Africa: Need to increase Internet access on the continent by 20% by 2030
The digital advancements are at the core of Africa’s rapid economic transformation. The continent’s leaders are intensifying efforts to establish quality digital services and make high-speed internet accessible to all. During the Connected Africa 2024 summit in Nairobi, African ICT ministers expressed their ambition to increase internet access rates by 20% over the next five years.
They also issued a declaration in favor of a connected and responsible Africa, setting ambitious goals for the continent’s digital transformation.
In his closing remarks at the ceremony, Eliud Owalo, Kenya’s Minister of Information, Communication, and Digital Economy, emphasized the importance of cooperation in accelerating this transformation.
He stated, «By harmonizing our digital policies across the continent, we will strengthen Africa’s ambition to become a major global commercial power within the African Continental Free Trade Area. By 2027, we aim to train one million young Africans in digital skills, contributing to our shared vision of a digitally responsible Africa by 2030».
The 14 African ICT ministers present at the Connected Africa 2024 summit will build on a comprehensive roadmap for digital empowerment.
This includes initiatives such as integrating digital skills into education programs, developing broadband infrastructure, facilitating digital trade through the AfCFTA, and promoting research and innovation in artificial intelligence.
This 4th edition of the Connected Africa summit is part of Africa’s Digital Strategy 2063 and the African Union’s Vision 2030.
The aim is to reconcile the actions of African countries to accelerate digital transformation and bridge the digital divide on the continent.
Gustave SORO
