Digital Transformation in Afghanistan | Abdul Samad Saba | TEDxShar e Naw

The Growing Importance of the Digital World in Afghanistan

Key Concepts:

• Digitalization (دیجیتالی شدن): The process of converting information into a digital format and utilizing digital technologies.
• Digital Divide (فاصله دیجیتالی): The gap between those who have access to digital technologies and those who do not.
• Digital Economy (اقتصاد دیجیتال): The economic activity that results from billions of online connections between people, businesses, devices, data, and processes.
• Digital Literacy (سوادی دیجیتال): The ability to use information and communication technologies to find, evaluate, create, and communicate information.
• Freelancing (فریلنسر): Working independently and offering services to multiple clients.

Introduction

Throughout history, humans have consistently sought to invent tools to overcome life's challenges. From stone tools in the Stone Age to metal tools in later eras, and eventually to machinery with the harnessing of energy, innovation has been a constant. The period from 1970 to 2008 witnessed a surge in communication and information storage technologies, enabling the translation, storage, and rapid transmission of complex data across vast distances. We now live in the Digital Age, a period of rapid technological advancement and interconnectedness. عبدالصمد صبا, the speaker, emphasizes the increasing importance of this digital world.

The Transformation of Tools & The Digital Imperative

The speaker highlights that tools themselves have undergone a transformation. In the Digital Age, tools not only simplify tasks but also redefine identity, communication, and even the economy. The impact is so profound that life without these tools is becoming increasingly difficult, even unimaginable for younger generations. Alvin Toffler, a renowned American author, warned years ago that the illiterates of the 21st century would not be those who cannot read or write, but those who cannot unlearn what they have learned and relearn new skills. This underscores the critical need for adaptability in the face of technological change. Digital tools and digitalization are no longer optional advantages but essential components of a modern society, akin to water and electricity.

Real-World Examples of Digitalization

Several examples illustrate the growing necessity of digitalization:

• Restaurants in Kabul: Previously lacking online delivery services, many restaurants now offer this service, some even developing dedicated applications. Failure to adopt these services results in lost potential customers and financial losses.
• Educational Centers: Increasingly offering online learning options to reach students unable to attend physical classes. Some individuals even operate entirely online educational businesses.
• Healthcare Sector: Hospitals are utilizing digital tools and communication technologies to connect with doctors outside of Afghanistan, enabling more accurate diagnoses for complex illnesses.

These examples demonstrate a shift from digitalization being a choice to becoming a necessity.

Digitalization for Businesses: The Case of the Butcher

The speaker poses a challenge: how can a butcher digitalize their business? Beyond using digital scales and thermometers, a butcher can implement digital accounting, accept digital payments, and even establish an online store. While digitalization might currently seem like a luxury for a butcher, evolving norms will inevitably necessitate it.

The Transformation of Media & Marketing

A comparative look at the media industry reveals a significant transformation. The rise of digital media, particularly social media, has disrupted traditional media outlets. Digitalization has broken the monopoly of governments and corporations, making media accessible to the public. Anyone can now become a content creator, share their voice, and even generate income. Traditional media outlets have been forced to adapt by offering their content digitally, through the internet, and on social media platforms.

This shift has also revolutionized marketing and advertising. Companies now prioritize investing in social media to promote their products and services due to two key factors: the widespread presence of people on social media and the targeted nature of digital advertising algorithms. Social media advertising delivers messages precisely to individuals who need a particular product or service, based on their searches, conversations, or even expressed interests (through likes and video views). While digital media cannot directly read our minds, it can infer our preferences from our online behavior.

Digitalization in Afghanistan: Challenges and Opportunities

Afghanistan, like many developing countries, is primarily a user of digital tools, while developed nations are the producers. This reliance necessitates ongoing support from producers and continuous learning to keep pace with technological advancements. However, Afghanistan faces significant challenges, including limited access to reliable electricity and internet connectivity.

The speaker argues that attempting to halt the progress of digital tools is futile. Instead, Afghanistan must address these challenges as serious warnings, recognizing the widening gap between the country and the advancements being made elsewhere. The focus should be on two key areas:

1. Digitalization of the Private Sector: Businesses, the foundation of the economy, should digitalize as much of their operations as possible and prepare their workforce for this transition. For example, a shopkeeper who digitalizes their accounting and accepts digital payments contributes to both improved accuracy and the growth of digital payments within the country – a crucial factor in overall digitalization.
2. Education of the New Generation: Educational methods must be redesigned to equip the new generation not only with digital skills but also with the adaptability to navigate continuous changes in the digital landscape.

Success Stories & Future Outlook

Despite limited resources, Afghan youth are demonstrating success in online learning, content creation, earning income through online platforms, and working as freelancers on global platforms. The speaker expresses hope for a digital and modern Afghanistan, concluding with a thank you to the audience.

Notable Quote:

“بی سوادان قرن ۲۱ کسایی نیستن که نمی‌توانه بنویسه و یا بخوانه بلکه کسایی است که نمی‌تانه بیاموزه آموخته‌های کهن خودرا دور بریزن و دوباره بیاموزه” – “The illiterates of the 21st century are not those who cannot read or write, but those who cannot unlearn what they have learned and relearn.” – Alvin Toffler.

Conclusion

The transcript emphasizes the inescapable and increasingly vital role of digitalization in modern society, particularly within the context of Afghanistan. The speaker advocates for a proactive approach, focusing on both private sector adoption and educational reform to bridge the digital divide and capitalize on the opportunities presented by the Digital Age. The message is clear: embracing digitalization is no longer a choice, but a necessity for economic growth, social progress, and future prosperity.