Abstract:

Purpose: The article studies the perspectives of involvement of African countries in the global Fourth industrial revolution based on breakthrough technologies of Industry 4.0. Design/methodology/approach: The methods of imitation modeling, trend analysis, regression, correlation analysis, variation analysis, and scenario analysis were used for determining the future scenarios of development of African countries for periods of up to 2030. The sources of statistical data for the research included secondary data from the IMF and the World Bank. Findings: It is substantiated that the most perspective scenario is neo-industrialization, which has been conducted in recent years by the most progressive countries of the European, American, and Asia-Pacific regions of the world. This scenario will ensure global competitiveness and sustainable development of African countries in the long-term. Originality/value: As a result, the authors develop a conceptual model of Africa 4.0 and offer the algorithm of neo-industrialization of African countries based on breakthrough technologies of Industry 4.0. The article opens a wide field for further scientific research, which should be devoted to adapting the conceptual model of Africa 4.0 to the national specifics of certain African countries for maximization of effectiveness of its practical application.