The AfricaCom 2024 Ministerial Forum recently brought together African ministers, high-level representatives, and global tech stakeholders to address the critical need for infrastructure development to support digital technologies across the continent. Held in South Africa, AfricaCom is one of the largest information and communication technology (ICT) exhibitions on the continent, drawing over 15,000 participants and more than 300 exhibitors this year, highlighting Africa’s dedication to advancing its digital transformation agenda.
This year’s forum attracted leaders from Kenya, South Africa, Uganda, and various industry stakeholders, each emphasizing the importance of strategic investment in ICT infrastructure to foster economic growth and support digital innovation. Among the speakers, Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Information Communication and Digital Economy, Margaret Nyambura Ndung’u, showcased Kenya’s approach to digital transformation as a holistic, inclusive journey aimed at building a digital economy accessible to all citizens.
Kenya’s Comprehensive Approach to Digitalisation
During her address, Ndung’u highlighted Kenya’s commitment to expanding digital infrastructure, improving access to technology, and enhancing digital literacy across the country. The approach includes raising awareness and building digital skills among the general population, not only those employed in the ICT sector. “We are taking a comprehensive approach to make sure that we are developing technologies, we are building infrastructure, we are improving access, we are building capacity, and we are raising awareness, not just for those working in the public sector but for the entire population,” Ndung’u said.
Kenya’s digital strategy aligns with its broader vision to support economic development through technology, with specific initiatives aimed at increasing internet penetration, expanding fiber-optic networks, and creating an enabling environment for both local and international tech companies.
South Africa’s Push for Renewable-Powered Digital Growth
South Africa’s Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, Solly Malatsi, echoed similar sentiments but added an important focus on sustainability. Malatsi stressed the need to align digital infrastructure expansion with renewable energy efforts, particularly solar power, which is abundant in Africa. He highlighted that while ICT infrastructure is crucial for future growth, it must be developed sustainably to empower communities without exhausting natural resources.
“It’s about empowering individuals, communities, and nations to realize their full potential,” Malatsi explained. He urged collaboration across governments, the private sector, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to make Africa’s digital transformation both inclusive and sustainable.
Launch of Strategic Position Papers
The forum also saw the launch of three strategic position papers co-authored by Huawei, Digital Council Africa, the GSM Association (GSMA), and global consultancies such as Roland Berger and Ernst & Young. These documents Ubiquitous Connectivity, Digitalisation Blueprint for National Prosperity, and Cloud Computing offer policy recommendations to guide Africa’s digital journey. The papers are based on international case studies and provide actionable insights for policymakers to build resilient digital economies that align with global standards.
The Urgent Need for Cloud and Connectivity Solutions
One of the significant challenges highlighted at the forum was Africa’s lack of infrastructure for cloud storage and fiber connectivity, issues which severely limit the continent’s ability to leverage digital solutions effectively. John Omo, Secretary General of the African Telecommunications Union (ATU), emphasized that Africa’s cloud storage capacity is minimal compared to smaller nations like Switzerland. He called for government incentives to encourage local industries to invest in cloud services and data centers within Africa. “The whole of sub-Saharan Africa has less cloud space than Switzerland. And I think our governments need to incentivize industries to develop cloud services in our countries,” he noted.
To tackle this gap, Huawei’s President for Sub-Saharan Africa, Hover Gao, reiterated the company’s commitment to supporting Africa’s digital ambitions through advanced technology solutions. Gao introduced the Global Digitalisation Index (GDI), developed in collaboration with IDC, to help African countries benchmark their digital transformation progress against other regions. By prioritizing digital investment and capacity building, Huawei aims to assist African governments in their efforts to scale up digital infrastructure.
The Path Forward
The AfricaCom 2024 Ministerial Forum underscored the urgent need for sustainable infrastructure investments across Africa to support digital growth. With a collaborative approach involving government, private sector, and global tech leaders, African nations aim to harness the power of digital technology to drive economic prosperity, empower communities, and foster innovation. Through events like AfricaCom and the publication of evidence-based policy recommendations, Africa is taking bold steps towards a digitally inclusive future.
