Leapfrogging

The report explores how Africa can 'leapfrog' traditional development stages by adopting decentralised renewable energy, mobile-first digital infrastructure, and AI. It highlights the success of mobile money (e.g., M-Pesa) and the potential for solar mini-grids to close the energy gap. A projected 'Large Infrastructure and Leapfrogging' scenario suggests that by 2050, such strategic investments could increase GDP per capita by US$510, reduce extreme poverty by 63 million people, and expand the overall economy by nearly US$1 trillion compared to current trends.

• Africa has a significant opportunity to leapfrog fossil fuel-based energy systems by adopting decentralised renewable energy, particularly solar. In 2022, only 58.5% of the population had electricity, with sub-Saharan Africa lagging at 51.5%. World Bank estimates suggest that providing electricity to 380 million people by 2030 would require over 160,000 mini-grids at a cost of approximately US$ 91 billion.
• Mobile technology has served as a primary example of leapfrogging in Africa, bypassing fixed-line infrastructure. Mobile subscriptions grew from 1.9 to over 100 per 100 people between 2000 and 2023, while fixed-line access only rose from 2.4 to 2.9 lines per 100 people. Internet penetration grew from 7.5% in 2009 to approximately 35% in 2024.

APA

Yeboua, K. (2026). Leapfrogging. Institute for Security Studies. https://futures.issafrica.org/thematic/09-leapfrog/

Chicago

Yeboua, Kouassi. Leapfrogging. Institute for Security Studies, 2026. https://futures.issafrica.org/thematic/09-leapfrog/.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |last1=Yeboua |first1=Kouassi |title=Leapfrogging |publisher=Institute for Security Studies |date=25 May 2026 |url=https://futures.issafrica.org/thematic/09-leapfrog/ |access-date=17 August 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{yeboua2026leapfrogging, author = {Yeboua, Kouassi}, title = {{Leapfrogging}}, institution = {Institute for Security Studies}, year = {2026}, month = may, url = {https://futures.issafrica.org/thematic/09-leapfrog/}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }