The Rise of IoT in Africa
The Internet of Things refers to networks of connected sensors and devices that collect, transmit and often analyse data to automate or improve monitoring, control and decision-making. Across Africa, demand for IoT solutions is rising due to urbanisation, climate pressures, digital connectivity expansion and the need for data-driven solutions across key sectors such as agriculture, water management, environment and health.
According to industry analysis, IoT connections in sub-Saharan Africa are forecast to nearly double from 27 million to 51 million by 2030, driven by mobile network expansion and digital adoption.
Agriculture and Resource Efficiency
In agriculture — where many African economies remain heavily reliant — IoT combined with data analytics is enhancing productivity and sustainable resource use. These systems often integrate soil moisture sensors, weather stations and connected analytics to guide irrigation, fertilisation and crop-management decisions. IoT-enabled smart farming can help reduce waste and improve output, especially for smallholder farmers who benefit from data about local conditions.
Research from Uganda outlines IoT frameworks for climate-resilient maize production, integrating environmental sensors with real-time monitoring and decision support to combat climate variability and optimise yields.
Environmental and Urban Monitoring
Environmental monitoring is a strong use case for IoT in African cities. In Kenya, for example, a documented project by electrical engineer Tedy Mwendwa deploys low-cost air-quality sensors that collect real-time data on pollutants across Nairobi’s urban districts. These insights help uncover hidden pollution patterns and inform health and policy interventions related to air quality.
Similarly, partnerships between civic tech groups and telecommunications networks have seen sensor deployments across Kenya, Nigeria, Tanzania, South Africa and Uganda to map air quality and environmental conditions, illustrating how IoT can complement environmental data collection.
Healthcare and Connected Devices
While IoT in African healthcare is less visible than in agriculture or environment, research highlights IoT’s role in connected health systems. Academic work notes the importance of IoT devices for monitoring patient data and supporting health decision-making in resource-constrained environments, though challenges remain regarding data protection and system reliability.
Emerging academic platforms — for example, integrated AI-IoT systems designed to improve maternal health in low-resource settings — also demonstrate how connected technologies can contribute to precision care and predictive health monitoring.
African IoT Innovation Ecosystems
Africa is home to a growing ecosystem of IoT innovators and startups. For example:
- CardoO, an Egyptian IoT brand, produces connected smart devices (e.g., IoT-enabled smartwatches) and participates in technology events such as GITEX Africa.
- Frank Owusu of Ghana developed a smart water-quality monitoring system called Aquamet for aquaculture and smallholder fish farming, earning recognition in the Royal Academy of Engineering’s Africa Prize for Engineering Innovation.
Oluwatobi “Tobi” Oyinlola, a Nigerian researcher and inventor, has worked on IoT-related devices such as GPS tracking and environmental sensing systems at MIT and through open-source platforms, gaining wider recognition for innovation in IoT and urban data science.
Smart Agriculture through Mobile Technologies in Africa
These innovators reflect a broader trend of African engineers applying connected technologies to local challenges — from farming to environmental sensing to consumer IoT devices.
Challenges and Future Outlook
Despite progress, IoT adoption across the continent faces structural barriers:
- Connectivity limitations — not all regions have ubiquitous high-bandwidth internet or 5G-level networks, affecting real-time data capabilities.
- Infrastructure variation — rural and remote areas often lack reliable power and network access, requiring tailored IoT designs and hybrid connectivity solutions.
- Security and data governance — IoT systems that collect sensitive data must balance innovation with secure data management practices, especially in healthcare settings.
Looking ahead, IoT’s growth in Africa will likely accelerate as mobile penetration expands, 5G deployments increase, and economic incentives for connected solutions deepen across sectors. Strategic investments in skills, infrastructure and policy support will be critical to ensuring that IoT technologies continue to deliver social and economic value.
