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Jacqueline Ntaka

AFRICA’S technological landscape has witnessed extraordinary growth in recent years, particularly in the dominions of software development, mobile technology, and financial technology (fintech). This surge is driven by a combination of youthful demographics, increasing internet penetration, and a burgeoning entrepreneurial spirit. 

However, despite these advancements, the continent faces significant challenges in the semiconductor manufacturing sector. High entry costs, infrastructure deficiencies, and a scarcity of specialised skills present formidable barriers. Yet, with sustained investment and strategic initiatives, there is a promising potential for future growth, especially in countries like Zimbabwe.

Before we proceed, we must define semiconductor manufacturing. Semiconductor manufacturing is the process of creating semiconductor devices, which are essential components in modern electronic devices like computers, smartphones, and various digital gadgets. This process involves several intricate steps to transform raw materials, primarily silicon, into functional electronic components. It is a highly specialised and capital-intensive process, requiring advanced technology and a skilled workforce. Despite the challenges, it remains a cornerstone of the modern electronics industry, enabling the production of increasingly powerful and efficient devices.

Zimbabwe, a nation rich in natural resources and human capital, stands at a pivotal juncture in its technological evolution. The country’s tech scene has been invigorated by a wave of innovation and entrepreneurship, particularly in the software and fintech sectors. Start-ups such as EcoCash, a mobile money service, have revolutionised financial transactions, making banking accessible to millions who were previously unbanked. This success story is evidence of Zimbabwe’s potential to harness technology for socio-economic development.

However, the leap from software and fintech to semiconductor manufacturing is a substantial one. The semiconductor industry is capital-intensive, requiring significant upfront investment in research and development, as well as in the establishment of manufacturing facilities. These facilities, often referred to as fabs, are complex and costly to build and maintain. In addition to financial barriers, there is a need for a highly skilled workforce proficient in the intricate processes of semiconductor fabrication.

Zimbabwe’s current infrastructure poses another challenge. Reliable electricity, water supply, and transportation networks are critical for semiconductor manufacturing. While the country has made strides in improving its infrastructure, there are still gaps that need to be addressed. For instance, frequent power outages can disrupt manufacturing processes, leading to significant financial losses. Therefore, investment in robust and reliable infrastructure is paramount.

Despite these challenges, Zimbabwe has several advantages that could be leveraged to develop a semiconductor industry. The country’s educational institutions produce a steady stream of graduates in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). With targeted training and development programs, this talent pool could be equipped with the specialised skills required for semiconductor manufacturing. Additionally, Zimbabwe’s strategic location in Southern Africa provides access to regional markets and trade networks, which could be beneficial for the distribution of semiconductor products.

Government policy and support will play a crucial role in this endeavour. By creating a conducive environment for investment, offering incentives for research and development, and fostering public-private partnerships, the government can attract both local and international investors. Furthermore, collaboration with established semiconductor manufacturers and technology firms could facilitate knowledge transfer and capacity building.

In short, the journey from software and fintech to semiconductor manufacturing is a complex one, but with strategic planning and sustained effort, Zimbabwe has the potential to achieve remarkable growth and contribute to the continent’s technological advancement.

Jacqueline Ntaka is the CEO of Mviyo Technologies, a local tech company that provides custom software development, mobile applications and data analytics solutions. She can be contacted on [email protected]