. For nations like Japan and South Korea where birth rates have remained low, Sub-Saharan Africa provides a readily available talent base, to remotely support their economies.
Some enabling infrastructures are in existence as the Sub-Saharan African region is experiencing deeper broadband penetration. Alongside a growing terrestrial broadband expansion, theof SpaceX Starlink satellite broadband brings many promises on connectivity in both urban and rural areas. And with renewal energy startups, which use solar to provide energy services, young techies are overcoming infrastructure challenges, making it easier for them to participate in the global digital economy.
These shifts allow young Sub-Saharan workers to earn income where they are, and once that income is imported, they have the capacities to contribute and transform their local economies at scale. Indeed, some digital experts, after they have made money working for international organizations, decide to start their own companies and, in the process, nurture other young talent.
But to scale this and make it a success, the following must be taken into consideration at both the policy level and in implementation:The Covid-19 pandemic demonstrated that many Sub-Saharan African countries are still very low on digital readiness. While many universities in China, the U.S., and Europe were able to transition to remote learning, many Sub-Saharan African universities could not.