Mission Statement
At Qtrust, we’re not just imagining a digitally empowered Africa; we’re actively building it. Partnering with various organizations, we aim to unlock the continent’s vast digital potential, tackling pressing challenges and unveiling new opportunities in critical sectors such as healthcare, education, financial services, agriculture, and youth employment. Our approach is rooted in the belief that the digital economy is not only the future but the most potent lever for transformative change today.
Our Approach
Our work is guided by a core philosophy: technology should serve people, not the other way around. We employ a research and data-driven approach, ensuring our initiatives are grounded in real-world needs and possibilities. Through a blend of on-the-ground insights and cutting-edge technology, we navigate the complexities of digital transformation in Africa.
Our strategies span a wide spectrum, from increasing smartphone access and shaping the AI ecosystem to influencing policy-making across the continent. Every project we undertake is designed to make a tangible impact, leveraging our deep understanding of local contexts and global technological advancements.
Why Africa? Why Now?
Africa stands at a critical juncture, with key sectors such as healthcare, education, financial services, agriculture, and the labor market facing both significant challenges and opportunities for transformative growth:
- Healthcare: With less than 1 doctor per 1,000 people in many parts of the continent, compared to the global average of 1.5, the need for scalable and accessible healthcare solutions is more urgent than ever.
- Education: Over 60% of Africa’s population is under the age of 25, presenting an unprecedented opportunity to leverage digital education to empower the next generation. Yet, with over 30 million children out of school, innovative approaches to education are critical.
- Financial Services: Approximately 66% of Sub-Saharan Africans are unbanked, highlighting a vast potential for digital financial services to drive economic inclusion and growth.
- Agriculture: Agriculture employs over 60% of Africa’s labor force but suffers from low productivity. Digital innovations can revolutionize this sector, enhancing food security and farmers’ incomes.
- Youth Unemployment: The youth unemployment rate in some African countries is as high as 30%, underscoring the urgent need for digital skills training and entrepreneurship support to harness the potential of Africa’s young population.
The Potential of the Digital Economy in Africa
The digital economy represents an unparalleled opportunity for Africa, promising to redefine the continent’s socio-economic landscape. The African Development Bank highlights the digital economy’s potential to account for over $300 billion of Africa’s GDP by 2025. This staggering figure underscores the transformative power of digital innovation in propelling the continent towards unprecedented economic growth and development.
- Enhance Access: Digital solutions make services and opportunities accessible to populations previously unreachable due to geographical or economic barriers.
- Drive Innovation: The digital space is ripe for innovation, allowing for creative solutions to emerge in response to Africa’s unique challenges.
- Stimulate Economic Growth: The digital economy is a key driver of job creation, entrepreneurship, and economic diversification.
Trustees
Dr. Shikoh Gitau
David Lemayian
