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TRAVERSE CITY, Michigan In recent years, educational institutions in South Africa have begun investing in quantum computing. Schools like the University of the Witwatersrand, Stellenbosch University and the University of KwaZulu-Natal have all developed an interest in exploring this exciting technology and its uses. But what is quantum computing? More importantly, what are the ways quantum computing benefits development in Africa?

Quantum computingutilizes superposition and entanglement, two basic elements of quantum mechanics, to process information at phenomenal speeds. With superposition, a particle can effectively be in two states at the same time, though it is only seen as one or the other when measured. Entanglement allows for a connection between two particles so that they react to any changes in state between them immediately. This makes quantum computing far faster and more accurate when measuring data and performing simulations than traditional computing technology.

Quantum computers will not replace current-day computers any time soon, but can be applied to several applications as a serious boon for anyone that uses them. Here are five notable ways quantum computing benefits development in Africa.

In countries like the Democratic Republic of Congo, where the average annual salary is as low as U.S. $490 a year,the cost of HIV drugs(average U.S. $75 a year) is restrictive for most people. Traditional methods of drug development and production keep costs high; however, quantum computing may change this. The processing power of quantum computers would allow for bettermodeling of the molecular structuresof specific viruses, which exponentially reduces the cost and time for drug development. While doctors exploring the use of quantum computing in medicine at IBM Research-Africa acknowledge that the development of new HIV drugs is years away, the potential for future relief is welcoming.

Another way quantum computing benefits development in Africa is byassisting infrastructure. Many countries throughout Africa suffer from poorly implemented services and systems, particularly roads and transportation. The Million Neighborhoods Map, launched in 2019, details informal settlements and impoverished sectors throughout many cities in Africa and beyond. Quantum computing, however, can help inoptimizing roadsto more efficiently reach those in need of them. In addition, quantum computing can make travel routes and service deliveries more reliable. An example of this is when 4,000 or more taxis with an optimization problem tested the capabilities of quantum computing, which delivered 5,000 solutions within seconds.

Setting up stable and working energy grid systems in Africa is often a tough and complex task. Many regions of the continent have little to no power, while what little systems there are struggle to keep up with demand. Transmission across power grids can also be a problem, with over 15% of a grids energy lost in the wires. With quantum computing, algorithms can be applied to local electrical grids that assist in reducing energy overloads.Simulations and modelingdone through computing can help build improved and efficient smart grid technologies, making energy grid construction easier and accessible for communities. These simulations can also assist in building wind turbines and improved transmission systems, demonstrating more ways quantum computing benefits development in Africa.

Finances and security are major worries for any person or country. The risk of fraud and other cyberattacks is present for anyone in Africa who has access to online banking. On the opposite end, many areas may not have access to a bank at all, making financial stability a challenge for some people. Improving these systemsand protecting valuable assets, however, is another way quantum computing benefits development in Africa. With the complex systems modeling that quantum computing is capable of, financial data can be used to improve fraud detection and find faults in ones banking situations. These systems can also open Africa to credit scoring, making credit offers widely available to others where banks are inaccessible. Meanwhile, banks can utilize post-quantum cryptography algorithms to make data transfers easier and safer, improving cybersecurity immensely.

With the dangers of climate change increasing, freak weather events pose a great danger to many parts of Africa. Drought in particular is a frequent worry for many sections of the continent, endangering local agriculture and threatening famine.Quantum computing can analyzeimmense amounts of weather data to better predict weather patterns and make large-scale weather events easier to respond to. This improved weather forecasting would be especially beneficial to African countries where such events can be devastating to a community and food security.

It will still be many years before quantum computing becomes widespread. Yet already, there are many possibilities by which quantum computing benefits development in Africa. Alongside others around the world, Africa can become a leading force in quantum technology for everyones betterment.

Kenneth BerendsPhoto: Flickr

Originally posted here:
5 Ways that Quantum Computing Benefits Development in Africa ... - Borgen Project