Quantum science and technology is a rapidly growing field that harnesses the unique properties of quantum mechanics. The manipulation of quantum systems has led to unprecedented development in secure quantum communication, simulation, computing, sensing and metrology. Despite the significance of these technologies, the existing literature lacks a comprehensive understanding of how they can address various challenges faced by Africa. We address this gap by using systematic literature review methods and draw insights from diverse perspectives to present an overview of the current state of quantum science and technology in Africa. Furthermore, we explore how the full adoption and implementation of quantum technologies can contribute to achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 1-4, 10, 13, and 17. We analyze the data from literature review and insights from African quantum experts, which we synthesize into a cohesive summary. This review underscores that, with appropriate efforts, quantum technologies can significantly promote social, economic, and environmental sustainability in Africa. This review goes beyond the present literature to offer a conceptual framework, theoretical insights and practical recommendations. This study is particularly timely, coinciding with the 2025 International Year of Quantum Science and Technology, which recognizes 100 years since the initial development of quantum mechanics.
Quantum science and technology is a rapidly growing field that harnesses the unique properties of quantum mechanics. The manipulation of quantum systems has led to unprecedented development in secure quantum communication, simulation, computing, sensing and metrology. Despite the significance of these technologies, the existing literature lacks a comprehensive understanding of how they can address various challenges faced by Africa. We address this gap by using systematic literature review methods and draw insights from diverse perspectives to present an overview of the current state of quantum science and technology in Africa. Furthermore, we explore how the full adoption and implementation of quantum technologies can contribute to achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 1-4, 10, 13, and 17. We analyze the data from literature review and insights from African quantum experts, which we synthesize into a cohesive summary. This review underscores that, with appropriate efforts, quantum technologies can significantly promote social, economic, and environmental sustainability in Africa. This review goes beyond the present literature to offer a conceptual framework, theoretical insights and practical recommendations. This study is particularly timely, coinciding with the 2025 International Year of Quantum Science and Technology, which recognizes 100 years since the initial development of quantum mechanics.
The state-of-the-art quantum technologies leverage the unique principles of quantum mechanics, which include quantization, uncertainty principle, interference, entanglement and decoherence, to produce useful devices and scientific advancements not possible with classical technologies. As a result, quantum technologies, in particular, offer specific advantages that make communications networks secure and unbreakable and devices with unprecedented levels of accuracy, responsiveness, reliability, scalability and efficiency than classical emerging technologies. These capabilities can contribute significantly to addressing energy, agriculture, climate change, national security, healthcare, education and economic growth challenges. Unfortunately, these developments in these areas have not been evenly distributed between the Global North and the Global South, inadvertently creating a societal and economic gap. Closing this gap is critical to creating a more inclusive and sustainable future for all, thus delivering key sustainable goals. Therefore, to close this gap, this article proposes a quantum diplomacy framework as a means to deliver science diplomacy. Moreover, we discuss how emerging quantum technologies could profoundly impact all 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. We consider this work a timely and vital intervention to prevent the gap from increasing.
The rapid advancements in quantum computing hold transformative potential for addressing critical global challenges and achieving sustainable development. This paper presents a conceptual framework that aligns quantum computing innovations with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It explores key areas such as renewable energy optimization, smart city infrastructure, and climate change mitigation. The study also emphasizes sustainability challenges, including environmental impacts, ethical concerns, and socio-economic considerations like workforce transitions and digital equity. A novel Carbon-aware Quantum Computing model is introduced to minimize the environmental footprint of quantum systems. Finally, the paper proposes a roadmap for ethical and scalable adoption of quantum technologies, ensuring inclusive and resilient societal growth.
Quantum technologies have emerged as critical enablers of next-generation communication, computation, and sensing systems. This review aims to assess the current state of Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) and related quantum technologies by examining recent empirical findings, methodological innovations, and systemic challenges. A structured literature search was conducted across Scopus, PubMed, and Google Scholar using Boolean keyword combinations targeting QKD, quantum sensing, and communication applications. The review focused on peer-reviewed articles from the last five years and included experimental studies, simulations, and applied case analyses. Findings show that QKD has demonstrated remarkable reliability in both controlled laboratory and real-world settings. Studies on multicore fiber networks highlight the potential for high-dimensional communication security, while comparative analyses reveal disparities between implementation strategies across different regions. However, systemic challenges such as inadequate infrastructure, inconsistent regulation, and insufficient public understanding hinder wide-scale adoption. The discussion identifies critical factors contributing to these challenges and proposes actionable policy recommendations, including increased investment in infrastructure, standardized regulations, and targeted education programs. This review concludes that achieving the full potential of quantum technologies will require integrative strategies addressing technical, institutional, and social dimensions. Future research should emphasize longitudinal evaluation and interdisciplinary collaboration to enhance scalability and impact. The insights offered here provide a foundational framework for policymakers, researchers, and industry leaders to advance the adoption of secure, scalable quantum systems.
Quantum engineering represents a burgeoning field at the intersection of quantum mechanics, engineering, and technology, aimed at harnessing the unique properties of quantum systems for practical applications. This paper provides an overview of recent advances in quantum engineering and explores the diverse array of applications enabled by quantum phenomena. From quantum computing and quantum communication to quantum sensing and metrology, quantum engineering promises to revolutionize various domains by offering unprecedented capabilities for processing and manipulating information, sensing and detecting signals, and simulating complex systems. By leveraging the principles of superposition, entanglement, and coherence, researchers are developing novel quantum devices and technologies with the potential to transform industries ranging from healthcare and telecommunications to finance and materials science. developments in quantum engineering, highlights emerging trends and challenges, and outlines future directions for research and innovation in this exciting and rapidly evolving field.
Over the past century, quantum theory has taken flight from conceptual breakthroughs, such as wave–particle duality, quantisation of energy, and the uncertainty principle, to practical tools that are the backbone of modern electronics, lasers, semiconductors, and precision measurement systems. In the twenty-first century, this progress under the regime of the second quantum revolution has acquired the ability to directly control, manipulate, and engineer individual quantum systems. Quantum technologies found their pillars in quantum properties, such as superposition, entanglement, and coherence and have exceeded the boundaries of classical physics. The steady theoretical advances, combined with experimental progress, have brought quantum concepts closer to real-life use. Significant progress has made in filed of computation, communication, sensing, navigation, medicine, cyber security, and national defense undr the guidance of quantum technology. This book chapter presents a comprehensive and pedagogical overview of quantum technologies. It highlights quantum computing, quantum communication, and quantum sensing and metrology. The shift of quantum mechanics into practical applications is discussed. Current research trends are reviewed alongside the technological and engineering challenges. The critical issues, such as decoherence, scalability, error correction, standardisation, and workforce development, are discussed, which further highlights the need for global collaboration. Both National governments and the private sector are investing heavily in quantum research. This will act as a booster for quantum technologies to revolutionise information processing, secure communications, and precision measurements. Consequently and will significantly impact the scientific and technological landscape.
Quantum computing represents a revolutionary paradigm shift in data processing, promising to revolutionize industries, solve complex computational problems, and propel scientific discovery to unprecedented heights. This research paper provides a comprehensive overview of the current state of quantum computing technology, its basic principles, and applications. The article begins by explaining the basic principles of quantum mechanics, introducing key concepts such as superposition and entrainment that underlie the enormous computing power of quantum computers. The discussion of quantum bits, or qubits, highlights the unique properties of quantum computers that allow them to perform tasks much faster than classical computers. Research papers cover various quantum computer architectures, gate-based quantum computers, adiabatic quantum computers, and quantum annealing devices. Explores challenges and advances in hardware with attention to quantum error correction and quantum breakthroughs. In addition, this paper explores various quantum algorithms and their applications in domains such as cryptography, optimization, material science, and drug discovery. It reviews progress in algorithm development and emphasizes the practical implications of quantum computing for solving real-world problems. Additionally, the research document examines the current state of the Quantum Computing industry and highlights the key players and their contributions to the field. It also touches on the economic and ethical implications of quantum computers, considering security issues and implications for existing computing paradigms. In summary, this comprehensive review reveals the transformative potential of quantum computers and offers valuable insights into current opportunities, challenges, and future prospects. As quantum computing advances, this paper serves as a valuable resource for researchers, policymakers, and industry leaders who want to understand and harness the power of quantum computing.