Chapter 10 exemplifies the importance of the cyber-biological fusion of the Fourth Industrial Revolution by exploring African health care trends and the future impacts of 4IR technologies. Health in society is critical for the productivity and performance of a country. Efforts to improve health outcomes in the African Union will require a variety of strategies and policy options such as emergency preparedness, technological innovation, and public–private partnerships. By addressing recurrent challenges and policy constraints in Africa, the continent can be better prepared for succeeding in the 4IR.

Chapter 2 gives an extensive overview of the Fourth Industrial Revolution and how it will significantly change the way the world works. It is defined as a bridge for digital transformation and an innovative combination of “cyber-physical” systems. To better understand the 4IR, the previous three are broken down to give contextual background. The chapter highlights the exact technologies that will shape the broad themes and implications of the 4IR. These technologies include 3D printing, advanced material science, artificial intelligence, big data, blockchain, cloud computing, drones and automation, high-speed internet (5G technology), the Internet of Things, nanotechnology, and quantum computers. The technologies are explained and applied to how they are already being used in Africa or how they might be used. The chapter concludes with several themes based on the analysis of technologies and their characteristics. The four themes are productivity and sustainability, disruption and structural transformation, cooperation and inclusivity, security, privacy, and data integrity.