Metaverse: An Opportunity for Africa
The metaverse is often referred to as the future of the internet. But what is it exactly? In broader terms, the metaverse is actually a combination of several types of technology that are likely to change the way that we interact with both the physical and virtual spaces. These technologies include virtual reality, augmented reality and video — which would allow users to live and work within the digital universe.
Many large tech companies envision the metaverse becoming a three-dimensional digital space where users share a perceived virtual universe. This could include everything from concerts and parties to international travel.
The metaverse also hinges on blockchains, NFTs, and digital currencies. The rise of these across the world signals a shift toward virtual reality.
Currently, the metaverse is being developed primarily by American companies. However, its benefits stretch across borders. If utilized properly, every country can take advantage of the metaverse to expand their economy and boost their development, especially Africa.
A Young Population
Africa has the youngest population in the world, making it a ripe place for the metaverse to take hold.
The continent is currently the only region in the world where the youth population is still expanding. There are currently more than 200 million Africans who are under 35 years old, and the youth population (ages 0 to 24) is expected to increase by 50 percent by 2050. The entire population of Africa is expected to double by 2050, making it the third most populous region in the world.
This makes Africa an extremely targetable market for the metaverse. Younger generations are often referred to as “born digital.” They are exposed to rapidly changing technology from birth, and their willingness to adopt transformational changes in digital infrastructure is much more amenable than older generations.
The infrastructure
Africa has already been rapidly expanding its digital infrastructure recently. Currently, data processing and high-speed internet are in shorter supply across many African countries, but this is set to change at a relatively fast pace.
By 2022, a broadband network that services much of the African continent will no longer be a vision, but a reality. Several companies, including SpaceX, are working to create a worldwide broadband network using satellite technology. Elon Musk’s Starlink is already operational in 12 countries including the US, Canada, Germany, Poland, New Zealand and Australia. The company is now working to obtain local operator licenses in some parts of Africa including South Africa and Nigeria.
As the broadband network continues to expand throughout Africa, it will transform the digital divide that has often kept underdeveloped countries from entering the fast-changing world of data consumption.
Of course, access to a reliable, high-speed internet is essential to joining the metaverse in any meaningful capacity. Once the entire African continent is able to utilize the broadband network, it will be able to fully adopt the metaverse as it continues to expand and become an even larger part of everyday life.
Mobile Gaming in Africa
We’ve already seen Africa’s eagerness to jump headfirst into a technological world. Over the past several years, the continent has already begun adopting mobile gaming at a rapid pace. From 2021 to 2026, Africa’s gaming industry is expected to experience an annual compound growth rate of around 12 percent. This is a massive shift in how digital technology is utilized across the continent, and it is largely influenced by the age of the population.
As digital expansion continues across Africa, it will allow the population to not only become consumers of the metaverse and future technological advancements, but also actors and influencers. Gamers are at the forefront of the development of the metaverse. As of now, much of the virtual reality and augmented reality technology that exists is used in gaming.
Although the true metaverse doesn’t exist yet, it is already being imagined by those who use this technology most frequently. As we’ve seen Africa dive headfirst into the gaming industry, it doesn’t take a stretch of the imagination to understand that the continent’s participation in the development of the metaverse is crucial. Because of this, nonprofit groups are already working to make sure that Africa is at the forefront of the development and expansion of all virtual technologies.
Mark Zuckerberg and Meta have also vowed to partner with agencies in Africa to ensure that the continent is part of the next phase of the digital revolution.
In a recent statement, the company said: “The metaverse won’t be built overnight by a single company. We’ll collaborate with policymakers, experts and industry partners to bring this to life. We’re announcing a $50 million investment in global research and program partners to ensure these products are developed responsibly.”
Looking Foward
The proximate development of the metaverse is a powerful opportunity for Africa to emerge at the forefront of the digital revolution. The continent is already prepared with all the necessary components, including its expanding youth population that has embraced these technologies in the form of gaming.
As foreign companies work to bring broadband networks to the entire continent, it will remove most of the impediments that has kept many African countries from fully participating in the transformation of data consumption. Instead of being mere consumers, Africa’s population will soon become the developers and leaders who spearhead the adoption of the metaverse across the globe.
