Kenya among starters in ICT infrastructure growth - Global Digitization Index

Kenya emerged position 65, out of the 77 countries examined under GDI 2024 based on 42 indicators that assess their digital infrastructure maturity.

In the report, developing and emerging markets were found to be in the early stage of ICT infrastructure development, and face pitfalls in MBB coverage and fibre access. 

“Despite these challenges, we see significant potential in these countries. They tend to have abundant natural resources, and can balance digitalization with low-carbon development through supportive industry policies and forward-looking plans,” states the GDI 2024 report jointly created by Huawei Technologies and the International Data Corporation (IDC). 

Here, South Africa stands tall as the only African country among 30 technology adopters, who are on the fast track of digital development due to more connectivity. 

The Adapters category comprises of middle-income developing countries that are now focusing on expanding connectivity coverage to enable digital services, with supportive industry policies to boost connectivity benefits like higher information exchange efficiency for more people, families, and enterprises. 

On the other hand, developed nations led by USA, Singapore and Sweden were found to be focusing on enhancing user experience, and actively advancing the deployment of cloud, data centers, and future-proof computing power and storage. 

“They have established themselves as global role models in digital transformation, offering valuable insights for other countries. Sustainability is another key consideration for these Frontrunners. To ensure sustainable digital development, they need to align green energy planning with the construction of communications networks and futureproof computing power,” states the report. 

David Wang, the Chairman of the ICT Infrastructure Managing Board of Huawei notes that ICT industry development is connected to national economic growth of a country 

“Every industrial revolution of the past has taken technology to new heights, driven productivity improvement, and fueled leapfrog development around the world. Today, digital and intelligent transformation is ramping up, revolutionizing production by helping us advance from simple automation to intelligence,” says Wang. 

On his part, IDC president Crawford Del Prete terms the GDI report as a reflection of the transformation, capturing how economies, industries, and societies are becoming increasingly interconnected through digital platforms, technologies, and infrastructures

“As we journey through the fourth industrial revolution, the role of digitalization in driving economic growth, enhancing quality of life, and boosting global competitiveness is undeniable,” he says. 

The report further provides insights to countries on measuring return on investment, planning a roadmap for ICT development and evaluating their readiness for growth.

Digital and intelligent transformation solutions

Alongside the release of the GDI 2024 report, Huawei launched joint solutions with partners for public utilities, transportation, finance, electric power, oil, gas, mining, retail, education, and healthcare industries. 

The solutions and products are designed to support customers in enhancing their digital and intelligent transformation.

“We are combining our strengths in networking, storage, computing, cloud, and energy. We are working with partners to build new digital and intelligent infrastructure,” remarked Li Peng, President of ICT Sales & Service at the GITEX GLOBAL 2024 summit in Dubai. 

On his part, Leo Chen, the President of Enterprise Sales, emphasized that AI and 5G-A are among the next-gen technologies driving the fourth industrial revolution, which will lead to a significant leap in productivity.

The tech company banks on leveraging its full-stack capabilities in connectivity, storage, computing, and cloud to assist industries in building AI-ready ICT infrastructure.

“Huawei is willing to work with all of you to build digital and intelligent infrastructure, win in the new era, and create a better future.”