Electricity + Control October 2017

round up

CONTROL SYSTEMS + AUTOMATION

The IoT can make a major impact on Africa %UDGOH\ +HPSKLOO ((6 /LYH

tinent’s unique business challenges and socioeconomic conditions must be addressed. An American or European strategy may not be the best fit for the local environment. There are, for example, some unique barriers to adoption in Af- rica, such as effective connectivity. In order for the IoT to work effectively it relies on high speed internet connections and this in- creases demands on available resources, such as bandwidth and network capacity. It is necessary to analyse the digital skills, infra- structure and technology required to connect so many devices and evaluate the data obtained. There is however potential across the continent for using Big Data Analytics in significant new ways. Research by global scien- tific research body, ResearchGate, on IoT deployment in Africa, re- veals that the introduction of Big Data Analytics means that the Contain cost and new technology Another barrier or challenge in Africa is the need to contain the cost of devices and new technolo- gy. A positive development here, also according to ResearchGate, is the decline of sensor and bandwidth prices and decrease in the cost of processing in the past ten years. Ubiquitous wireless networks, such as Wi-Fi, too have become cheaper and more accessible. The availability of power to supply most devices that require automation has been a concern for the continent, but alternative technologies for energy harvesting and ultra-low power devices have been beneficial to IoT. Cyber security The sharing of content and data across multiple platforms is in- tegral to IoT. As this initiative gains pace around the world, it be- comes increasingly important that this information is secure. Pri- oritising cyber security is essential to successful digital transformation. Conclusion IoT can be facilitated and the transition made easier through collaboration and the formation of strategic alli- ances. Key players, such as government, regulatory au- thorities, mobile operators, the private sector and other stakeholders, need to work together to optimise the potential of IoT. This will ensure a shared, integrated, inclusive digital environment facilitating socio-economic development. The IoT and the global technological revolution, the Fourth Industrial Revolution, are profoundly transforming client interactions. abundance of data which is generated daily by the various connected ‘things’ in the IoT network can be processed faster and better.

The Internet of Things (IoT), which bridges the digital and physi- cal world, is already making its mark in Africa as smart connected devices are being deployed and the use of connected hardware emerges. However, it has the potential to make a far more signifi- cant impact on the region, as long as circumstances specific to the continent are taken into consideration.

Sub-Saharan Africa – world’s fastest growing mobile region

The global association for the mobile telecoms industry, Groupe Speciale Mobile Association (GSMA), states that Sub-Saharan Af- rica has in recent years been the world’s fastest-growing mobile region in terms of both mobile subscribers and mobile connec- tions. It predicts that the number of individual mobile subscribers in Sub-Saharan Africa is set to surpass the half billion mark by 2020 as mobile services become more affordable and accessible.

The Internet of Things has the potential to make D IDU PRUH VLJQLÀFDQW impact in Africa.

However, the IoT, which has a stagger- ing reach globally and is driving companies the world over to redefine their business processes, can make a far more significant impact on Africa and facilitate major digital transformation.The IoT can be further devel-

oped in Africa to provide a range of innovative new services and solutions to people across the continent, and to gather data and gain insights to bolster efficiency and productivity. It can make a marked impact on numerous industries, as diverse as security, energy, finance and healthcare, and contribute significantly to the economy and wellbeing of the continent’s people. Unique African context He emphasises however that when adopting IoT it is vital that is- sues and circumstances specific to Africa are carefully considered and defined within their unique context, before devising and im- plementing an appropriate strategy and course of action. The con-

Bradley Hemphill is the Managing Director of EES Live. Enquiries: Visit www.eeslive.com

14 Electricity + Control

OCTOBER 2017