Going Digital : Harnessing the Power of Emerging Technologies for the Transformation of Southern African Agriculture

Southern Africa has been digitalizing fast, albeit unevenly. However, in the food and agriculture sector, digitalization has not yet led to the revolution that it promises. In the short- to medium-term, its transformative power will show itself in segments higher up in the value chain and among larger producers and industry players. Here, emerging digital technologies, such as advanced data analytics, digital platforms, blockchains and autonomous systems, hold great potential to increase the efficiency, profitability and sustainability of the sector. While it may be early days for these technologies in Southern Africa, it is essential that policy makers adopt a forward-looking vision to create an innovation environment that supports the use of tomorrow’s digital solutions, not only today’s. Conducive policies, infrastructure, skills and start-up support will be essential to create the necessary framework conditions for digitalization in food and agriculture to take off. At the same time, we must be careful not to overlook the value of simple, pragmatic and appropriate digital technologies in African agriculture, especially when reaching out to farmers. After all, basic mobile phones were technically sophisticated enough to spark the mobile revolution in Africa. In the longer run, more sophisticated digital solutions will also trickle down to farmers as their digital skills and technologies improve