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CONSTRUCTION WORLD SEPTEMBER 2017 10
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This is according to Bradley Hemphill, Managing Director, EES
Live, an ISO 9001:2008 compliant company, which provides
network, electronics and electrical services and solutions. EES
Live specialises in the integration of multiple system infrastructure
including ICT, data centres, security, audio visual, building
automation systems and special systems coordination.
The global association for the mobile telecoms industry, Groupe
Speciale Mobile Association (GSMA), states that sub-Saharan Africa
has in recent years been the world’s fastest-growing mobile region in
terms of both mobile subscribers and mobile connections.
It predicts that the number of individual mobile subscribers in
sub-Saharan Africa is set to surpass the half billion mark by 2020 as
mobile services become more affordable and accessible.
However, the IoT, which has a staggering reach globally and
is driving companies the world over to redefine their business
processes, can make a far more significant impact on Africa and
facilitate major digital transformation.
“The IoT can be further developed in Africa to provide a range
of innovative new services and solutions to people across the
The IoT can make a major impact on AFRICA
“The Internet of Things (IoT), which bridges the
digital and physical world, is already making its
mark in Africa as smart connected devices are
being deployed and the use of connected hardware
emerges. However, it has the potential to make a far
more significant impact on the region, as long as
circumstances specific to the continent are taken
into consideration.”
continent, and to gather data and gain insights to bolster efficiency
and productivity.
It can make a marked impact on numerous industries, as
diverse as security, energy, finance and healthcare, and contribute
significantly to the economy and wellbeing of the continent’s people,”
Hemphill contends.
He emphasises however that when adopting IoT it is vital
that issues and circumstances specific to Africa are carefully
considered and defined within their unique context, before devising
and implementing an appropriate strategy and course of action.
The continent’s unique business challenges and socioeconomic
conditions must be addressed. An American or European strategy
may not be the best fit for the local environment.
There are, for example, some unique barriers to adoption in
Africa, such as effective connectivity. “In order for the IoT to work
effectively it relies on high speed internet connections and this
increases demands on available resources, such as bandwidth and
network capacity.”
It is necessary to analyse the digital skills, infrastructure and
technology required to connect so many devices and evaluate the
data obtained.
There is however potential across the continent for using Big
Data Analytics in significant new ways. Research by global scientific
research body, ResearchGate, on IoT deployment in Africa, reveals
that the introduction of Big Data Analytics means that the abundance
of data which is generated daily by the various connected “things” in
the IoT network can be processed faster and better.
Another barrier or challenge in Africa is the need to contain
the cost of devices and new technology. A positive development
here, also according to ResearchGate, is the decline of sensor and
bandwidth prices and decrease in the cost of processing in the past
ten years. Ubiquitous wireless networks, such as Wi-Fi, too have
become cheaper and more accessible.
The availability of power to supply most devices that require
automation has been a concern for the continent, but alternative
technologies for energy harvesting and ultra-low power devices have
been beneficial to IoT.
The sharing of content and data across multiple platforms
is integral to IoT. As this initiative gains pace around the world,
it becomes increasingly important that this information is
secure. Prioritising cyber security is essential to successful
digital transformation.
IoT can be facilitated and the transition made easier through
collaboration and the formation of strategic alliances. “Key players,
such as government, regulatory authorities, mobile operators, the
private sector and other stakeholders, need to work together to
optimise the potential of IoT,” Hemphill advises. “This will ensure
a shared, integrated, inclusive digital environment facilitating
socioeconomic development.”
The IoT and the global technological revolution, the Fourth
Industrial Revolution, are profoundly transforming client interactions.
“One of the strategic initiatives of EES Live this year is to grow our
business and further expand our footprint in Africa. Our ventures this
year into Nigeria and Botswana form part of this initiative. We have a
new partner in Lagos and new offices in Gaborone.”
Hemphill concludes: “We are proud to be a part of the digital
transformation throughout the African continent and to be working in
conjunction with our clients and associates on far-reaching, leading
edge developments. Together we strive to make a significant impact
and positive difference to the region.” 