28 young African leaders took part in
Washington in the USTTI’s Young African Leaders’
program from 8th to 15th December 2023. This initiative
has been made possible through a partnership between Smart
Africa Secretariat and USTTI, as part of the Biden-Harris
Administration’s new Initiative on Digital Transformation with Africa.
During this program, young leaders aged between 21 and
29, actively engaged in exploring the positive role connectivity
can play in enhancing lives while also gaining a greater understanding of the
policies that can champion technology.
“We are truly
excited about this partnership, a vital backing to our commitment to readying
Africa’s youth for the challenges of tomorrow, helping them
to compete and succeed in the ever-changing digital world,” commented Smart Africa
CEO Mr. Lacina Koné.
Through classroom lectures, demonstrations, site visits,
and networking events, these aspiring
leaders are gaining valuable insights
into addressing the gender digital divide, enhancing digital
transformation, and promoting the safe and secure use of emerging
technologies.
“The energy,
inquisitiveness and participation of the entire group has been inspiring. These
young leaders recognize the vital role technology can play in transforming
lives. They also recognize the importance of meaningful connectivity. I am
excited to watch them enhance this partnership by applying their training when
they return home” highlighted Mr. James J. O’Connor Chairman and CEO of USTTI.
These collaborative initiatives are implemented
under Smart Africa’s capacity-building vehicle, Smart Africa Digital
Academy (SADA) and the Smart Africa Scholarship fund,
which provides scholarships to African students to help them
pursue master’s and certification level training at the best
ICT Centers of Excellence.
This partnership which started in March
2017 has been instrumental in facilitating different initiatives such
as capacity-building programs for Africa’s Policy and
Decision Makers, has trained some 30
regulators, from 18 African countries on essential
competencies and strategies for developing national spectrum
roadmaps for effective implementation of the 5G technology.
