Let us leverage on the power of innovation and technology to build a resilient Africa: Mudavadi

Mudavadi said this will uplift the livelihoods of the people and foster change not only for a better world but also future generations.

The PCS, who is also Foreign Affairs and Diaspora Affairs Cabinet Secretary, said Africa’s journey towards digital transformation requires a tri-fold approach namely innovation, collaboration and action. 

“Innovation is the key to unlocking new possibilities and solutions. Collaboration across borders and sectors will amplify our efforts, making our aspirations achievable. And action, decisive and focused, will turn our shared vision into reality, ensuring that the benefits of digital technology reach every corner of Africa,” said Mudavadi during the Connected Africa Summit happening in Nairobi. 

 The CS said that the emerging Africa embraces technology as an essential tool for economic transformation and social inclusion, saying it is enabling millions of people to access quality and affordable digital technologies that are driving innovation and job creation across all sectors, countries and regions. 

“Innovation and technology help African countries to trade and exchange more with each other, improve efficiency in financial services and share lessons and experiences for improving the viability of our micro, small and medium enterprises,” he said.

He said the conference, running under the theme ‘Shaping the Future of a Connected Africa: Unlocking growth beyond connectivity’, marks a significant milestone in the collective journey towards digital empowerment and inclusivity across the continent. 

He said the theme also underlines the urgent need for Africa to chart an innovative pathway for Africa’s growth and transformation. 

“Kenya is proud to host this conference that creates an enabling environment for us to express our shared vision to harness the vast potential of the digital era. It defines our unwavering commitment, as one of Africa’s leaders in technology and innovation, to enhance the prosperity of the Africans across all regions,” Mudavadi explained. 

He said that this is the moment to embrace the rapidly evolving digital landscape, to turn the continent’s development challenges to opportunities for innovation and inclusive growth. 

The PCS stated that the Connected Africa Summit 2024 is not just an event but a beacon of hope and catalyst for transformation and a platform for to dialogue, exchange knowledge and enhance collaboration on how to bridge the political, economic and social divide that constrains Africa’s development.

He said the progress Africa has achieved in this field is captured in the tech exhibitions in the conference, ranging from Nairobi's tech hubs to start-up from Lagos, from Rwanda's e-governance to Cairo's digital literacy initiatives among others, are a new Africa emerging.