2019 Africa Blockchain Conference: Key sector players urge governments to boost technologies

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Thousands gathered for a conference in Uganda aimed to help governments adopt technology - like blockchain. Experts say African nations must prepare for a future of digital inclusion. CGTN's Michael Baleke explains.

Computer technologies are driving industry in Africa. And the same innovations are now being integrated in state governance systems to drive economies. Sierra-Leone's President, Julius Maada Bio says this is the only way for Africa to tackle poverty.

JULIUS MAADA BIO PRESIDENT, SIERRA LEONE "Let's involve everybody, from you guys - the young guys leading this particular revolution to those of us who have to create the enabling environment and the legal and regulatory framework for each to function in a way that is not going to be too disruptive."

Sierra-Leone is already incorporating blockchain technologies in the electoral processes and financial systems. And this is in line with the focus of the 2019 Africa Blockchain conference to prepare Africa for the Fourth Industrial Revolution, which is primarily the use of internet innovations to change the way people live, work and relate to one another.

MICHAEL NIYITEGEKA ICT SPECIALIST, UGANDA "The politicians tend to look at the internet from the angle of a product like the way you go into a shop and buy a phone, they haven't noticed that this is now a market place that connects billions of consumers who don't care where the product is coming from, for as long as they feel safe with that product."

Kenya and South Africa have also begun implementing tech-friendly laws. Recently Uganda launched a national task force that will oversee and advise on the adoption of the new tech-innovations.

MICHAEL BALEKEKAMPALA, UGANDA "Software developers say technology will be at the forefront of Africa's growth and that authorities need to move fast to adopt the smart innovations. But some African leaders are hesitant and moving cautiously with a view that the new tools may compromise national security."

The leaders are also worried about the cost of shifting from the old technologies to the new era.

ELSIE KANZA HEAD OF AFRICA, WORLD ECONOMIC FORUM "Personally one concern that I have when we are trying to get more goods and services online, including e-government, access to health, access to education and we have governments shutting down access to the internet; you are disrupting the lives, it's disrupting employment, it's disrupting delivery of health services, so how do we find the right balance."

As governments and the private sector explore ways of using blockchain to push value to service sectors, Tech experts argue that there must be a deliberate move to change the education system to position young developers to build solutions for African problems. Michael Baleke CGTN, Kampala - Uganda.