Summit decree to grow digital economy
Last week, Kenya hosted a pivotal event in Africa’s digital landscape, where ministers overseeing Information, Communication and Technology portfolios pledged to drive inclusive economic growth of at least five per cent annually through the digital economy over the next decade.
The summit provided an opportune moment for the country to reflect on and strategise ways to deepen the sector and enhance service delivery through information technology cooperation.
Connected Africa Summit 2024 unveiled the Nairobi Declaration, serving as a guiding beacon for the country, outlining how Africa will achieve digital empowerment through collaboration and innovation.
Declaration endorses the establishment of new collaborative mechanisms with measurable objectives, aiming to expand Internet access and equip the next generation with the skills needed to thrive in the digital world.
Additionally, the Nairobi Declaration commits to harmonising legislation and regulations of ICT across Africa, fostering innovation, enabling cross-border data transfer, facilitating information sharing across regional blocks, and promoting knowledge sharing of Artificial Intelligence (AI), among other initiatives.
The declaration calls for collaboration on data centres to promote investment in data centre infrastructure and cloud services.
To achieve these goals, a task force will be established to identify and secure funding mechanisms for infrastructure development, explore public-private partnerships, and foster innovations in financing models.
Ministers present also announced the establishment of the African Cybersecurity and AI initiative to enhance the continent’s capacity and capability to address emerging risks and accelerate digital transformation.
The Nairobi Declaration signifies a significant step towards a digitally empowered Africa, providing a clear roadmap for collaboration and innovation, holding the promise of a brighter digital future for the continent.
Kenya must leverage this collaborative approach to not only mobilise resources and expertise from various sectors but also accelerate the pace of digital connectivity across the country.
