The Quiet Revolution Behind Emerging Technologies in Africa

Emerging technologies in Africa are being built through curiosity, community, and careful experimentation, not classrooms alone

Babatunde Fatai’s journey is not just another inspiring tech career story; it is a mirror held up to the broader reality of emerging technologies in Africa. What stands out most is not the prestige of PwC or MTN on his résumé, but the organic way curiosity, community, and experimentation shaped his path. In a region where formal education often lags behind innovation, his experience highlights both the gaps in the system and the opportunities hiding in plain sight.

The defining moment of Fatai’s story—a chance encounter with a Google Cardboard VR headset in a university lab—captures something deeply important about emerging technologies in Africa: access often arrives accidentally. There was no structured curriculum introducing him to virtual reality or immersive computing. Instead, learning emerged from peer-driven exploration. This is how much of Africa’s tech talent is still formed—through informal ecosystems, curiosity-led tinkering, and communities filling the void left by outdated academic programs.

Studying mechanical engineering, Fatai found little alignment between his coursework and the technologies shaping the future. This disconnect is not unique. Many African universities still prioritise theory over application, producing graduates trained for industries that no longer dominate economic growth. His decision to look beyond the classroom speaks to a quiet rebellion many young technologists undertake: self-education through YouTube, open-source tools, competitions, and collaboration. In the context of emerging technologies in Africa, this self-directed learning has become a survival skill.

What is particularly compelling is how quickly Fatai moved from personal curiosity to community impact. Instead of treating VR as a private discovery, he immediately sought to share it—organising tutorials, forming teams, and entering competitions. This instinct reflects a core truth about innovation on the continent: progress accelerates when knowledge is shared. Communities, not institutions, have become the primary drivers of emerging technologies in Africa, nurturing talent long before corporations or governments take notice.

His recruitment into PwC’s Experience Center underscores another reality: global firms operating in Africa increasingly rely on unconventional talent pipelines. Fatai was not discovered through traditional hiring channels but through visible proof of work—projects, competitions, and online documentation. This signals a shift in how expertise is recognised. In the fast-moving world of emerging technologies in Africa, demonstrable skills often matter more than formal credentials.

The transition from PwC to MTN further illustrates how large organisations are beginning to internalise innovation. MTN’s shift from a telecom company to a technology-driven enterprise reflects a broader continental trend. As 5G, immersive tech, and AI mature, African corporations are realising that transformation cannot remain theoretical. It must be experienced. Fatai’s work building immersive demonstrations for high-profile events shows how technology can change mindsets, not just processes—a crucial insight for organisations navigating digital change.

Yet, what makes his perspective particularly valuable is his caution. Despite being deeply embedded in advanced technologies, Fatai resists techno-utopianism. His measured approach to AI—using it intentionally rather than indiscriminately—offers a needed counterbalance to the hype. In discussions around emerging technologies in Africa, enthusiasm often overshadows ethics. His warning about AI misuse, prediction markets, and digital over-dependence reminds us that innovation without boundaries can deepen existing vulnerabilities.

Equally important is his emphasis on trust infrastructure in low-trust environments. This idea cuts to the heart of Africa’s digital challenge. Technology adoption is not just about access or speed; it is about credibility, accountability, and behaviour over time. If emerging technologies in Africa are to deliver lasting value, they must address trust deficits in institutions, markets, and digital interactions.

Perhaps the most inspiring element of Fatai’s journey is his sustained commitment to community-building through the African XR Community. Teaching, mentoring, and collaborating are not side projects for him; they are central to staying relevant. This reinforces a powerful lesson: in fast-evolving fields, teaching others is one of the most effective ways to learn. It is also how emerging technologies in Africa will scale—through people who understand that growth is collective.

Ultimately, Fatai’s story challenges the notion that innovation requires perfect conditions. It suggests instead that curiosity, ethical awareness, and strong communities can turn accidental encounters into transformative careers. As Africa navigates its technological future, stories like his remind us that the real competitive advantage lies not in tools alone, but in how thoughtfully we choose to use them.