The United Nations Resident Coordinator in Ghana, Charles Abani, has cautioned that Africa risks being left behind in the global race for prosperity if it fails to embrace and invest in technology.

Speaking at the 2025 Africa Prosperity Dialogue at the Accra International Conference Centre on Monday, January 30, 2025, Mr. Abani delivered his closing remarks during a panel discussion with women and tech leaders on the theme "Scaling Your Business Through Strategic Technology Investment."

He emphasized that technological advancement is no longer a luxury but a necessity for Africa’s future.

“Technology is crucial to our prosperity. We cannot afford to ignore its transformative power. Without it, we risk falling behind. Just look at how rapidly artificial intelligence (AI) has evolved—what seemed impossible just a week ago is now a reality,” he stated.

Mr. Abani stressed that Africa’s economic success is directly tied to its ability to harness technology across various sectors.

He noted that as the world swiftly adapts to technological advancements, Africa must act decisively to avoid lagging.

“The evidence is clear—businesses that ignore the role of technology are bound to fail.

The rise of AI, innovations in tech startups, and digital transformation across industries highlight the importance of embracing technology.

It is no longer just a game-changer; it’s essential,” he added.

He further underscored the importance of Africa’s youthful population, which makes up almost half of the continent’s inhabitants, describing it as a powerful resource for driving technological innovation.

He particularly highlighted the role of women in the tech space, stating, “Women are at the forefront of this transformation, leading some of the most successful enterprises across Africa.”

Mr. Abani urged businesses and governments to ensure women’s inclusion in Africa’s digital revolution, given their pivotal role in economic growth.

He also pointed out that the continent has both human and material resources to revolutionize its industries.

To maximize these resources, he stressed that technology must be leveraged to add value, transforming indigenous knowledge into technological advancements that benefit not just the global market but Africa itself.