In order for Africa to keep up with developed countries that have prioritized technology in their governments and economies, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has urged African nations to invest more in digital transformation.
Kindiki stated on Tuesday during the opening of the Connected Africa Summit in Nairobi that Africa needs to concentrate on developing long-lasting digital systems that enhance economic productivity, governance, and service delivery rather than merely conducting discussions and pilot initiatives.
He emphasized that Kenya is one of the nations that are intentionally investing in the industry, and that digital transformation is now a crucial component of the government’s development plan.
“Africa’s digital future will not be given to us. We must work together to construct it bravely, patiently, strategically, and intentionally. “The most significant factor driving the future is technological progress,” Kindiki stated.
To establish competitive digital economies that can support long-term development, he emphasized that African governments must capitalize on the continent’s youthful population and expanding innovation environment.
Kenya has established itself as one of the top digital economies in Africa by making tremendous strides in growing its digital infrastructure over the last four years, according to the Deputy President.
One of the initiatives he emphasized was the Digital Superhighway’s extension via a further 30,000 kilometers of fiber optic infrastructure, with the government aiming for a total of 100,000 kilometers.
Additionally, he mentioned that the state is establishing ICT hubs throughout the nation’s 1,450 wards, with 382 finished and an additional 400 almost finished.
Furthermore, the government has increased digital skills training for thousands of young people in order to prepare them for possibilities in the tech industry, as well as set up public Wi-Fi hotspots around the nation.
Kindiki claimed that the digitization of public services has also increased access to government services, decreased bureaucracy, and increased the transparency of service delivery.
“Now, we can confidently state that this strategy is producing outcomes. Kenya has established itself as a world-renowned innovation hub and one of Africa’s top digital economies. According to him, our digital economy currently accounts for about 7–8% of GDP, with a clear path to a double-digit contribution.
As governments and corporations rely more and more on technology-driven systems, he said, nations that don’t invest in digital transformation run the danger of falling behind in the global economic battle.
The Deputy President also emphasized the need for greater cooperation between governments and the commercial sector, noting that public organizations cannot, by themselves, supply the financial and technical skills necessary to realize the full potential of Africa’s digital industry.
In order to develop stronger and more inclusive digital ecosystems throughout the continent, he emphasized the importance of collaboration with investors, innovators, and development partners.
“The public sector lacks the financial and human resources necessary to satisfy Africa’s future needs. Kindiki stated that we need to enhance the collaborations aimed at improving the lives of the populace.
The summit was attended by African leaders, and he implored them to view the digital revolution as a need rather than an option for the continent’s future, stating that it was time for Africa to take control of its digital destiny.