GE customers, partners, global executives and local government representatives gathered to discuss and share knowledge about Africa’s industrial challenges. GE estimates investment in the industrial internet of things (IIoT) is expected to top $60-trillion during the next 15 years. Industrial data is growing twice as quickly as data in other sectors and it is estimated that more than 50-billion assets will be connected to the internet by 2020.

However, Africa still faces many challenges that need to be addressed before the continent can fully enjoy the benefits of digitalisation. “We need to start with the basics. It is important for rural areas to have access to broadband  in order to stimulate economic growth. We need to prioritise skills, innovation, resources, infrastructure and reliable connectivity,” said Cwele.

Cwele also urged African policymakers to embrace the industrial revolution as an essential “tool for development” to bolster Africa’s financial growth. He also called for more collaboration across industries as he acknowledged that governments were not equipped to handle challenges surrounding digital transformation.

Speaking at the event, Sean  Maritz, Eskom Chief Information Officer, says that African youth need to be inspired to adopt new  technologies and take the continent to the next level. Maritz mentioned that  it is important to embrace partnerships that will assist in changing the business models as we know them today in order to remain relevant in the future.

The conference discussed several topics relating to digitalisation, including cyber security, Sub-Saharan infrastructure required for a digital economy, the implementation of industrial operating system  and the digitalisation of electricity. Predix is used to power modern digital industrial businesses, to connect industrial assets, and collect and analyse data for real-time insights.