. The need to upgrade digitally extends beyond just infrastructure; it includes educational, economic, and societal dimensions. As such, addressing this issue calls for a holistic approach that involves policy reforms, technological investments, and collaborative efforts among governments, private sectors, and educational institutions. It further calls for a proactive approach to situations rather than a reactive approach which often leads to loss of funds and other resources that could have been channeled into other developmental sectors and projects.

The internet stoppages in some parts of Africa serve as a clarion call for the continent to advance its digital transformation and reduce reliance on external resources. This necessary action extends to educational systems and other societal structures, calling for a united effort to drive holistic reform. If We prioritize indigenous technological advancements and support digital literacy, Africa can pave the way for a digitally empowered future that is not only resilient but also driven by "homegrown" innovation.