UN Digital Envoy advances Africa's tech agenda during Ethiopia visit

The United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Digital and Emerging Technologies, Amandeep Gill, has concluded a strategic visit to Ethiopia focused on strengthening multilateral cooperation for Africa's digital transformation. High-level meetings with continental institutions emphasized the urgent need to align global technology governance with Africa's developmental priorities. 

At the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), discussions with Executive Secretary Claver Gatete centered on accelerating AI capacity-building programs and scaling digital public infrastructure across the continent. The dialogue identified concrete pathways to embed these technologies into national development plans while empowering UN country teams with technical assistance frameworks. 

Mr. Gill's engagement with African Union Deputy Chairperson Ambassador Selma Malika Haddadi reinforced the AU's pivotal role in articulating Africa's unified position for the forthcoming Global Digital Compact negotiations. The meetings acknowledged Ethiopia's growing influence as a hub for continental digital policy formulation, building on its leadership in establishing the African Continental Free Trade Area's digital trade protocols.

These consultations mark a critical phase in operationalizing the UN's digital cooperation roadmap, ensuring African voices shape emerging global standards on artificial intelligence governance, data sovereignty, and inclusive connectivity. The outcomes will inform preparatory work for September's Summit of the Future, where technology governance features as a cornerstone agenda item.

By:  Nana Appiah Acquaye