Towards a Strategic Application of IoT and Big Data for African Societal Solutions

The adoption of new technological innovations is steering African economic growth in many areas including agriculture, grid energy, education, and health. The growth of the Internet and the emergence of mobile service-based, ubiquitous communications, cloud storage, and IoT applications are promoting innovation, social, and economic growth in Africa. This study focused on the integration and strategic application of IoT and big data. The specific objectives of this study were: 1) to assess the technologies supported by Internet of Things and big data; 2) to establish the extent of adoption and application and; 3) to investigate the challenges, strategies and economic benefits. The study was conducted through desktop research from the sources searched from scientific research, conference proceedings, reports, and academic journals. The outcomes of the study will help in understanding customer behaviors, promoting service delivery, productivity, strategic planning, better logistics decision, and profit maximization. The paper will also help to understand the issues confronted.