4IR could entrench inequality, Ramaphosa warns
President Cyril Ramaphosa has warned businesses and governments against creating unequal societies amid the advent of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR).
Speaking on the first day of the Africa Investment Forum in Sandton on Monday, Ramaphosa welcomed efforts to transform the African continent through technology, but said it poses a threat to marginalised groups.
"We must ensure that as we harness the Fourth Industrial Revolution, that we do not further entrench divisions in our respective societies.
"Rapid technological advance is undoubtedly an opportunity for Africa to expand connectivity, transition to newer and more sustainable methods of development, and scale up the provision of quality services to our people. But it also brings with it the potential of uneven development - with cities and towns benefiting at the expense of rural and undeveloped regions."
Ramaphosa, who often champions 4IR, said smart technologies must also translate to progress for people in rural areas as well.
"It carries the risk of increasing and entrenching inequality.
"Those with skills, resources and access to the digital economy may prosper, while those without skills and on the periphery of the formal economy are left behind."
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Informal traders take centre stage at Africa Investment Forum
Speaking on the first day of the Africa Investment Forum in Sandton on Monday, Makhura said the government recognises that the informal sector is a large part of employment across the continent. "Africa's greatest resources are its people, its youthful population and the entrepreneurial and resilient women of Africa.
The forum aims to raise capital and accelerate the closure of deals on the continent.
Earlier, Gauteng Premier David Makhura also emphasized the need to include underprivileged groups in Africa's growth path.
Makhura vowed to pay particular care to small and medium enterprises (SMMEs) in the continent's efforts to integrate the informal and formal economies.
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