Connected Africa Summit kicked off in Nairobi on Monday with participants calling for interstate collaboration and harmonized model of regulation for the ICT industry to thrive.
- Underscoring the need for such regulation, President William Ruto said this will help create a digitally empowered continent and economically thriving Africa.
- The Summit aims to underscore the relevance of the digital economy in driving economic growth and development.
- Currently, Ruto noted that the continent was playing a second fiddle to other regions of the world as internet connectivity in the continent is poorer than its potential.
“There is a need for harmonized regulation to be governed by a network of ICT authorities which shall oversee digital transformation initiatives throughout the continent in accordance with the African Union 2063 Agenda for ICT,” President Ruto said.
Broadband penetration is about 5 per cent in Africa, leaving the continent far behind other regions. The President noted that this has implications for the continent’s ambition of both connectivity and economic transformation through the digital economy.
“Even an increase of only 10 per cent of broadband connectivity can lead to a 1.4 per cent GDP growth in our continent.”
European Union Ambassador to Kenya Henriette Geiger said digital ecosystem can thrive through more cooperation at all levels and to making the continent more prosperous
“Together we can accomplish the development of single digital market for Africa where data can flow across borders freely, personal data are fully protected and private sector can leverage data value chains on the basis of clear and harmonized regulation. Data governance is a flagship also in our Kenya-EU relations. We are working closely to make sure that data can flow safely between Kenya and EU, and Kenya and its partners.” Said Henriette Geiger.
The European Union has created global gateway Africa Europe Investment package worth KSh 21 trillion, around 10 per cent of this global gateway total funding is dedicated to digital transformation in Africa.
The fund committed to closing digital divide, developing and deploying digital networks and infrastructure, but also working on digital skills.
Henriette Geiger noted that such investments can only flourish in stable and predictable regulatory environments frameworks which both safeguards rights and spur innovation and entrepreneurships.
The Summit will provide an opportunity for African leaders, investors and businesses to come together and harness the vast opportunities presented by the digital economy while addressing barriers and pressing issues affecting our economies.
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