Paper short abstract:

This paper uses critical theory to scrutinise the discourses, practices and conditions that shaped the construction of socio-economic problems in the Digital Transformation Strategy for Africa (2020-2030) and interrogate the justification of solutions in the strategy.

Paper long abstract:

The purpose of this paper is to critically analyse how socio-economic problems were presented in the Digital Transformation Strategy (DTS) for Africa (2020-2030) and interrogate the justification of solutions in the strategy. The study adopted a critical approach and applied Carol Bacchi’s what’s the problem presented to be? (WPR)(Bacchi, 2009), which draws concepts from Michel Foucault’s work on problematisation (Foucault, 1980; 1972). The study used secondary data which included copies of DTS for Africa and related documents. The study found that the DTS for Africa’s main objective was to harness digital technologies and innovation to transform and promote integration, generate inclusive economic growth, break the digital divide, eradicate poverty, and potentially achieve Africa’s socioeconomic development. The DTS’s solutions were framed around digital enabling environment and policy regulation, digital infrastructure, digital skills and human capacity, and digital innovation and entrepreneurship, as key drivers of digital transformation in Africa that could potentially realise the continent's socio-economic development. The study also noted that whilst the DTS solutions focused more on both the demand and supply sides of digital transformation, political, economic, security, cultural, and contextual issues that exist within and among African countries were downplayed. Thus, this study may inform policymakers, research practitioners, and other stakeholders on the critical importance of articulating the real needs of policy beneficiaries during digital transformation policy process at national, regional, continental and global levels