Nigeria/Africa to Witness More Tech Disruptions in Next 3 Years- Alozie

Owing to proliferation of disruptive technologies and innovations, Nigeria/Africa will be hit by a Technology (r)evolution less than four years from now.
 
This is a popular prediction by David Alozie, convener of Disruptive Africa Expo/Master Class which focuses on creating awareness on Disruptive Technologies like Internet-of-Things, BigData, Robotics, Artificial Intelligence and 3D Printing.
 
The second edition of the Disruptive Africa Expo 2016 commenced this year at Four Points by Sheraton Hotel Lagos, as part of the annual programme organized by Wiretooth Technologies and aimed at preparing African Government and businesses for the Technology (r)evolution and digital disruption that is already reshaping value chains of economies all over the world.
 
“It is quite alarming that despite the inherent socio-economic and socio-political power and influence wielded by Disruptive Technologies, the Africa is yet to start active participation and learning of the technologies ahead of time. This leaves Africa in a difficult and unfavourable position in respect to the future sustainability and economy,” Alozie said.
 
He said that this year’s event was aimed at helping Businesses and Government ignite discussions around Sustainability in this Technology Disruption Era through the application of Disruptive Technologies like IoT, BigData, Robotics, Artificial Intelligence and 3D printing for development.
 
Interested attendees and companies also had the opportunity of receiving first-hand knowledge on the various disruptive technologies like IoT, BigData, Robotics, and so on.
 
Before the commencement of the event, the organizers made sure attendees saw some short introductory and thought provoking videos around Disruptive technologies and innovation to prepare their mind ahead for the event proper.
 
The event commenced with an opening Speech from the representative of the Commissioner, Lagos State Ministry of Science and Technology.
 
He spoke about the Ministry’s unwavering support and collaboration for the Disruptive Africa Expo from its first edition.
 
He also pointed out the common interest with event considering Lagos State’s Disruptive Projects around Smart City and other Disruptive Innovations.
 
Alozie who gave a brief introduction of digital disruption and disruptive technology highlighted the prospects of digital disruption in today’s economy and how disruptive technologies will revolutionalize how we live our lives doing basic day to day activities.

Pointing out how Disruptive Technologies will help companies cut cost, increase efficiency and maximize profit, he stated the Startups and SMEs could pull some kind of Business-operational weight like larger organizations and competes with them head-on while spending incredibly little, if they leverage on recent Disruptive Technologies.
 
While discussing a toipic, “Understanding IoT / BigData and Its Implication to The Nation” Philip Moynagh, former vice president of IoT at Intel Corporation, dismissed the idea that the IoT is the next big thing, stating that IoT is the big thing now and economies and businesses that adopt IoT now will be key leaders of the society in a few years.
 
Moynagh emphasized that the energy barriers between taking an idea and making it into a viable project have reduced dramatically in the past 10 years. One example he highlighted amidst others was a woman named Kim who developed a cat door for her pet Gus.
 
For little more than US$100, she built a cat door that would be programmed to not only allow Gus in but to tweet Kim when Gus entered the house and when he was leaving.
 
Philip inspired all the listeners to be innovative and disruptive and he took time to answer questions from the attendees.
 
The session spurred up several reactions and contributions where we had Abdulmalik Abubakar, a representative from NITDA (Nigeria Information Technology Development Agency) asking strategic questions and making contributions.
 
Also speaking, on the prospects of Robotics in Africa, and how it can help move the economy forward, Michael Ipinyomi, a Robotics Engineer, Product Developer and Founder of Zoom Robotics, cited examples of how robots can be used to fight crime and terrorism. He also demoed some robots he brought to the event.
 
On his part, Chukueku Ivan Chukueku, an expert in broadcasting with DigiAfrik Ltd outlined various Disruptive Technologies used in modern television broadcasting and how they have helped make broadcasting both efficient and cheap.
 
He spoke on the advantage of cloud storage and broadcasting, and how automation has made TV broadcasting easier with fewer hassles and interruption.
 
While moderating a session on “Role of Diasporans in the promotion of Disruptive Innovations”, Prince Akinwale Ojomo, the Chief Engagement Officer at the Diaspora Innovation Institute, Ola Orekunrin, CEO, Flying Doctors and Ademola Adesina Esq, taught on the legal aspects of sourcing for funding and owning a Startup, and also how to source for funds from investors and venture capitalists.
 
The event continued with Master Classes that started on the second day of the event which covered Telecom Innovations, Smart Cities, BigData and other areas of IoT.
 
“A key takeaway from Friday’s event is that disruptive technologies have already gained traction in most developed countries and with no doubt, Africa is set up for a tech revolution and businesses within the continent need to either be disruptive or be disrupted. 
 
“The economic recessions in Nigeria and some other African countries suggest reduction in running cost which mostly be achieved though Disruptive Technology/Innovation,” Alozie said.
 
The attendees also had time enough to network with professionals and experts both locally and internationally. The conveners also promised that next year’s event will feature more hands-on experiences backed up with exciting exhibitions, speakers and other disruptive start-ups and businesses.