African ministers advocate for infrastructure development to support digital technologies

AfricaCom, one of Africa's largest ICT exhibitions, hosted over 300 exhibitors and attracted more than 15,000 participants this year, underlining the significant and growing interest in advancing digitalisation across the continent.

Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Information Communication and Digital Economy, Margaret Nyambura Ndung'u, who was in attendance highlighted Kenya's commitment to advancing digital transformation through comprehensive and inclusive policies. 

Speaking at the event, she outlined Kenya’s approach to digitalisation, which aims to expand digital infrastructure, improve access, and enhance skills and awareness nationwide. 

"We are taking a comprehensive approach to make sure that we are developing technologies, we are building infrastructure, we are improving access, we are building capacity, and we are raising awareness, not just for those working in the public sector but for the entire population," said Ndung'u.

Leaders also delved into strategies to achieve sustainable, inclusive growth through ICT development across Africa, emphasizing that digital infrastructure is essential to creating a prosperous future. 

Solly Malatsi, Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies of the Republic of South Africa, stressed the importance of synergy between the development of ICT technology and renewable energy such as solar power.

‘‘It's about empowering individuals, communities, and nations to realise their full potential,” said Malatsi. He called for collaboration among government, private sector, and NGOs to make Africa’s digital transformation inclusive and sustainable.

The forum, supported for the third year by Huawei, also saw the launch of three position papers co-authored by Huawei, Digital Council Africa, GSMA, and consultancies such as Roland Berger and Ernst & Young. 

These papers Ubiquitous Connectivity, Digitalisation Blueprint for National Prosperity, and Cloud Computing provide policy recommendations based on global case studies.

John Omo, Secretary General of the ATU, highlighted the need to address Africa's infrastructure challenges, particularly in cloud storage and fibre connectivity, to fully realise the benefits of digitalisation. 

"The whole of sub-Saharan Africa has less cloud space than Switzerland. And I think our governments need to incentivise industries to develop cloud services in our countries," he remarked.

Huawei Sub-Saharan Africa President Hover Gao reiterated the company’s commitment to supporting Africa’s digital future by providing technological expertise. He also introduced the Global Digitalisation Index (GDI), developed in collaboration with IDC.