https://en.sputniknews.africa/20250403/from-passive-consumers-to-digital-architects-africas-journey-towards-digital-self-sufficiency-1071447137.html
From Passive Consumers to Digital Architects: Africa’s Journey Towards Digital Self-Sufficiency
From Passive Consumers to Digital Architects: Africa’s Journey Towards Digital Self-Sufficiency
Sputnik Africa
Africa’s digital and economic landscapes have long been shaped by external forces, from social media platforms to agricultural technology. As concerns over... 03.04.2025, Sputnik Africa
2025-04-03T16:45+0200
2025-04-03T16:45+0200
2025-04-03T16:45+0200
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From Passive Consumers to Digital Architects: Africa’s Journey Towards Digital Self-Sufficiency
Sputnik Africa
Africa’s digital and economic landscapes have long been shaped by external forces, from social media platforms to agricultural technology. As concerns over digital sovereignty and self-sufficiency in key industries grow, innovators across the continent are pushing for homegrown solutions that empower Africans both online and offline.
This shift is visible in sectors like technology and agriculture, where African entrepreneurs are building platforms tailored to local needs. Among them is Dr. Gilead Okolonkwo, who is spearheading efforts to change Africa’s digital ecosystem with MYNGUL, the first pan-African social media network and revolutionizing agritech through BeepAgro, a platform connecting farmers with markets and resources.In a conversation with Global South Pole, Dr. Okolonkwo believes Africa has long been a passive consumer of digital technology rather than an active creator. He stressed that Africans must take control of their own digital spaces, ensuring that they are not merely participants but also decision-makers in shaping the online world.He also highlighted Africa’s agricultural sector, where small-scale farmers often struggle with market access and fair pricing. BeepAgro, he explained, is designed to bridge this gap by leveraging technology to connect farmers directly with buyers, ensuring transparency and reducing exploitation by middlemen.To listen to the whole podcast, tune in to the Global South Pole podcast, brought to you by Sputnik Africa.In addition to the website, you can also catch our episodes on Telegram.► You can also listen to our podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Deezer, Castbox, Pocket Casts, Afripods, Podcast Addict, Overcast, and Telegram.► Check out all the episodes of Global South Pole.
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podcasts, africa, social media, app, economy, innovation, technology, digital technology , pan-africanism, agriculture, tiktok, crops, farmers, trade, african continental free trade area (afcfta), trade unions, sputnik africa, аудио
From Passive Consumers to Digital Architects: Africa’s Journey Towards Digital Self-Sufficiency
Aliyu Bello
Correspondent, Podcast Host
Africa’s digital and economic landscapes have long been shaped by external forces, from social media platforms to agricultural technology. As concerns over digital sovereignty and self-sufficiency in key industries grow, innovators across the continent are pushing for homegrown solutions that empower Africans both online and offline.
This shift is visible in sectors like technology and agriculture, where African entrepreneurs are building platforms tailored to local needs. Among them is Dr. Gilead Okolonkwo, who is spearheading efforts to change Africa’s digital ecosystem with MYNGUL, the first pan-African social media network and revolutionizing agritech through BeepAgro, a platform connecting farmers with markets and resources.
In a conversation with Global South Pole, Dr. Okolonkwo believes Africa has long been a passive consumer of digital technology rather than an active creator. He stressed that Africans must take control of their own digital spaces, ensuring that they are not merely participants but also decision-makers in shaping the online world.
“The reality is that we have always consumed technology from outside Africa. We have been the users, the audience, the data points but never the architects. MYNGUL is about shifting that paradigm. It’s about creating a digital ecosystem where Africans are not just participants but also decision-makers, innovators, and beneficiaries of their own online experiences,” Dr. Okolonkwo said.
He also highlighted Africa’s agricultural sector, where small-scale farmers often struggle with market access and fair pricing. BeepAgro, he explained, is designed to bridge this gap by leveraging technology to connect farmers directly with buyers, ensuring transparency and reducing exploitation by middlemen.
“The biggest challenge for African farmers is not production; it’s access. They grow crops, but where do they sell them? At what price? Who controls the market? BeepAgro is about putting that power back into the hands of the farmers. It links them directly to buyers, ensuring they get fair prices and access to the resources they need to thrive,” the expert explained.
To listen to the whole podcast, tune in to the Global South Pole podcast, brought to you by Sputnik Africa.
In addition to the website, you can also catch our episodes on
Telegram.► Check out all the episodes of Global South Pole. 
