Can the Fourth Industrial Revolution - Industry 4.0 - Hold the Future for Africa´s Industrialisation? Case Study of Kenya

Abstract The world has seen three industrial revolutions and now it embraces the fourth. The fourth industrial revolution, (globalisation 4.0) or as this study uses industry 4.0, follows onto the third industrial revolution by connecting digital, material and living spheres. The narrative of Africa rising, and the related expansion of mobile phone motivated the thesis interest. As past development policies showed to be ineffective for Africa´s industrialisation, the thesis explores how so-called industry 4.0 characterised with technologies of speed, scope and systems can accelerate industrialisation in emerging economies such as Kenya and repeat the East Asian miracle. Review of past and recent models of industrialisation provided a theoretical proposition to build a theoretical framework. The study uses qualitative exploratory research methods to the instrumental case study of Kenya. Data collection combined findings from semi-structured interviews and results from previous studies. The case was analysed using themes from findings in relation to the theoretical framework. The analysis shows that industry 4.0 characterised by ICT innovation stimulates Africa´s share in the global economy. Findings reveal that industry 4.0 innovations drive services, business and consumption by providing access to financial services. The use of digital platforms increases market share and potential for Africa to develop a comparative advantage. Digital platforms provide the opportunity to reduce the informal sector and formalise it via mobile payments