How Valentine Amadi is shaping Africa’s tech-enabled tomorrow

Information and Communication Technology specialist and Business Consultant Valentine Amadi

Valentine Amadi (Val), an evangelist for the development of technology with over 25 years of expertise in strategic transformation and multi-million-dollar project deliveries, shares his views for Africa, a land he sees thriving with prospects amongst the many challenges it faces.

Transformative Telecom Projects

Having played a key role in major telecom rollouts and infrastructure projects, Val reflects on some of the most impactful work that has helped reshape the lives of people in underserved areas. One key project was the broadband fibre optics initiative in Nigeria, designed to bridge the digital divide and increase internet penetration to 75% by deploying fibre optic infrastructure.

He also played a pivotal role in implementing fixed wireless solutions in rural areas where connectivity was once considered a luxury. His approach leveraged a public-private partnership (PPP) model that would successfully mobilize investment in national broadband projects. “This effort has brought together operators, government entities, and development finance institutions to accelerate both broadband infrastructure development and last-mile connectivity,” he explains.

Balancing Technological Innovation with Business Sustainability

Sustainability is a critical factor when implementing technological innovations. Val believes that long-term value and sustainability must be built on sound localised business models to ensure scalability and cost-effectiveness.

“For professionals like me, the key is aligning products with user expectations, value propositions, structuring investments, and establishing relevant partnerships. We ensure that solutions are not only fit for purpose but also provide a viable return on investment for all stakeholders in the ecosystem.”

Emerging sectors like electric vehicles (EVs), renewable energy, and pharmaceuticals are playing a crucial role in Africa’s economic growth

Overcoming Challenges in Bridging the Digital Divide

Despite rapid advancements, digital access across Africa remains uneven. In some regions, particularly Central Africa, broadband penetration remains as low as 30%, and even in major economies like Nigeria, internet penetration is still below 50%.

Val highlights several critical challenges and believes that streamlined policies and incentives are crucial in overcoming the obstacles as mentioned below.

Digital literacy – Many users lack the necessary skills to engage with digital services.
Affordability of end-user devices: Smartphones and computers remain expensive for a significant portion of the population.
Lack of local content: The linguistic, economic and regulatory diversities in Africa limits the effectiveness of many digital services.
Infrastructure gaps: In remote locations, the cost of providing infrastructure especially power can account for up to 50% of operational expenses, making deployment financially challenging.

Beyond ICT: The Role of EVs, Renewable Energy, and Pharmaceuticals

Looking beyond ICT, Val sees emerging sectors like electric vehicles (EVs), renewable energy, and pharmaceuticals playing a crucial role in Africa’s economic growth. “The adoption of renewable energy would significantly enhance industrial capacity and revolutionize rural electrification across Africa. Similarly, EV adoption could lead to 15-20% energy cost savings, allowing funds to be allocated elsewhere.”

Additionally, he highlights the agriculture and pharmaceutical sectors as prime opportunities for biotechnology innovation, which could transform healthcare and food security in the region.

A Vision for the Future

For Val Amadi, the future of Africa lies in strategic investments, innovative business models, and collaborative efforts between public and private entities. His mission remains clear: bridging the digital divide, fostering sustainability, and driving technological transformation to unlock Africa’s full potential.