Smart Africa boosts digital transformation with affordable internet and skills academy
Date: 2024-07-10
The Director
General and CEO of Smart Africa, Lacina KONÉ has announced the launch of the
Smart Africa Digital Academy, an initiative aimed at providing affordable
devices and digital skills to empower African youth in the digital age. This
announcement was made at the inaugural Giga Connectivity Forum, which focused
on harnessing the African Union's Year of Education for connectivity and
inclusive digital transformation.
The
Smart Africa Digital Academy complements the Giga initiative, which aims to
connect every school in Africa to the internet. The academy will provide
training and resources for students, teachers, and communities, ensuring they
have the skills to thrive in a digital world.
Smart
Africa is committed to making internet access more affordable for schools and
communities, with a goal of reducing costs to below 5% of monthly household
income. The organization is exploring innovative solutions, such as pooled
procurement and bulk capacity purchase, to achieve this goal.
The
Giga Connectivity Forum brought together stakeholders from across the continent
to discuss strategies for scaling up school connectivity and promoting digital
transformation in Africa. The forum emphasized the importance of collaboration
and innovative solutions to bridge the digital divide and ensure inclusive
access to education and opportunities.
By: Nana Appiah Acquaye
