African Leaders Pledge United Push for Digital Transformation.

From left to right: Hon. Mr Kabbyanga Godfrey Baluku, the Republic of Uganda; Hon. Dr Margaret Nyambura Ndung’u, the Republic of Kenya; Hon. Mr Solly Malatsi, the Republic of South Africa; Mr John Omo, Secretary General of the ATU.

African leaders gathered in Cape Town on 11 November for AfricaCom 2024, joining hands to accelerate digital transformation for sustainable development across the continent. Hosted by the African Telecommunications Union (ATU) and South Africa’s Department of Communications and Digital Technologies (DCDT), the ministerial forum highlighted Africa’s critical need for ICT-driven progress.

In a show of unity, representatives from Uganda, South Africa, Kenya and the ATU signed a joint communiqué reaffirming their commitment to sustainable growth through ICT. The initiative aims to deploy national cloud infrastructures to support AI, implement solar microgrids to expand access to electricity, and extend network coverage to rural areas. “This joint effort is a significant step towards narrowing the digital divide,” said ATU General Secretary John OMO. “Our goal is to make technology a force for inclusive growth.”

Huawei, alongside Roland Berger and Ernst & Young, released three papers on connectivity, digitalizatio, and cloud computing. “These papers offer a framework for policymakers to apply global case studies locally,” said Hover Gao, Huawei’s Sub-Saharan Africa President.

At the forum, ministers shared insights and challenges. South Africa’s Solly Malatsi stressed the need to integrate renewable energy with ICT infrastructure. “Our digital future depends on combining solar energy with digital infrastructure,” Malatsi said. “Digital transformation empowers individuals, communities, and nations to thrive.”

Kenya’s Dr. Margaret Nyambura Ndung’u highlighted Kenya’s inclusive digitalisation strategy. “We’re building infrastructure to ensure everyone has digital access, not just public sector employees,” she said. “Our aim is inclusive digital transformation.”

Uganda’s Kabbyanga Godfrey Baluku outlined Uganda’s Digital Vision 2040. “ICT and electricity are key to our transition from a peasant to a modern society,” Baluku stated. “We’re expanding our national network with Huawei’s support.”

Dr. Li Zhengmao, Chairman of the World Broadband Association, shared China’s digital transformation insights. “China’s model can guide sub-Saharan Africa,” he said, offering WBBA support to bridge the digital divide.

Huawei launched the Global Digitalisation Index (GDI) with IDC. “Every dollar invested in digital transformation yields $8.3 in returns,” Gao highlighted, showcasing digital investment’s growth potential.

AfricaCom, Africa’s largest ICT event, hosted 300 exhibitors and 15,000 attendees, emphasizing the continent’s digital infrastructure commitment. “Our vision is an inclusive, sustainable, and opportunity-driven digital future for Africa,” Malatsi concluded.