Digital divide

Digital bridges unlock Africa’s private sector potential

Opportunities often need to be gathered in a single place to be easily accessible and visible, and that is the purpose of innovative digital platforms, which build bridges connecting Africa’s private sector with development opportunities. Egypt’s ‘Hafiz’ platform, introduced by Tamer Taha during the IGF 2024 session ‘Building Bridges in Africa in the Digital Age‘ in Riyadh, is the basis for this purpose. Hafiz addresses the persistent information and financial gaps plaguing Egyptian companies seeking to expand into Africa. ‘We gathered the right information and financial tools in a structured way so businesses can access opportunities and grow regionally,’ said Taha, highlighting its role as a game-changer for sectors like manufacturing and construction.

The discussion, moderated by Mahitab Assran, underscored how platforms like Hafiz and Uganda’s iVenture empower small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and startups. Manija Gardizi of GIZ emphasised inclusivity, saying ‘These platforms allow smaller players to participate in development projects traditionally dominated by larger corporations, fostering innovation and equal opportunity.’

Alan Ananulu of iVenture shared success stories from East Africa, including Maarifasasa, a startup offering job-market training. His solution to Africa’s infrastructure challenges was simple but effective: low-tech solutions like WhatsApp and Facebook allow platforms to reach underserved entrepreneurs with limited connectivity.

Despite progress, significant hurdles remain—regulatory barriers, such as inconsistent recognition of e-signatures, hamper cross-border trade. ‘Mutual agreements on digital signatures are vital for facilitating trade and reducing friction,’ Gardizi noted. Ananulu added that startups often struggle with market entry restrictions, citing visa challenges as obstacles to regional expansion, and Taha suggested introducing soft-landing programs to help entrepreneurs navigate regulatory landscapes and establish trust across borders.

The session also revealed growing optimism among stakeholders. An interactive poll showed that participants viewed South-South collaboration as key to improving Africa’s investment climate. Traditional industries emerged as the sector that needs the most solutions, reflecting a desire to modernise and connect legacy businesses with emerging opportunities.

As the conversation drew close, audience questions reinforced the need for awareness campaigns and venture capital integration. Taha confirmed plans for capacity-building initiatives and nationwide roadshows to help SMEs sharpen their competitive edge. ‘It’s not just about opportunities—it’s about ensuring businesses have the tools to succeed,’ he concluded.

What’s clearly emerging from this session is the consensus that digital platforms are more than tools; they are catalysts for change, enabling businesses to overcome systemic barriers and unlock Africa’s immense economic potential. These platforms hold the key to a more connected and prosperous future by fostering trust, inclusivity, and innovation.

Innovation and inclusion drive IGF talks on Global Digital Compact

The discussion at the Internet Governance Forum 2024 in Riyadh on implementing the Global Digital Compact (GDC) delved into the challenges and opportunities surrounding digital transformation, emphasising the need for inclusive and locally grounded strategies. Speakers from UN agencies, governments, and civil society stressed the importance of addressing the worldwide multifaceted digital divides.

An audience member underscored this point, urging attention not only to infrastructural gaps but also to divides in policy, gender, age, and rural-urban access: ‘We’re not just talking about digital divides; we must look at the digital policy divides, digital gender divides, digital rural and urban divides, and digital age divides.’

The discussion also highlighted the need for local action to make global initiatives effective. Olaf Kolkman of the Internet Society captured this sentiment, stating, ‘Think global with the GDC, but really, the action has to be local.’ That approach was echoed by other panellists, who called for integrating GDC implementation with established frameworks such as the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS).

Cynthia Lesufi from South Africa’s Mission to the UN emphasised aligning the GDC with WSIS+20 to streamline efforts, while Henriette from the Alliance for Progressive Communications advocated for leveraging the review process to assess progress and set future directions.

Capacity development and governance of emerging technologies also emerged as central themes. Robert Opp, Chief Digital Officer of UNDP, stressed the importance of skills development and creating frameworks for technologies like AI and data governance.

Isabel De Sola from the Office of the Tech Envoy added that promoting content diversity in digital spaces is crucial. As noted by Cynthia Lesufi, public-private partnerships are essential to achieving these goals, particularly in bridging the digital divides in the Global South.

Why does it matter?

Despite the progress, significant challenges remain, such as reaching marginalised communities, balancing global initiatives with local needs, and measuring the success of digital transformation. However, the discussion concluded on a hopeful note, emphasising the need to combine global coherence with grassroots efforts. As Kolkman put it, the path forward is ensuring that ‘global frameworks translate into meaningful local action.’

All transcripts from the Internet Governance Forum sessions can be found on dig.watch.

Global connectivity takes centre stage at the IGF 2024 in Riyadh

The Internet Governance Forum (IGF) 2024 day first in Riyadh opened with one of the key sessions titled ‘Global Access, Global Progress: Managing the Challenges of Global Digital Adoption’, bringing together prominent panellists from government, private sectors, and civil society to address one of the world’s most pressing issues—bridging the digital divide. Moderated by Timea Suto, Global Digital Policy Lead at the International Chamber of Commerce, the session explored the need for universal internet connectivity, its life-changing impact, and the challenges of ensuring meaningful participation in the digital age.

Gbenga Sesan, Executive Director at Paradigm Initiative, highlighted the transformative power of connectivity with inspiring stories. ‘Connectivity is not just a privilege; it can mean life or death,’ he emphasised, sharing the success of individuals in underserved communities who leveraged digital access to escape poverty and access vital healthcare. Thelma Quaye of Smart Africa echoed his sentiment, stressing that affordability remains a significant barrier, particularly in Africa, where only 40% are connected despite wide mobile coverage. ‘Governments must invest in infrastructure to reach the last mile,’ she urged, citing the need for public-private partnerships and relevant content that empowers users economically.

The discussion expanded to community-driven solutions, with Sally Wentworth, President of the Internet Society, showcasing the successes of locally managed networks. She highlighted a project in Tanzania that trained thousands in digital skills, demonstrating the potential of bottom-up connectivity.

Japan’s Vice Minister, Dr Takuo Imagawa, shared Japan’s achievements in near-universal broadband coverage, pointing to combining government subsidies and competitive policies as a scalable model. Emerging technologies like AI were discussed as necessary tools to reduce the digital divide, but speakers cautioned that they must remain inclusive and address societal needs.

On the economic front, Shivnath Thukral, VP for Public Policy at Meta India, highlighted open-source AI technologies as solutions for education, agriculture, and linguistic inclusion. ‘AI can bridge both the connectivity and knowledge gaps, delivering localised, affordable solutions at scale,’ he said. Meanwhile, Tami Bhaumik of Roblox underscored the importance of digital literacy and safety, particularly for young users. ‘Technology is powerful, but education is key to ensuring people use it responsibly,’ she noted, advocating for collaboration between governments, tech companies, and educators.

Why does it matter?

The panellists expressed clearly that global digital adoption requires cooperation across sectors, inclusive policymaking, and a focus on empowering local communities. As stakeholders debated solutions, one message emerged clearly: connectivity alone is not enough. For the digital world to deliver real progress, investments in skills, affordability, and digital literacy must go hand-in-hand with technological innovation. That’s why IGF remains a vital platform to unite diverse perspectives and drive actionable solutions to bridge the digital divide.

All transcripts from the Internet Governance Forum sessions can be found on dig.watch.

Ghana and Gambia partner to launch ECOWAS free roaming initiative

Ghana and Gambia are working together to implement the ECOWAS Free Roaming Initiative to reduce telecommunications costs for citizens travelling between the two countries and foster stronger economic and social ties. Spearheaded by Ghana’s National Communications Authority (NCA), Ministry of Communications and Digitalisation, and mobile network operators (MNOs), the initiative aligns with ECOWAS’s broader regional integration and economic self-sufficiency goals.

A memorandum of understanding (MoU) will emerge from ongoing negotiations, enabling technical and regulatory discussions. Full implementation of the roaming regulations is planned for the first half of 2025, following the success of Ghana’s similar agreements with Côte d’Ivoire (February 2024), Benin (July 2024), and a trilateral deal with Togo and Benin (October 2024), which have already reduced costs and enhanced connectivity across the region.

Why does it matter?

That partnership highlights ECOWAS’s commitment to creating a seamless communication network and unified trade zone across West Africa. By expanding affordable cross-border telecommunications, such initiatives aim to build a robust digital infrastructure that fosters economic growth and regional cohesion. As Ghana and Gambia take steps to implement this initiative, they contribute to the broader vision of improving connectivity and integration across the ECOWAS region.

Global south needs better AI access, says Xi

At the G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Chinese President Xi Jinping warned against allowing AI to become the exclusive domain of wealthy nations. Speaking at the global forum, Xi called for stronger international governance and cooperation to ensure equitable access to AI technologies.

Xi highlighted China’s commitment to supporting developing countries, unveiling a joint initiative with G20 partners to improve access to scientific and technological innovations in the Global South. The Chinese leader also cautioned against protectionist policies, such as tariffs on Chinese goods, which he argued undermine global trade and the transition to green economies.

The remarks come as Xi tours Latin America, echoing similar criticisms of economic barriers he raised at the APEC forum in Peru. His appeal for openness and collaboration underscores China’s broader efforts to position itself as a champion of equitable global development.

MTN and Huawei to launch Africa’s first 5.5G trial

MTN South Africa and Huawei have completed Africa’s first 5.5G network trial, marking a significant milestone in the region’s telecommunications landscape. The trial demonstrated the transformative potential of 5.5G technology, which offers key features such as 10 Gbps connection speeds, ten times the number of Internet of Things (IoT) connections, reduced latency, and improved energy efficiency.

These advancements represent a tenfold increase in network performance compared to current 5G networks, positioning South Africa at the forefront of digital innovation. Moreover, with ultra-fast speeds and advanced services like 24K extended reality (XR), high-speed Fixed Wireless Access (FWA), holographic conferencing, and enhanced private networks, 5.5G will not only drive the development of South Africa’s digital economy but also support new business opportunities.

In addition, it will bridge the digital divide, enabling previously unconnected regions and individuals to benefit from high-speed connectivity. As a result, this technological leap will be crucial in accelerating digital transformation, enhancing network efficiency, and creating new opportunities for consumers and enterprises across the country.

The successful trial utilised Huawei’s commercial SingleRAN technology, ultra-wideband, active-antenna units, and advanced beamforming techniques, ultimately achieving an ultra-high-speed experience of 8.6 Gbps. In particular, the trial leveraged millimetre wave and C-band spectrum resources in 5G standalone mode, showcasing the capabilities of 5.5G in real-world conditions.

Why does it matter?

Furthermore, the collaboration between MTN and Huawei reflects a shared vision of advancing Africa’s digital future by providing cutting-edge technologies and accelerating the region’s digital economy. As Huawei continues to support Africa’s development, this partnership demonstrates MTN’s ongoing commitment to innovation and the delivery of enhanced solutions that improve the lives of South Africans.

UNDP and cBrain partner for Africa’s Digital future

The UN Development Programme (UNDP) has partnered with cBrain, a Danish digital solutions provider, to accelerate Africa’s digital transformation. The collaboration focuses on bridging the digital divide, fostering inclusive growth, and strengthening community resilience across the continent. The partnership will target key areas, including the development of digital public infrastructure, the enhancement of e-governance and public service delivery, the expansion of digital financial inclusion for underserved populations, and the integration of digital tools into climate resilience efforts.

A central initiative of this collaboration is the establishment of a Process Library at the UNDP Resilience Hub in Nairobi. The library will focus on developing and scaling best practices in governance, with an emphasis on inclusion, capacity-building, economic development, and resilience. These efforts are aligned with the African Union’s Digital Transformation Strategy and the UN sustainable development goals, reinforcing a shared vision for sustainable progress. By leveraging cBrain’s expertise and Denmark’s proven digitalisation strategies, the partnership aims to empower both governments and citizens while driving innovation, transparency, and equitable access across the continent.

Furthermore, the partnership places a strong emphasis on capacity development, equipping government officials and civil society organisations with the digital skills necessary to manage this transformation effectively. It also underscores the importance of private-sector involvement in Africa’s digital journey, drawing on Britain’s global experience in providing standardised solutions and integrating AI-driven tools. This collaboration serves as a model for international cooperation in digital governance, with a focus on knowledge sharing to disseminate best practices.

By empowering marginalised communities with access to digital and financial services, this initiative aims to unlock economic growth, enhance climate resilience, and pave the way for a more equitable and prosperous future for Africa.

ProFuturo and American Tower expand digital education initiatives to Nigeria

ProFuturo and American Tower are expanding their digital education initiative to Nigeria, building on the success of a program initially launched in Kenya. The expansion aims to provide nearly 30,000 students in vulnerable communities across Africa and Latin America access to digital learning opportunities, addressing significant educational inequalities.

Central to this initiative is the training and empowerment of over 1,000 teachers, who will receive essential digital resources and innovative teaching methods to integrate technology into their classrooms effectively. By equipping educators with these tools, the collaboration seeks to bridge the digital divide, ensuring that underserved regions have access to the same educational resources as urban areas.

The partnership aligns with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, particularly in promoting quality education and reducing inequalities while also aiming to reduce poverty and inequality within local communities. Additionally, American Tower’s Digital Communities initiative will establish technology-driven spaces that promote digital literacy, vocational training, and healthcare access, serving as vital hubs for learning and development.

Looking ahead to 2030, the partnership aspires to create lasting change, ensuring that all children can succeed in the digital economy and laying the groundwork for a more inclusive and equitable educational landscape in Nigeria and beyond.

Nigeria to offer free internet in public places

The House of Representatives has introduced a significant bill to provide free internet services in selected public places throughout Nigeria. The initiative highlights the critical role of information and communications technology (ICT) in nation-building and seeks to bridge the digital divide by enhancing connectivity in essential sectors like education and healthcare.

The proposed law outlines various locations eligible for free internet access, including government offices, secondary and tertiary institutions, public hospitals, military barracks, libraries, parks, and transport terminals. Users will not be charged for connecting to these public internet access points, separate from backend services used in government operations. To ensure quality, the bill mandates a minimum internet speed of two megabytes per second per user, aligning with the National Broadband Plan.

To facilitate the effective implementation of the bill, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) will oversee the rollout and set standards for public locations included in the initiative. They are required to develop a comprehensive implementation plan within one year of the law’s commencement, collaborating with federal, state, and local governments, as well as private sector entities.

The legislation encourages public-private partnerships to enhance service delivery, allowing private partners to offer supplemental internet services for a fee. Additionally, it promotes cost reduction by encouraging private service providers to exchange data tariffs through designated domestic internet protocol exchanges, ultimately improving access for users in areas where the programme is implemented.

Microsoft boosts AI, cloud investments in Italy with $4.8 billion plan

Microsoft has announced plans to invest €4.3 billion over the next two years to expand its artificial intelligence (AI) and cloud infrastructure in northern Italy. The tech giant’s investment will establish the ItalyNorth cloud region as one of Microsoft’s largest data hubs in Europe, serving both the Mediterranean and North Africa. The move marks Microsoft’s largest-ever investment in Italy and is expected to significantly strengthen the country’s digital presence in the region.

Microsoft’s Vice Chair and President, Brad Smith, discussed the investment with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who welcomed the project, seeing it as a key development for Italy’s role in the Mediterranean’s digital landscape. This initiative follows broader discussions between the Italian government and global investors, including BlackRock, which is also looking at potential investments in data and energy infrastructure.

The surge in demand for AI and cloud services across industries, from gaming to e-commerce, is driving Microsoft’s global expansion efforts. In partnership with BlackRock, Microsoft had already launched a $30 billion fund aimed at AI-focused data centers and related infrastructure, initially targeting the U.S. and its partner countries.