Finance

Emerging markets

Sociology

Business

Relevance (law)

Government (linguistics)

Population

Economic growth

Public policy

Algorithm

Demography

Philosophy

Political science

Multinational corporation

Economics

Economic shortage

Expatriate

Computer science

Linguistics

State (computer science)

Developing country

Technology Analysis and Strategic Management

While the 4IR has the potential to impact on all industries and all nations, regardless of their location or state of development, many of the discussions of the 4IR and its impact are focused on advanced economies. What are the prospects and constraints of the 4IR to emerging economies in sub-Sahara Africa? To what extent is the 4IR relevant to sub-Sahara Africa where there is a large informal economy, limited public infrastructure, where technical skills levels are low, and advanced technology can be found in only a few sectors that are dominated by foreign multinational companies and staffed by expatriate workers? What is the relevance of policy development towards the 4IR in the region given its young population profile, and emerging skill shortages in key sectors? The paper draws on secondary literature to highlight the challenges and to identify the policy developments that have been developed in the region.

Is the fourth industrial revolution relevant to sub-Sahara Africa?