Driverless vehicles in Africa: A future on hold

Industry leaders are skeptical on the idea of autonomous vehicles cruising through African cities anytime soon. They cite a lack of adequate infrastructure and supportive policies as major roadblocks. While it's true that self-driving cars require sophisticated technology and well-maintained roads, is Africa truly out of the autonomous vehicle race? 

• History paints a different picture and there are compelling reasons to believe that Africa could be a surprisingly fast adopter of autonomous vehicle technology.

• Africa has a history of embracing new technologies and leapfrogging over outdated infrastructure. The rapid adoption of mobile technology is a prime example.

• Africa has the youngest population in the world, with a growing segment of tech-savvy individuals eager to embrace innovation.

More details

• The potential applications of autonomous vehicles in Africa are vast and extends far beyond just personal transportation.

• Self-driving cars could significantly reduce accidents caused by human error, a major problem on African roads.

• Autonomous vehicles could provide transportation solutions for people with disabilities and those living in remote areas with limited access to public transport.

• Self-driving trucks could optimize long-haul deliveries, reducing transportation costs and improving supply chain efficiency.

• Autonomous vehicles could revolutionize Africa's agriculture sector—the backbone of its economy—by automating tasks like planting, harvesting, and crop monitoring, leading to increased productivity and efficiency.

Our take 

• While African countries may not see see self-driving cars on their roads soon, some like South Africa, Morocco, and Egypt are well-positioned to manufacture these vehicles for export markets.