Africa accelerates digital transformation with landmark decisions at 20th Smart Africa Steering Committee
Date: 2025-04-03
African nations have taken decisive steps toward continental digital integration with the successful conclusion of the 20th Smart Africa Steering Committee Meeting, co-chaired by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the African Union. The high-level gathering held in Kigali, Rwanda brought together 17 African nations, the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), and private sector partners to adopt groundbreaking initiatives for technological advancement.
ITU Secretary-General Doreen Bogdan-Martin
ITU
Secretary-General Doreen Bogdan-Martin set the tone for discussions,
emphasizing Africa's unique opportunity to pioneer harmonized digital
governance. "By aligning AI policies, data frameworks and technical
standards, Africa can create optimal conditions for inclusive digital
growth," she stated, highlighting ITU's commitment to supporting
continental coordination efforts.
Smart Africa CEO Lacina Koné
Key outcomes
included the in-principle endorsement of the Africa AI Council, a pan-African
body designed to accelerate responsible artificial intelligence adoption across
critical sectors. Smart Africa CEO Lacina Koné stated the Council's
transformative potential: "From precision agriculture to diagnostic
healthcare and inclusive finance, AI will drive our development priorities
while preserving African values."
The meeting
also witnessed the soft launch of the Africa Digital Health Leadership Network,
designed to coordinate e-health strategies across member states, alongside the
approval of a five-year implementation strategy for the African Network for
Cybersecurity Authorities (ANCA).
A landmark
decision emerged with continental backing for the Africa Bulk Purchase
Marketplace Initiative, which will enable collective procurement of digital
infrastructure to reduce costs and accelerate connectivity projects.
By: Nana Appiah Acquaye
