Electricity + Control October 2019

CONTROL SYSTEMS + AUTOMATION

businesses to develop sustainably and that encourages technology upskilling, innovation, knowledge sharing and implementation. Siemens notes that the findings from the study are just a starting point. The hope is that it will begin a dialogue and provide a framework for entrepreneurs, industry and governments to respond to the unique opportunities that exist.

an unprecedented rate. Africa needs to put efficient strategies in place now in order to succeed.” In the thrust of changing business dynamics, rapidly evolving technology and increasing competition, collaborative efforts among governments, industry, businesses (local and international), labour and academia are vital to creating an environment that enables local

Ralf Leinen, Senior VP, Southern and Eastern Africa, Siemens Digital Industries.

WEF Africa – inclusive growth in the Fourth Industrial Revolution Within the context of the call for decisive action now on digitalisation and automation, and the recognised need to educate and upskill the future workforce to adapt to the ongoing revolution in technologies, South Africa hosted the 28 th World Economic Forum (WEF) on Africa in Cape Town at the beginning of September. Addressing the first plenary session at the forum on behalf of President Cyril Ramaphosa, Finance Minister Tito Mboweni said that while Africa needs to craft a roadmap to navigate new and disruptive technologies, at the same time it needs to protect the continent’s citizens against the adverse consequences of automation like downsizing and work redundancies. As Africa moves towards greater broadband connectivity, there is a need to ensure broadband access for all, in order to overcome social, economic and spatial inequality, Mboweni said. "We all know that economic growth, job creation and entrepreneurial activity are inextricably linked to broadband access. We therefore need to ensure that broadband access – like healthcare and education – is available to all.” If we do not ensure such universal access, Mboweni said, “… we will simply perpetuate the economic exclusion of the majority of the continent’s people. In the development of our policy and in the implementation of our programmes, we need to ensure that technology promotes greater equity and broader social and economic participation. As countries of Africa, we share a common determination to be part of this new age of disruption and to join the economy of the future.“ The continent must respond with agility to the disruptive trends and technologies that are changing our way of life, the way we do business and our systems of governance, Mboweni said. “We must ensure that our citizens are prepared and, if necessary, shielded from adverse consequences. As African countries, we must take advantage of the opportunities presented by technological change

to enhance our competitiveness in the global landscape. This rests on the ability to adapt and evolve,” he said. “The growth of mobile money systems on the continent is an example of just how much technology can broaden access to markets, connect companies and support the growth of start-ups and small businesses.” Regarding the need to prepare young people for jobs that have yet to be created, Mboweni said, while there is much we do not know, we need to adopt incentive programmes for industries that may experience significant structural disruption in the near future. He said workforces in every industry will be impacted by automation, possibly resulting in downsizing and redundancies. “According to McKinsey, up to 375 million workers globally may have to change their occupational category and acquire new skills by 2030. Employers will need to make substantial financial commitments to ongoing upskilling and reskilling in response to labour market needs,” he said. The minister further highlighted that there is a need to stimulate entrepreneurial activity as conglomerates – which are the lifeblood of many economies on the continent – will be displaced by leaner and more adaptable small and medium-sized businesses. “Our response must be collaborative, multi-sectoral and inclusive. As South Africa, we are working with our neighbours to develop a continental strategy led by the African Telecommunications Union.” The collaboration must extend to the private sector, academia, policy makers and other stakeholders," the minister said. Mboweni also highlighted that new technologies can be put to use to improve service delivery. “We have seen for instance, the way in which India has leveraged technology to broaden access to banking in its rural areas. This type of innovation presents tremendous opportunities for tasks like social grant distribution, electrification and internet access.” In closingMboweni urged the continent to embrace newways of thinking. “We must be prepared to take risks or risk being left behind,” he said.

6 Electricity + Control

OCTOBER 2019