African countries must move faster to adopt data and frontier technologies to drive economic transformation, Deputy Executive Secretary Mama Keita of the U.N. Economic Commission for Africa said Saturday at a major continental conference in Tangier, Morocco.
Speaking at the Conference of African Ministers of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, Keita said Africa’s economic expansion has not translated into strong productivity gains, despite average annual growth of 3.5% between 2000 and 2023.
“Growth has not been driven by innovation,” she said, noting that gains have largely come from capital and labor rather than efficiency.
She said this trend has limited long-term transformation across the continent and stressed the need to “increase the contribution of productivity.”
The conference focused on how emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, blockchain and the internet of things can help reshape African economies. Keita said these tools can “unlock Africa’s growth potential” and improve competitiveness.
Digital payment systems and mobile money platforms are already helping to lower transaction costs and improve access to financial services, while new agricultural technologies are boosting crop yields and strengthening climate resilience.
However, Africa continues to lag behind other regions in adopting advanced technologies. Artificial intelligence is expected to contribute 5.6% to GDP in Africa and similar regions by 2030, compared with higher shares in more developed economies.
Keita pointed to Africa’s young population as a major advantage, saying young people are “more adaptive and creative” in using new technologies, but added that stronger investment in digital skills, infrastructure and energy is needed.
She also warned of challenges, including data security risks, reliance on imported technologies and possible job losses linked to automation.
“The adoption of frontier technologies is not all roses,” she said.
Keita called for coordinated policies, increased financing and stronger institutions to ensure that innovation supports inclusive and sustainable growth across the continent.
The 58th session of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa is taking place from March 28-April 3, 2026, in Tangier.
