Abstract One 2014-2015

GLOBAL

DEVELOPMENT STUDIES

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Volume Seven Winter 2014-Spring 2015 Numbers 3-4.

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TECHNOLOGY STARTUPS ENTREPRENEURIAL REVIVAL AND THE NEW FRONTIER

FOR AFRICA’S ECONOMIC SECURITY

Philip Attuquayefio

Dieu-Donne Gameli

Legon Centre for International Affairs and Diplomacy

University of Ghana

Legon. Ghana

Published Online: March 15, 2017

ABSTRACT

Africa has been perennially touted as a continent heavily dependent on foreign aid. However, the strength of this assertion appears to be eroding. Six out of the ten fastest growing economies in the world are from Africa. Together with other affirmative statistics, there is a growing belief that the continent is at the threshold of reigniting development for economic security. A critical factor evident in this trend is the rise of entrepreneurship on the continent. In this regard, a sector that is experiencing a lot of growth and investment and touted for being at the forefront of the entrepreneurial revival is the Tech Startup sector. From a neoliberal perspective, this article explores tech startups as channels for entrepreneur-induced development. It particularly highlights the extent to which the solutions of tech startups are driving Africa’s quest for economic security.