Kenya champions African-led digital transformation at UN General Assembly event

Kenya has reaffirmed its leadership in driving Africa’s digital transformation at a high-level panel convened by the President of the UN General Assembly, focused on accelerating development across the continent.

The event brought together influential voices including Kenya’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Ekitela Lokaale; Kenya’s Special Envoy on Technology, Ambassador Philip Thigo; Tony Elumelu Foundation CEO, Somachi Chris-Asoluka; and Melvine Wajiri, Founder of People Empowering People Africa.

Ambassador Lokaale highlighted Kenya’s increased commitment to homegrown innovation, citing a threefold increase in public investment in research and development.

He underscored recent reforms that prioritize local technology solutions through institutions like the Kenya National Innovation Agency.

“We are building the foundation for African innovation by funding research and prioritizing local solutions,” said Lokaale. He also called for urgent reforms to the global financial system to ensure it better supports Africa’s development aspirations.

Following this, Ambassador Thigo outlined a strategic digital vision for Africa centered on sovereignty, resilience, and inclusivity. He emphasized the need for sovereign cloud infrastructure, national data centers, and affordable access to GPUs to support Africa-led AI innovation.

He warned against Africa’s current over-reliance on undersea cables and centralized networks, stressing the vulnerability this creates. Thigo advocated for investment in decentralized infrastructure and community-based networks to maintain reliable connectivity during disruptions.

“We must train civil servants in AI governance, data ethics, and user-centered design,” he said, highlighting the pressing need to modernize public institutions. He noted that many African civil servants still rely on outdated systems, which undermines trust in digital services—particularly among the youth.

In a widely shared social media post, Thigo added:

“Africa’s challenges demand African solutions. Only through resilient infrastructure, democratized data, and equitable partnerships can we build our digital future—together.”

The panel received strong backing from UN member states and civil society organizations, who echoed the call for African-led digital pathways rooted in sovereignty, inclusivity, and sustainability. Delegates also shared success stories from sectors such as health and agriculture, while youth and women’s groups emphasized the importance of inclusive digital governance.

The session concluded with a shared commitment to building Africa’s digital growth on four pillars: resilient infrastructure, modernized institutions, inclusive support for MSMEs, and alignment with both the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).