African countries must act quickly and decisively to become leaders on the global economic stage. Digitalization is providing the continent with the opportunity to accelerate growth and rapidly expand struggling economies – but it’s a small window and decision-makers must get a strategy in place now in order to succeed.
Siemens, in conjunction with Frost & Sullivan, have put together a comprehensive research project outlining the current state of key industries across the continent and identifying challenges and opportunities.
The study, named ‘The dawn of digitalization and its impact on Africa’, considers growth predictions and where the adoption of smart technology would be most beneficial in expanding industries to drive sustainable growth. For the purpose of this study, focus was placed on four key sectors: Water, Manufacturing, Mining and Minerals, and Food and Beverage.
The urban population in Africa is expected to grow to 56% in 2050, from 35% in 2010. This rapid urbanization will require robust infrastructure to ensure these expanding cities are hubs of growth and commerce, and not still trying to catch up with basic necessities.
According to Ralf Leinen, Senior Vice President Digital Industries for Southern and Eastern Africa, “For the first time in history we have an incredible opportunity to use smart technology to transform entire economies at an unprecedented rate. Africa needs to get efficient strategies in place now in order to succeed.”
In the wake of changing business dynamics, rapidly evolving technology and increasing competition, collaborative efforts between governments, industry, businesses (local and international), labour and academia is vital for creating an environment that is conducive to developing sustainability of local businesses, encourages technology upskilling, innovation, knowledge sharing and execution.
Water and wastewater sector
Less than 1 % of the world’s water is potable. Africa has the largest number of water-scarce countries in the world. Most of the continent relies on rainfall and surface water for water supply. Many existing fresh water sources have been polluted to the extent that access to clean water stands at ±51%. Water scarcity is a rapidly growing problem for the continent and water projects only account for 1.3% of total infrastructure investment in Africa.
In the water sector, Siemens aims to promote greater awareness, among customers and end-users, of the other uses of Siemens flow meters such as water leakage detection, pipeline water management and irrigation flow measurement. By optimizing existing infrastructure, Africa can quickly and efficiently increase access to water. As experts in water applications, Siemens offers powerful, innovative technical solutions.
Siemens has provided South Africa with simple, flexible flow solutions for more than 30 years. Siemens flow meters combine world-class performance with a low cost of ownership, tailored for the toughest water applications. Siemens assists the Water Boards in efficiently measuring water usage which improves productivity and ultimately the financial health of the Water Boards
Siemens’ high-precision volume measurement flow meters are used by various Water Boards across South Africa, such as Rand Water, East Rand Water Care Company (ERWAT), Lepelle Northern Water, Umgeni Water, Johannesburg Water.
Siemens Smart Metering helps in Water Balancing:
• Designed for Water Industry Application
• One battery driven water meter DN 25 – 600 (1” - 24”)
• 10 years battery operation & AC + battery backup
