Africa is at the heart of a new global scramble as the fourth industrial revolution unfolds. Competition by world powers eager to access the continent's vast resources and emerging markets is illustrated by Russia’s growing interest – through the Wagner Group intervention in conflict-affected states such as the Central Africa Republic (CAR), Sudan, and the Sahel countries. It is also observed in China’s massive infrastructural projects and trade agreements with South Africa, Kenya, and Nigeria, as well as in the Africa-European Union (EU) Partnerships, and the United States' (US) trading partnerships with African countries such as the Africa Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA).[1]
This blog examines similarities between the first industrial revolution, which led to the first scramble for Africa in the 18th century, and the fourth industrial revolution that are drivers of a new scramble for contemporary Africa. The blog also notes the significant strides being made on the continent in advancing Africa’s interests.
The fourth industrial revolution began in the twenty-first century, from the 2010s and is characterised by innovations such as the Internet of Things (IoT), biotechnology, Artificial Intelligence (AI), robotics, and three-dimensional (3D) printing.[2] Preceded by the first, second and third industrial revolutions. The first industrial revolution began in Britain between the late 18th and early 19th centuries and spread across Europe and America.[3] This revolution was sparked by the invention of new technology that bolstered production in agriculture, textile, mining, and transport. It presented Europe with a saturated market that triggered its global capitalist expansions.[4] The second industrial revolution occurred between the late 19th and early 20th century and was characterised by mass production, advancement in telecommunications, and internal combustion engines.[5] This was the period of the official colonisation of Africa. A third industrial revolution took place in the second half of the 20th century from the 1950s to the early 2000s. It involved the invention of digital technology, automation, computers, telecommunications, and the internet.[6] It was the period of the rise of African nationalist movements and the widespread independence of former colonies.
Three similarities can be drawn between the first industrial revolution, which led to the first scramble for Africa in the 18th century, and the fourth industrial revolution which are also drivers of the new scramble for contemporary Africa. First, the invention of new technology increased the production of surplus consumer goods and services which meant other markets outside of Europe needed to be explored for raw materials and consumers during the first industrial revolution. Although, Africa has been diversifying its trading partners in the last three decades, trade remains tilted in favour of exporting raw materials, importing finished goods, and often recording trade deficits with each partner – a dumping ground for finished products, and a honey pot for raw materials. For example, in 2022, two-thirds of Africa-China exports included petroleum crude oil (41 percent), refined copper (15 percent), iron ore and concentrates (5 percent) and aluminum ores and concentrates (5 percent) by trade value. Imports from Chinese companies were telecommunications equipment (6 percent), fabrics (3 percent), footwear (3 percent) and refined oil (3 percent).[7] Similarly, EU imports from Africa were dominated by raw materials and natural resources ranging between 76 percent in 2011 and 65 percent in 2021.[8]
Second, in both periods, Africa was neglected in global governance and decision-making. The November 1884 to January 1885 conference in Berlin, the German capital, to partition Africa among European powers especially Britain, France, Belgium, Portugal, and Germany had no African representation.[9] Today, Africa’s representation remains low in global decision-making bodies such as the United Nations (UN) Security Council where 80 percent of the decisions made are about Africa, and five permanent (P5) veto-wielding members – Britain, China, France, Russia and the US – often dominate decision making. Significant strides are however being made through collective lobbying as the continent became a permanent Group of 20 (G20) member in September 2023,[10] as well as through South Africa, Egypt, and Ethiopia's membership in BRICS Plus (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa Plus), and new vehicles such as the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Third, Africa was behind in technological advancement compared to other regions during the first industrial revolution and remains so today. Kenyan historian, Ali Mazrui, famously noted that Africa has acquired Western tastes (in technology) but not the skills to make them work. While this remains the case, some parts of the continent are making progress with increased mobile phone usage and internet access, a growing technological start-up company ecosystem – especially in South Africa, Kenya, and Nigeria, – and an increased emphasis on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) aimed at improving technological knowledge of the workforce.[11] There however remains an infrastructure gap compared to other continents. For example, internet penetration in Africa is a paltry 37 percent in contrast to an average of 95 percent in Europe, the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) and the American continent, and 69 percent in the Arab states and Asia Pacific region in 2022.[12] Moreover, an estimated nearly 600 million Africans, about half the continent’s population lack access to electricity at home, although Ghana, Kenya, and Rwanda are on track for full access by 2030. Africa also faces poor quality of – or lack of access to – the education system resulting in a brain drain, with numerous African students electing to relocate, study, and work outside the continent.[13]
Despite the challenges, the fourth industrial revolution presents an opportunity for Africa to leverage global interest. This can be achieved by producing finished goods for local consumption and exports, advancing technology, and participating in global decision-making to secure a prosperous and autonomous future.
Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not reflect the views of the organizations he is affiliated with
References
Ibid.
Philbeck, Thomas, and Nicholas Davis. "The fourth industrial revolution." Journal of International Affairs 72, no. 1 (2018): 17-22.
Ibid; Thomas Pakenham, The Scramble for Africa, 1876-1912 (London: Phoenix, 2001), p. 318.
Ibid.
Schwab, Klaus. "8. The Fourth Industrial Revolution-What It Means and How to Respond." Handbook of Research on Strategic Leadership in the Fourth Industrial Revolution (2024): 29.
Eurostat. Archive:Africa-EU - international trade in goods statistics. 2023.
Pakenham, The Scramble for Africa, p. 318
Amoah, Lloyd G. Adu, ed. Examining the Rapid Advance of Digital Technology in Africa. IGI Global, 2024.
Author's bio
Dr. Samuel Igba is a political analyst with a PhD in Political Science and an MA in Diplomatic Studies, both from the University of Pretoria. He has worked at government and intergovernmental organizations and academic institutions across Africa including Nigeria's Ministry of Petroleum Resources, the United Nations, and the University of Pretoria's Centre for the Advancement of Scholarship.
Comments