Collaborative Innovation Ecosystem and Digital Transformation: Accelerating the Achievement of Global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Summary

This discussion focused on collaborative innovation ecosystems and digital transformation to accelerate global sustainable development goals, with particular emphasis on supporting small and medium enterprises (SMEs). The session was hosted by the China Academy of Information and Communication Technology (CAICT) during the WSIS Plus 20 event in Geneva, bringing together representatives from ITU, government officials from South Africa and Kenya, and private sector leaders.

Dr. Cosmas Zavazava from ITU emphasized the organization’s two strategic goals of universal connectivity and sustainable digital transformation, highlighting the critical role of SMEs and startups as key drivers of digital transformation. He discussed the ITU Innovation and Entrepreneurship Alliance, which operates through a network of 17 acceleration centers globally to support innovation ecosystems. CAICT President Xiaohui Yu outlined how digital transformation has become essential for global sustainable development, particularly for developing countries seeking to empower SMEs through ICT and promote technological cooperation.

The session officially launched a call for cases on ICT-enabled digital transformation of SMEs, aiming to showcase innovative practices and proven models from around the world. Country representatives shared their national approaches: South Africa established the Digitech platform and African Digital Transformation Centre, while Kenya implemented the Hassler Fund for SME financing through mobile payments and digitized over 20,000 government services. Private sector participants emphasized the need for reliable infrastructure, inclusive financing, and capacity building to enable SME digital transformation.

The discussion concluded with consensus on the necessity of cross-border collaboration, harmonized policy frameworks, and the creation of a “platform of platforms” to connect various innovation ecosystems. Participants agreed to move beyond goodwill toward concrete actions, with plans to contribute case studies and collaborate through the ITU network to support SME digital transformation globally.

Keypoints

## Major Discussion Points:

– **ITU Innovation and Entrepreneurship Alliance for Digital Development**: Discussion of the global alliance mechanism with over 100 stakeholders, 35 board members, and 17 acceleration centers worldwide, designed to support digital transformation through ecosystem building and collaborative innovation.

– **SME Digital Transformation Challenges and Solutions**: Extensive focus on how small and medium enterprises (representing 50-90% of businesses globally) face barriers including limited funding, insufficient digital capabilities, infrastructure gaps, and lack of access to emerging technologies, with various country-specific solutions presented.

– **Launch of ICT-Enabled Digital Transformation Case Collection Initiative**: Official announcement and launch of a global study led by CAICT and ITU to collect best practices and proven models for supporting SME digital transformation, with results to be presented at the World Telecommunication Development Conference in Baku.

– **Country-Specific Digital Transformation Strategies**: Detailed presentations from South Africa (Digitech platform, African Digital Transformation Centre), Kenya (Hustler Fund, E-citizen services, mobile payment integration), and other regions showcasing practical implementations of SME support programs.

– **Infrastructure and Ecosystem Requirements**: Discussion of essential components including reliable connectivity, digital public infrastructure, access to compute power, harmonized cross-border policies, cybersecurity support, and the need for platforms that connect various stakeholders and resources.

## Overall Purpose:

The discussion aimed to advance collaborative innovation ecosystems for digital transformation to accelerate achievement of global Sustainable Development Goals, specifically focusing on empowering small and medium enterprises through ICT-enabled solutions. The session served to launch a global case collection initiative and foster international cooperation among government, industry, and international organization stakeholders.

## Overall Tone:

The discussion maintained a consistently professional, collaborative, and optimistic tone throughout. Speakers demonstrated genuine enthusiasm for international cooperation and shared commitment to addressing SME digital transformation challenges. The tone was formal yet engaging, with participants building upon each other’s insights constructively. There was a notable shift from introductory presentations to more interactive dialogue during the roundtable, becoming more dynamic and solution-oriented as panelists discussed concrete collaborative opportunities and commitments for moving forward.

Speakers

**Speakers from the provided list:**

– **Ke Wang** – Host/Moderator from CAICT (China Academy of Information and Communication Technology)

– **Cosmas Luckyson Zavazava** – Director of the Telecommunication Development Bureau at ITU

– **Xiaohui Yu** – President of China Academy of Information and Communication Technology (CAICT)

– **James George Patterson** – Representative from Department of Communication and Digital Technologies, South Africa (representing Ms. Nokebella Jordan Diani, the Director General)

– **Stephen Isaboke** (Stephen Mottri Isabok Ibis) – Principal Secretary, State Department for Broadcasting Telecommunications, Ministry of Information Communications and Digital Economy, Kenya

– **John OMO** – Secretary General of the African Telecommunication Union

– **Bocar Ba** – CEO and Board Member of the Seminar Telecommunication Council

– **Li Tian** (Tian Li) – Director of Standards Strategy Department, ZTE Corporation, Board Member of the Innovation Enterprise Alliance for Digital

– **Moe Ba** (Mohamed Ihyar Bar/Mohamed Yelihabar) – Head of ITU Digital Innovation Services, Moderator for roundtable discussion

**Additional speakers:**

– **Meng Wei** – Secretary General (mentioned as sitting in the audience, associated with COIA – Cooperative Open Intelligence Computing Industry Alliance)

# Comprehensive Summary: Collaborative Innovation Ecosystems for Digital Transformation and Global Sustainable Development

## Introduction and Context

This discussion took place during the WSIS Plus 20 event in Geneva, hosted by the China Academy of Information and Communication Technology (CAICT) and moderated by Ke Wang. The session brought together international stakeholders to address collaborative innovation ecosystems and digital transformation as mechanisms for accelerating global sustainable development goals, with particular emphasis on supporting small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

The participants represented ITU leadership, government officials from African nations, private sector representatives, and research institutions. This diversity contributed to a comprehensive examination of challenges and opportunities surrounding SME digital transformation globally.

## Opening Presentations and Key Frameworks

### ITU’s Strategic Vision and Alliance Structure

Dr Cosmas Luckyson Zavazava, Director of the Telecommunication Development Bureau at ITU, opened by outlining ITU’s two strategic goals: achieving universal connectivity and enabling sustainable digital transformation. He emphasized that these objectives are fundamentally interconnected, with digital transformation serving as both a means and an end for sustainable development.

Zavazava highlighted the critical role of SMEs and startups as key drivers of digital transformation, noting their potential to create innovative solutions whilst facing significant barriers to digital adoption. He introduced the ITU Innovation and Entrepreneurship Alliance for Digital Development as a comprehensive response to these challenges, describing it as a global mechanism designed to support innovation ecosystems through collaborative approaches.

The Alliance operates through a network comprising over 100 stakeholders, 35 board members, and 17 acceleration centres worldwide. This network approach enables ecosystem-level support rather than isolated interventions, addressing the complex, interconnected nature of digital transformation challenges.

### CAICT’s Role and Global Perspective

Xiaohui Yu, President of CAICT, provided a strategic overview of how digital transformation has become essential for global sustainable development. He positioned digital technologies as the core engine driving progress towards the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, particularly for developing countries seeking to empower their SME sectors through ICT adoption.

Yu outlined CAICT’s selection as a global centre under the ITU Acceleration Centre Programme in 2024, inaugurated in Shenzhen in April, with specific responsibilities for accelerating solutions in technology innovation and SME empowerment. He detailed three planned achievements: producing a foresight report, developing SMS guidelines, and creating an integration innovation platform.

## Country-Specific Approaches and National Strategies

### South Africa’s Digital Framework

James George Patterson, representing Ms. Nokebella Jordan Diani from the Department of Communication and Digital Technologies of South Africa (who was unable to attend), presented South Africa’s strategic approach to SME digital transformation. He outlined several critical focus areas: developing strategic foresight reports on MSME enablement, creating policy frameworks that promote competitiveness and digital inclusion, and establishing access to emerging technologies through open formats.

The South African approach emphasizes cross-border collaboration, particularly in developing digital payment systems and data flow regulations using open standards. Patterson identified key challenges requiring coordinated responses: access to funding and venture capital, skills and capacity development, digital literacy and device affordability, and supportive cybersecurity solutions tailored to SME requirements.

### Kenya’s Practical Implementation Model

Stephen Isaboke, Principal Secretary for the State Department for Broadcasting Telecommunications in Kenya, provided a compelling case study of practical SME support implementation. Kenya’s approach demonstrates how government intervention can create enabling environments for SME digital transformation through targeted infrastructure development and innovative financing mechanisms.

Isaboke described Kenya’s infrastructure investments, including extending fibre cables across the country and establishing digital hubs to enable rural access to digital services. This development was driven by recognition that digital access had become “very elite,” necessitating deliberate policy interventions to democratize digital opportunities.

The Hustler Fund represents a particularly innovative approach to SME financing, enabling small businesses to access funding digitally through the M-Pesa mobile payment platform. This system allows previously unbanked businesses to build credit histories and access financial services, demonstrating how digital technologies can address traditional barriers to SME growth.

Kenya has also digitized over 20,000 government services through the E-citizen platform, creating a comprehensive digital ecosystem supporting both citizens and businesses. Isaboke emphasized that infrastructure challenges remain the primary barrier to SME digital transformation, requiring continued government intervention.

## Private Sector Perspectives and Technology Innovation

### ZTE’s Corporate Responsibility Framework

Li Tian, Director of Standards Strategy Department at ZTE Corporation, presented the private sector perspective on SME digital transformation, emphasizing the responsibility of large corporations to drive technology innovation that benefits smaller enterprises. ZTE’s approach centers on promoting open standards and interoperability through initiatives such as the Cooperative Open Intelligence Computing Industry Alliance.

Li Tian argued that large corporations should take primary responsibility for technology innovation, particularly in developing solutions that SMEs can access and utilize effectively. The ZTE approach emphasizes open modules designed to make advanced technologies accessible to SMEs without requiring significant technical expertise or capital investment.

### Telecommunications Council Leadership

Bocar Ba, CEO and Board Member of the Seminar Telecommunication Council, provided a comprehensive analysis of systemic challenges facing SME digital transformation. He highlighted that 2.6 billion people remain offline, representing what he characterized as a “development emergency” that risks reinforcing privilege rather than expanding opportunities.

Ba outlined several critical requirements for successful SME digital transformation: fit-for-purpose infrastructure combining multiple technologies near industrial zones, inclusive financing that broadens the investment base beyond traditional operators, and capacity building programs covering digital marketplace skills, e-government procurement, and cybersecurity literacy.

He introduced the concept of a Universal Broadband Financial Framework, applying the principle that everyone benefiting from the digital economy should contribute to funding SME support initiatives.

## Launch of Global Case Collection Initiative

### Initiative Structure and Objectives

A significant outcome was the official launch of the 2025 ICT-Enabled Digital Transformation SME Case Collection Initiative, a collaborative effort between CAICT and ITU designed to identify and analyze best practices for SME digital transformation globally. During the launch ceremony, Zavazava and Yu jointly initiated the call for cases.

Ke Wang outlined the initiative’s comprehensive approach, which aims to collect cases from around the world showcasing innovative practices and proven models for supporting SME digital transformation. The initiative will focus on identifying rational pathways for accelerating SME digital transformations through ICT, analyzing critical challenges and opportunities, and developing practical guidelines for implementation.

The launch is scheduled for July 2025, with results to be presented at the World Telecommunication Development Conference in Baku (November 17-28, 2025).

### Expected Outcomes and Deliverables

The initiative is designed to produce three key deliverables: a comprehensive foresight report analyzing global trends and opportunities in SME digital transformation, detailed SMS guidelines providing practical implementation guidance, and an integration innovation SMS platform connecting various stakeholders and resources.

## Roundtable Discussion and Collaborative Dialogue

### Infrastructure and Ecosystem Requirements

The roundtable discussion, moderated by Moe Ba, Head of ITU Digital Innovation Services, focused on practical requirements for building effective SME support ecosystems. Participants identified several critical components: reliable connectivity infrastructure, digital public infrastructure services, access to compute power and advanced technologies, harmonized cross-border policies, and comprehensive cybersecurity support.

Moe Ba positioned the discussion within the context of an increasingly “uncertain, volatile, complex, and ambiguous environment,” arguing that digital transformation is not an opportunity but a survival necessity for SMEs operating in rapidly changing global markets.

### Cross-Border Collaboration and Policy Harmonization

A significant portion of the discussion focused on the need for cross-border collaboration and harmonized policy frameworks. Participants recognized that SMEs increasingly operate in global markets, requiring digital solutions that transcend national boundaries.

John OMO from the African Telecommunication Union highlighted a critical structural problem: the existence of “too many clusters” of innovation initiatives that operate in isolation from each other. He argued for creating networks that connect innovation showcases to actual market opportunities, addressing the gap between demonstration and implementation. OMO also provided key statistics about Africa, noting that SMEs contribute 50-60% of GDP but only 20% currently use digital technologies.

## Areas of Strong Consensus

### SME Criticality and Transformation Urgency

All participants demonstrated consensus on the critical importance of SMEs to global economic development. Speakers consistently cited statistics showing that SMEs contribute significantly to GDP in many countries while representing 90% of businesses and over half of jobs worldwide. However, the low percentage of SMEs currently using digital technologies creates an urgent transformation imperative.

### Infrastructure as Foundation

Strong consensus emerged regarding infrastructure development as the fundamental prerequisite for SME digital transformation. Participants agreed that robust digital infrastructure is essential, though they differed on specific implementation approaches.

### Collaborative Ecosystems and Platform Integration

All speakers supported the need for collaborative platforms and ecosystems that bring together multiple stakeholders to share resources, knowledge, and best practices. The ITU Innovation and Entrepreneurship Alliance was consistently cited as an effective model for this coordination.

### Capacity Building and Skills Development

Strong agreement emerged on the critical importance of capacity building and skills development for enabling SME digital adoption. Participants recognized that technology access alone is insufficient without corresponding investments in digital literacy, cybersecurity awareness, and strategic planning capabilities.

## Concrete Outcomes and Next Steps

### Immediate Action Items

The discussion produced several concrete commitments with specific timelines. The case collection initiative will launch in July 2025, with a joint final report by ITU and CAICT scheduled for release at the ITU World Telecommunication Development Conference in Baku.

The Third Digital Innovation Board meeting is scheduled for October 1-2, 2025 in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, providing a forum for continued coordination and planning. A second ICODI workshop will be organized in August 2025 to accelerate regional initiative implementation.

### Institutional Commitments

Participating countries committed to submitting case studies to the global study, with South Africa and Kenya specifically mentioning their intention to contribute examples from their national programs. John OMO requested specific assignment of responsibilities to regional partners for cross-border collaboration.

CAICT committed to operating as an ITU acceleration center with specific deliverables and timelines, while ZTE indicated continued support for open standards development.

### Platform Development

The discussion established momentum for creating what participants termed a “platform of platforms” that would connect various innovation ecosystems rather than creating entirely new systems. The ITU Innovation and Entrepreneurship Alliance was positioned as the coordinating mechanism for this platform development.

## Key Challenges and Future Considerations

### Implementation Coordination

While participants agreed on core objectives, they differed on implementation approaches and priorities. Some speakers emphasized government-led initiatives and policy interventions, while others advocated for market-driven solutions and private sector leadership.

### Financing and Sustainability

Specific funding models for the proposed platforms and their long-term sustainability require further development. The Universal Broadband Financial Framework proposed by Ba needs concrete mechanisms for implementation.

### Measurement and Success Criteria

Clear measurement criteria and success metrics for SME digital transformation initiatives need to be established, particularly given the launch of the case collection initiative.

## Conclusion

This discussion represented a significant step forward in global coordination for SME digital transformation, demonstrating remarkable consensus among diverse stakeholders on both the urgency of challenges and the broad framework for solutions. The launch of the case collection initiative provides a concrete mechanism for translating this consensus into actionable knowledge and practical tools.

The strong agreement on fundamental principles—SME criticality, infrastructure requirements, collaborative ecosystems, capacity building, and innovative financing—creates a solid foundation for coordinated action. Moving forward, success will depend on the ability to translate high-level consensus into specific, implementable solutions that address the practical challenges facing SMEs in different contexts.

The combination of global coordination through platforms like the ITU Innovation and Entrepreneurship Alliance and country-specific implementation through national programs offers a promising approach to supporting SME digital transformation as a pathway to broader sustainable development goals.

Ke Wang: Audience Member Ms. Ke Wang, Mr. Chen Dong, Mr. Jiang Zhou, Mr. Ryan Weng, Mr. Zhu Audience Members Ms. Ke Wang, Mr. asset management, Ms. Wu Chen, Mr. Zhai Suijia, Mr. Zhuo Shiping, Mr. Chen Industry, economy, policy, law, and international governance and supported the development of over 300 documents in China including national strategies, plans and laws making positive contributions to industry innovation and development CAICT actively participates in the activities of over 60 international organizations including ITU, ISO, IEC and 3GPP As well as in standard setting in the ICT field we have devised systematic plans for next generation information technologies and industries and made coordinated efforts to drive technological innovation and industrial development in emerging fields We operate testing, certification and R&D pilot test laboratories spanning over 120,000 square meters Our international testing and certification services extend to 221 countries and regions worldwide Recording in progress www.caict.com parameters adapted from in-design works. Participants have organized a Six-hundred-and-Buck Prize research project at Zavazava’s state office, Trillium College, Indianapolis. CONSIDERATION OF MEMBERS OUT OF CITIES Ladies and gentlemen, esteemed guests, and distinguished colleagues, good morning. Welcome to our section on Collaborative Innovation, Ecosystems, and Digital Transformation, Accelerating the Achievement of Global Sustainable Development Goals. This seminar is hosted by the China Academy of Information and Communication Technology. Members are a large and highly innovative group of business in the global market, especially in emerging markets, and developing economic stocks and growth means play a unique and important role. Providing sufficient support to SMEs is a consistent measure and common goal for promoting growth in various regions around the world. So this is the opening section. My name is Wang Ke from CIACT, and it’s an honor to gather with such a diverse assembly of visionaries. and leaders in Geneva, our community to advancing collaborative innovation in consistent and digital transformation. And it’s my pleasure to introduce the distinguished guest present today, Dr. Cosmas Luckyson Zavazava, Director of the Telecommunication Development Bureau at ITU, welcome. And Mr. James George Patterson, Department of Communication and Digital Technologies from South Africa. And Mr. Stephen Mottri Isabok Ibis, Principal Secretary, State Department for Broadcasting Telecommunications, Ministry of Information Communications and Digital Economy, Kenya. And Mr. Xiaohui Yu, President of China Academy of Information and Communication Technology. And Mr. John OMO, the Secretary General of the African Telecommunication Union, Mr. Bocar Ba, and CEO and Board Member of the Seminar Telecommunication Council, Mr. Tian Li, Director of Standards Strategy Department, CTE Corporation. They are both the Board Member of the Innovation Enterprise Alliance for Digital. And Mr. Mohamad Ihyar Bar, Head of ITU Digital Innovation Services. And now to our section, I’m pleased to invite Dr. Cosmas Luckyson Zavazava, Director, to deliver his opening remarks. Dr. Cosmas Luckyson Zavazava, please welcome here with applause. Thank you.

Cosmas Luckyson Zavazava: Thank you very much. And it is an honor to be addressing you this morning. I recognize, of course, the presence of two of my Board Members on the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Alliance, Dr. Tian Li, Zeti, and also Mr. Bocar Ba, CEO and Chairman of Seminar. It is really an honor. I’m a very strong believer in innovation and its ecosystem, because I’m committed to making sure that we make progress as regards. Thank you very much for joining us for this important session on collaborative innovation systems and their critical role in accelerating digital transformation. As you know, ITU has got two goals. One is universal, affordable, meaningful connectivity, and the second one is sustainable digital transformation. So we have a commitment to achieve those two strategic goals. The key drivers of digital transformation or social economic inclusion are small and medium enterprises and the startups in the private sector, policy and research, and of course, key actors such as CAIT, serving as one of our acceleration centers under the innovation and entrepreneurship alliance initiative play a critical role. And of course, I recognize also the BRICS Institute, which is also a Chinese entity, which is one of our acceleration centers. Collaboration among all these actors is essential for a thriving digital economy. At ITU, we believe the world of ecosystem approach, which is why I know that the innovation and entrepreneurship alliance that I’ve alluded to, the alliance empowers innovation ecosystems to deliver greater impact across sectors. Last October, we held the second digital innovation board meeting in Malta, where the board approved the initial four-site series of reports and the development of a partnership ecosystem to support the alliance. I’m pleased to announce that the third board meeting will take place from 1 to 2 October 2025 in the Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, hosted by one of our board members. During this meeting, we look forward to sharing the outcomes of a new four-site and Dr. Li Tian. I would like to welcome you all to the ILO Strategic Foresight Reports. A key part of our work is supporting the senders in capacity building. BDT has delivered several impactful activities to strengthen our network of ITU acceleration senders, 17 of them represented in all the regions. Last year, we hosted a strategic foresight and ecosystem development workshop for ITU acceleration senders in collaboration with the TDRIA, United Arab Emirates. This year, we launched several courses on the ITU Academy platform, Strategic Foresight 101, to democratize knowledge on strategic planning and foresight to our membership. We have also launched advanced courses for sender experts on strategic foresight and developing ecosystem initiatives, two of the key objectives of our alliance. Following up to these efforts, we will organize a second ICODI workshop in August this year. ICODI is actually an innovative mechanism that we jointly sponsor with the United Arab Emirates, and we are using that to see how we can accelerate the implementation and the creation of what we call regional initiatives and in ordinary language, regional initiatives are the topics of high priority for each region, which are adopted by the World Telecommunication Development Conference. And as you well know, from the 17th to the 28th of November this year, we are going to be in Baku, and I cordially invite all of you, Azerbaijan, where we will be having the next World Telecommunication Development Conference, and each region will be entitled to adopting about five priority areas, which are regional initiatives, and we use ICODI to help member states to identify what constitutes a regional priority as opposed to a national priority. Today, IT acceleration centers are becoming active in the country, regional and global levels. Many have already initiated Malawi recently conducted a week-long workshop with key actors exploring how to better shape an innovation ecosystem for investments. You may want to know that we have one ITU official center, which is based in New Delhi. It is actually Siamese twin with our sub-regional area office for South Asia, and it is running and it is accessible to you, and it works in the constellation of the 17 other acceleration centers in order for us to be able to share information and the skills and know-how. And the global center is conducting innovation cafes on several topics to engage our membership in new ways. I would like to express my appreciation to both Kate and BIFNC for their active engagements in the Alliance’s activities and for hosting the regional initiative accelerator. I’m especially pleased to be here today as the center hosted by Kate China is leading a foresight study on exploring mechanisms to support the digital transformation of small and medium enterprises globally. I’m delighted, as I conclude, that this session is being held to discuss the important work on digital innovation for small and medium enterprises, and we hope to see these reports contribute meaningfully to the World Telecommunication Development Conference that I already alluded to to be held from the 17th to the 20th of November in Baku. Thank you very much.

Ke Wang: Thank you, Director Zavazava, for your excellent speech. Now I am pleased to invite Mr. Xiaohui Yu, President of China Academy of Information Communications Technology, to deliver his opening remarks. Let’s welcome him with applause.

Xiaohui Yu: Distinguished Director Cosmas Zavazava, Mr. Stephen Materi-Spark, Mr. James George, Mr. John OMA, Mr. Bocar Ba, Mr. Tian Li, Mr. Moe Ba, Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen, good morning. It is a great honor to host this session during the WSIS Plus 20. On behalf of our CICT, I would like to extend my warm welcome to all distinguished participants. Currently, digital transformation has become a core engine for global sustainable development. However, countries, especially developing countries, still face two major challenges. First, SMEs urgently need to gain transformative momentum through ICT. Secondly, developing countries urgently need to promote development through technological cooperation. Thus, this session focuses on the theme of practical significance, collaborative innovation, extreme and digital transformation, accelerating the achievements of sustainable development goals. Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen, I would like to take this opportunity to thank Thank you very much for the opportunity to give you a brief overview of CICT. CICT is a research institution dedicated to advance cutting-edge ICT technologies and industrial transformation. With a talent pool of over 5,600 experts, our research covers ICT and digital transformation first. As a national think tank, we provide support to the government in policy research and decision-making. As industrial labor, we are well-experienced in standard development, technical trials, testing, consulting, ecosystem development, and international collaboration. CICT has been long engaged in the work of ITU. As a partner of ITU-D, we are an important contributor to international standards in many spheres. As an active promoter of digital transformation and labor, CICT has always been committed to fostering international collaboration. We are delighted to share that with the support of ITU and Mr. Daw Zawa, CICT was selected as a global center under the ITU Acceleration Center Program in 2024 and was officially inaugurated in Shenzhen, China this April. As a key vehicle for ITU’s global digital transformation strategy, the center will accelerate the implementation of solutions in key spheres such as open technology innovation, collaborative policy research, SMEs empowerment, ecosystem partnership acceleration, and development strategy planning. Today’s session is a large example of the ICIT’s commitment to fulfill its mission. We look forward to gaining insights from ITU’s experts on the development experience from the industrial community by preparing a vision for all sides and all the experts we aim to translate innovation extreme into globally inclusive progress. Let today’s dialogue be a starting point to build an open, inclusive, and resilient collaboration network and advance toward a sustainable future of connecting the unconnected. So I wish this session a great success, and I thank all very much for your supporting and welcome if you have an opportunity to visit China, welcome to visit the ICIT. Thank you.

Ke Wang: Thank you for your excellent speech, and next, during this section, we will be launching a call for cases on ICIT-enabled digital transformation of SMEs, but before the official kickoff, allow me to briefly outline the background of this initiative. SMEs often have small funding scale support in sufficient upgrading capabilities with marquee competitiveness and risk resistance, but start-ups are growing, and SMEs are a large and highly innovative group in the global market. So ICIT-enabled digital transformation of SMEs is a consistent measure, a common goal for promoting steady economic growth in various regions around the world. And so, we call this The 2025 ICT-Enabled Digital Transformation SMS Case Collection Initiative invites participation from relevant government departments, international organizations, industries in the sector. The goal is to showcase innovation, practice, outstanding and proven models from around the world of supporting B2B cases. The initiative aims to identify rational pathways for accelerating SMS digital transformations through ICT by identifying opportunities, analyzing critical challenges, and pinpointing resource needs. So we have some key areas, a focus on cases from the following key areas. And this is the timeline. As per review, we will collaborate with the expert network of ITU Acceleration Centers, which will launch in July. And ITU and CIC will jointly prepare the final report. In the future, we hope we could have three achievements. The first one is the foresight report, the second is the guideline for the SMS, and the third is the integration innovation SMS platform. And so the report will be released in ITU WTDC in Bangkok. And now I’m pleased to invite Mr. Zavazava, Director of ITU and BDT ITU, and Mr. Yu Xiaohui, President of CICT, jointly initiate a call for cases on ICT-enabled digital transformation of SMS by pressing the hand on the screen. Please step before the screen. Thank you. and finally a player showed Photoshop photo take a photo please. Okay. And this this section maybe extend the invitation to our participation leaders to join us at a podium for a group photo. Please. Thank you. Thank you very much. Recording stopped. And now, recording in progress, now, thank you, thank you, thank you a lot. And now, I’m pleased to invite Mr. Mohamed Yelihabar, Head of ITU Digital Innovation Services, Introduction to the ITU Innovation Entrepreneurship Alliance for Digital Development and Accelerator Network. Thank you.

Moe Ba: Thank you, Ms. Ke Wangi, and good morning, good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. It’s my pleasure to just maybe step back a little bit and bring everybody to why we’re here and what we’re trying to do. I think the director earlier alluded to this alliance and why this alliance was established, and CICT is part of one of the key members of this alliance, is to really, because we live in a very uncertain, volatile, complex, and ambiguous environment. Everything is changing around us. It’s for our countries, but as well as for the SMEs that we are talking about. And digital is at the core of this. So, the alliance was really put in place as a bigger mechanism to really try to help all of us navigate this environment. Now, a bit about the alliance as a mechanism, because I think the director alluded to earlier, this whole thing is about ecosystem building. So, how do we build each of the panelists you will hear from? We’ll talk about their own platform and ecosystem they’re building. We’re really talking about a bigger platform here, which has three mechanisms, which is the Digital Innovation Board. Some of the members are on this panel. They could probably tell you more about it. Then we have the Network of Acceleration Centers, like CICT. and others, and then we have the lab where we’re really trying to make all this magic happen in a way, but I’m also pleased to say that this is a big network. It’s a community that’s over 100 key stakeholders right now. We have over 35 board members. We have over 17 centers. We have over 100 experts that are actually being operationalized and working together to make this happen, and this alliance and this bigger mechanism is really global. There’s a big of the South-South component, and I think what you see is a demonstration of one of the centers in one of the nodes really trying to actively help our node. So, in essence, I hope that you will hear more from the people present in this room. With that, just a bit of more of the services we can offer in this alliance. I think you heard CICD is a think-tank research center, but there’s also new capabilities that every center would have, which is one of them is think-tank. One of them is the ability to co-design projects with stakeholders and beneficiaries and partners so they’re more bankable. One of them is the development of innovation clusters, which is very important really to make sure that the sustainability and transformation happen in the key sectors and across the technological area. And one of them is really to help SMEs grow and scale globally or regionally or nationally. And the last but not least, one of the key parts which a lot of people talk about is the ability to create what we call cross-sector, cross-border sandboxes, which can really facilitate this whole process. So, that’s a bit about the alliance, the services of the alliance and the kind of things we can do. And so, we’ll deep dive a bit in the next segments into that part. SMEs, as it was mentioned by the president of CICD, is we need new momentum for them. We need a momentum where we can help them navigate technological of the Global Coalition for Global Cooperation, we need a momentum where we can help identify opportunities and resources for them. So for all intended purposes, the initiative that CIICT has launched today is really trying to super focus on the support that SMEs can have across this global network to make it super practical and as an outcome is to really create a new platform of platform that will be taken us to the next era, if you will. With that, I’d like to turn the floor back to Ms. Weng-Ke.

Ke Wang: Thank you. Mr. Barr, for your excellent speech and introduction, our section today, we will have a roundtable discussion. So now I would kindly hand over to Mr. Mohamed Barr, who will be the moderator for the roundtable section, please.

Moe Ba: Thank you again, moderator, for giving back the floor. So I hope we all start to have a sense of what we’re trying to do here. We have a very important panel, a panel that will take us through the narratives of how we can really enable SMEs. So our discussion will be scheduled in two parts. In the first part, we’ll look at what is everybody doing and what their challenges are. And then in the second part, we’ll figure out what we can do together. So on that note, I would like to start first with our first guest on the list, and there’s no particular preference. But I’d like to start with Jim Patterson, who is on my right, who is representing, actually, Ms. Nokebella, Jordan Diani, the Director General of the Department of Communication and Digital Technologies of the Republic of South Africa. Now Jim, I know that South Africa has really been championing this cause, has been doing a lot. Can you tell us more how we can enable these SMEs and what you’re doing concretely in South Africa to make this happen? Jim, the floor is yours. Let’s try to keep our answers brief to two minutes, if possible.

James George Patterson: Thank you very much, Mohamed, and apologies for the Director General not being able to join us this morning. Well, the first thing we did was dial a friend in the ITU who helped us a lot in setting up what we wanted to do. We had some big ideas. I think for us, SMME sector was a lot about youth, empowering the youth. It was about innovation, better incomes, and it’s about a better economy, a more dynamic economy. So, for us, it was important to look at the SMME sector. We’d already seen many examples in our country about young, especially young people, but not specifically, who had very good ideas and who were able to innovate, so we wanted to find ways to assist them, because we know it’s not easy for startups or MSMEs. So, we’ve established a platform called Digitech, which is looking to promote our MSME sector and give them exposure, and at the same time, we’re also trying to look at the different challenges that the MSME sector and the startups face, especially in the digital innovation space, because that’s our focus. One of the things we’ve done is we’ve established in South Africa an African Digital Transformation Centre to support the MSME sector, and we’ve also, as part of our G20 Presidency, working with the ITU, developed a report on enabling MSMEs, and that’s looking at some of the key challenges that MSMEs face and also how we can intervene, what interventions we can make to support them going forward. So, these are strategic foresight reports. We’ve done more than one, actually. We’ve done also one on the venture capital sector and how we can access funding, better funding, to support MSMEs and give them better opportunities. We’re looking at things like policy and regulatory frameworks, pro-competitiveness. Messieurs, how can we level the plain field a bit for the sector? How can we support the incorporation of the key regulatory aspects in the design of solutions? We are obviously looking into the funding and market, and digital inclusion is critically important for us, since in Africa we have unequal societies, so we need to find ways to use the ICT sector to drive economic inclusion. us critically at this stage. I think we’re looking at some of the demand side aspects like affordability of devices, digital literacy, and the cost of data, and various aspects which can improve access to technology which will then incorporate, will allow for greater innovation amongst rural and underserved sectors of the economy where SMMEs are also quite active. I think access to data is also increasingly important in the sector. We need to level the playing field there so that MSMEs get that opportunity, and access to emerging technologies, especially in formats which make it openly more accessible, like for example, data as a public good, interoperability, open standards, open source software. Those are the kinds of things that can assist, I think, the sector a lot. Basically, the DPI, digital public infrastructure type services like digital identity, digital payment services, offer a lot of opportunities, we think, for the sector as well. And I think, as has already been mentioned, of course, access to skills and capacity development are critically important areas. And I think we need to also look at ways in which we can support the sector in terms of things like cybersecurity, because those are like a general cost for everybody, but it’s very prohibitive for MSMEs. So we need to find ways to intervene to support them in that.

Moe Ba: Thank you very much. Thank you. Thank you, Jim. I think those are all useful. Hopefully, we’ll get some case studies from South Africa to contribute to this global study so we can have a global position or sort of understanding on this. And hopefully, also, your Acceleration Center will start taking a lot of new roles like the Foresight and the other things that’s happening. But thank you again. I would like to now go to Mr. Stefan Izaboke from Kenya, the Principal Secretary, to please give us the view of what Kenya has been doing to build this sort of platform for SMEs.

Stephen Isaboke: Thank you. Thank you. As some of you may know, the Kenya government has actually sort of set out pillars and sort of the better bottom-up economic transformation. And in fact, two of the pillars are touching on SME and digital transformation. So regarding SME, the Kenya economy is actually very much built on SMEs. And the economic analysis shows that nearly 60% of the economic drivers of Kenya is actually driven by SMEs. So the ruling party and government realized we need to address that segment. And that’s why it’s actually a very specific sort of ministry and department that is actually focused to enable digital transformation for SMEs, a couple of interventions. Number one, setting up a state department for MSMEs. Number two, the government set up a fund we call Hassler Fund specifically for SMEs. So we realized that the SMEs really do not have access to the normal banking environment. And they struggle to actually even get documentation and even prove that they can actually repay. So a fund was set aside for them to access funding because all these businesses and innovation actually need funds. And to get that funding, it is actually being enabled through M-Pesa, the mobile payment platform. Again, digital. You do not have to fill any paper. You do not have to fill anything. The entire aplication is all digital through mobile money and you are able to get the funding, in fact paid true the sim, and true that acces, through mobile money the MSMEs now they have a credit history. We have also done a bit of transformation on government side, with E-citizen. Now all governmental services are digitalised, over 20.000 services are all E. Also for SMEs we enabled one point application for license, under 5 dollars, you apply and get licences automatically. All those thigs are meant to A enable digital acces B make it inclusive in a sense it is affordable and also really widen it. Then, finally we also have had addressed the infrastructure side of our economy. We realised that digital access i verry elite. So the current government put out policy to extend digital services, to extending 1000 kilometers of fiber cables across the country, 100nds of digital hubs, to enable all these rural parts to get access.

Moe Ba: Thank you, thank you very much, Principal Secretary. I think this is actually quite interesting, because you started touching on the G2B, government to business, and you also touched on a lot of B2B you’re doing, but you also touched on a lot of B2B. a lot of basic infrastructural requirement that you need to. These are really inspiring, and we look forward to see these cases submitted for this global study and this global collaboration. Thank you very much. I’d like to now go to the president of CICT, Mr. Yu? No? Oh, John? Okay, sorry. Sorry, but I do want to pick up on what he said, which is two items that needs to happen. One of the items is the momentum for digital transformation for SMEs, and the second is the momentum for technical cooperation that the president of CICT brought on. John, I know you have been doing a lot from a NATO point of view, and this is a personal passion of yours. Can you please tell us what you have been doing in this area? Over to you, Mr. OMO.

John OMO: Thank you very much, Mohamed. I really appreciate being here. Context. Africa has SMEs contributing conservatively between 50 to 60% of our GDP. Out of that, just about 20% of the SMEs are using some form of digital in one way or the other. And of the 20%, South Africa takes the bulk of it, followed by a few other countries, just about nine of them. In fact, South Africa is probably the only country from my bridge that stands out with clear policies in this sector. Of course, quite a number of other countries are following suit. I have Rwanda, Kenya, Mauritius, Ghana, Ethiopia, Morocco, Egypt, and oh, I’m forgetting the other one. Ghana, Ethiopia, Mauritius, Rwanda, Egypt, Nigeria, so that kind of. The challenge, as the peers from Kenya have said, has largely been infrastructure. But in the main, it’s lack of, you know, from a policy perspective, how do we bring this important segment of our economy, contributing upwards of 60% to the GDP, into the mainstream of digital transformation. So about four or five years ago, we embarked on a program called Africa Innovation Challenge, that largely focused on young people, in terms of bringing together their innovative ideas and showcasing them, linking them with, you know, mentors and, you know, people who could handhold them, done pretty much in collaboration with the ITU. And we’ve done this in various ways, either in health, education, environment, and areas that really present challenges to our day-to-day lives, including, of course, the digital ecosystems where we were working with institutions that, you know, facilitate young people that have digital ecosystems that facilitate innovative ideas for young people and really, really creative ideas. In terms of, I know for a short of shortage of time, let me just speak briefly of what I’d like to see. There are too many clusters, too many clusters, whether you talk of, you know, again, allow me to use South Africa, because that’s the example that I see, where there’s a clear unitary momentum. But even in our own countries, there are very, very many clusters. Thank you very much, everyone, and I think there’s tremendous opportunities where we’re linking with institutions that have more similar sort of challenges, or that have gone through similar challenges, like ourselves, to create a network that truly links, especially young people, whether in China, whether in South Africa, or in Cairo, or wherever, links young people to opportunities in China, in Europe, in wherever, so that they can exhibit quite what the ideas that they have. Lastly, there’s been quite a lot to exhibit, my experience, quite a lot to exhibit. I think a network that goes from exhibition to the market is really one that we want to see in Africa. Thank you very much.

Ke Wang: Thank you. Thank you, John. And those are actually very insightful thoughts on how we can start building the two momentum that was mentioned by the president of CICT. And I’d like to now get a view of the private sectors. We have two powerful private sector representatives here. I’d like to start with Mr. Ba. Mr. Ba, could you give us your view? Thank you.

Bocar Ba: Thank you. Thank you, Mohamed. And good morning, colleagues. It’s a very complex question. And it’s important if you want to come up with some solution, as we have developed in the Arab region and the Middle East, to provide a clear context about what we are talking about. And digital technology are no longer just an enabler of progress. They are the very fabric binding together the ambition of 2030 agenda. They hold the power to amplify trade, revolutionize health care, catalyze dignified employment, and forge at large sustainable futures. Yet we still have 2.6 billion people offline. And they have no connectivity. This is not a connectivity issue. We consider it as a development emergency. And unless we connect the unconnected, digital progress risk reinforcing privilege rather than expanding opportunities. At the Samina Telecommunication Council, our priority is to reverse that trajectory. And we bring together operators, technology innovators, public interest leaders across Middle East, South Asia, and North Africa to champion inclusivity. And it has to be ethically grounded and environmentally responsible. not by the few but by all who benefits from the digital economy. So, this is the context that we are dealing with. Now, coming to the SMEs digital transformation, there are some key messages, and one of them is reliable connectivity underwritten by a broader ecosystem of contributors that can transform SMEs into engine of inclusivity and resilient growth. Now, the small and medium size enterprise are not small actors. You mentioned 50, 60 percent. They are the pulse of the global economy. They represent 90 percent of businesses and over half of the jobs worldwide. Their vitality directly shapes the collective development trajectory. Yet, in too many of our markets, these enterprises face high bandwidth costs, limited cloud access, and inadequate cybersecurity, leaving them digitally underpowered and economically constrained. Now, the Broadband as a Commissioner advocacy target number six rightly calls for 50 percent uplift in MSMEs connectivity by this year, 2025, because when SMEs are connected, they thrive, and 80 percent of the report that we have produced shows increased sales, 81 percent of the report lower cost operation. Now, what does it take to make it real and to make it happen? Number one, fit for purpose infrastructure. We need somehow to combine 5G, fixed wireless access, fiber spines, LEO satellites near the industrial zone. With that, we can meet the low latency, high reliability needs for the local businesses. Number two, inclusive financing. By applying A key principle of everyone who benefits from the digital economy should contribute. We outline it in the Universal Broadband Financial Framework at the Broadband Commission and we can broaden the base of the investment by engaging platforms, cloud providers, renewable energy players, alongside the traditional operators, the public sector, to be able to share the costs for the last miles and to de-risk the underserved market. Three, and I will end with that because we don’t have much time, but we have a key player, CAICT, capacity building on the digital marketplace, e-government procurement, and basic cyber security literacy can empower SMEs to adopt and use the trusted digital tools. When these three pillars converge, SMEs can gain and build resilience that will propel SDG number eight, which is decent work and economic growth. Thank you.

Ke Wang: Thank you, Mr. Ba. I think you mentioned a couple of key things. So we know digital infrastructure and access to the connectivity is still very important. We saw the case of Kenya where they’re rolling out thousands of these sort of spaces, but also the second thing you mentioned about the ecosystem has to come in and contribute. They’re also doing a lot in this sense, right? But also the practicality of this, which is Mr. Olmo talks about, we have to go from session like this to actual concrete thing, right? And I think this is where we’ll go to eventually to CAICT to lead that outcome of this will go somewhere. Now, I want to take a little detour to go into the technology world to Mr. Lee. I know that ZTE is building a lot of things, compute power, compute ecosystem, and compute infrastructure. All of this in a way can benefit and should benefit SMEs and should be open because we talk about open innovation. What is ZTE doing in this field and can you give your insight about what kind of cases we can learn from your organization? Thank you. Over to you, Mr. Lee.

Li Tian: Thank you, Mohammad. So I would try to be brief on behalf of the private sector point of view, especially from the company’s point of view, because innovation needs the engagement of all stakeholders, but we think the companies or large corporates should be responsible. for the Technology Innovation, especially for the SMEs. I don’t need to repeat all the other speakers mentioned that the importance of SMEs in terms of to explore the new frontiers on various areas. So from the ICT-enabled digital transformation, I wouldn’t say there are very much difference between the large corporates and SMEs. Take the ZTE as an example, maybe 30 or 35 years ago, we were a startup starting from making the switches or rotors, and now we are covering all the ICT infrastructures like the base station, cell phones, and data centers, servers, etc. So we started our own practice in terms of the digital transformation from long ago, and that’s not only we are the developer of the ICT infrastructure or the ICT tools, but we are also a user of that. Like the research and development, we use many of the tools to provide higher efficiency, and also like the smart factory and the mobile officing, that kind of things, we are also the user of that. So only when we use it and it can provide, can take effect, we make it open, make it publicly available, make it available to our customers, so that we are more confident that the ICT enables their effectivity. So even in our own company, there are different business units, so our high management team has proposed a new concept that is called the transaction-based architecture, so that we don’t need to build the same model. . We need to be between them. I think we can do this. Thank you. Thank you.

Moe Ba: Thank you for bringing those insights that even bigger companies today used to be smaller companies and if they want to survive, they have to keep thinking like small let’s do this together. Try to improve that. You need a plan on top of what you have. I think we have gone first circle from the opportunity to how we will nurture the infrastructure and resources provided by getting you on thebreaker. You know Conference the resources for the talents, and also we see a lot of good examples. Now, the study that South Africa did about SMEs and the future of SMEs, there’s actually many, many possibilities. If we don’t start addressing some of those things, like, for example, the digital talent for infrastructure, that future is not going to be what we expect. If we don’t start accessing the access to finance, funding, capital, and cash flow, especially building on fintech like Kenya is doing with M-Pesa and things like this, we’re not going to bridge that gap, especially for the informal economy, for the SMEs that are non-ICT sector, but that needs to absolutely have to use digital today. If we don’t start harmonizing some of the rules across borders, we’re not going to make it. And if we don’t start having targeted policies, we will have a lot of issues. Having said that, we heard a lot. Everybody has opportunity resources. And I think we heard that we’d like to get that platform that connects everything. Now, I would like to get each of the panelists’ view on what will it take for us to build and what can you contribute to this platform of platforms? Because you’re all building platform with ecosystem. What will it take? What should we do? And what will you contribute to this?

James George Patterson: Over to you, Jim. One minute. I think we need to look at maybe working within our regions in terms of the policy and regulatory environments, and also in terms of developing solutions across regions, using things like open standards to build supportive platforms for cross-border digital payment systems, regulations around the flow of data, and ensuring privacy, and so forth, and interoperability aspects. These are all kind of key areas. We can also look at collaboration in terms of developing solutions that are relevant for cross-border activities. I think that in itself can be an opportunity for innovators. and the MSME sector. They should be at the forefront, I would think, of some of these initiatives as well. So, yeah, I think one minute. That would be my initial comment.

Ke Wang: Thank you. Thank you. Thank you, Jim. I think this will be music to Mr. Li’s ears. Mr. Li, what do you think about this? And what would be your view in contributing to this type of platform? I’ll go randomly this time to make things a little…

Li Tian: Yeah, thanks. Talking about collaboration, of course, the platform is important. And I would be very appreciative that the platform like IADD, we are on board from the very beginning. And that includes both the government, the industry, and also the financial parts. We are a good family. And also, this international platform are closely collaborating with the local agencies, like the innovation centers, like CICT in China, and also the global partners in the… like some in the council, in the also very prominent areas. So, I think this kind of collaboration could take advantage of many of the industries that have some advantages locally and who would like to also go overseas, go globally. So, in the AI area, I think the technology upgrades very fast. We also need to adopt ourselves very quickly. So, talking about the… on the context of AI, we have also established an alliance called COIA, which stands for the Cooperative Open Intelligence Computing Industry Alliance, where the Secretary General Meng Wei is sitting over there. So, we hope that he is also going to join IADD as an expert group. So, we hope that with this open mind to build the open modules, open technologies, to join this ecosystem, we can not only benefit but also contribute more in this big family.

Moe Ba: Thank you. Thank you. Thank you very much, Mr. That’s actually quite, quite interesting because we’re talking about now we need to have access to compute power. We can start basically multiplying the effect of this network. The alliance is a network with expert resources, et cetera. CIC is doing its job to bring us all together and that will have a concrete way output. Of course, John, this is going to be what you would wish for, right? Go from talk to actions. Now what can we do, John? Or what do you want to do here?

John OMO: Thank you very much. Perhaps I can just summarize it into one word, goodwill. I think we have had event-based activities, especially from our perspective. We are moving it into a platform, but I think the opportunity to bring various platforms together for purposes of a bigger impact is one that have a lot of goodwill. So I think straight from here, we will ask you to assign us responsibilities, assign us responsibilities so that we know what each of us needs to do for purposes of pushing this forward, especially from the cross-border perspective that Jim has talked about. I doubt whether resources will be an issue because we’re already spending resources in our little fiefdoms. And so all it requires is to bring these resources together. So for me, I think goodwill is the issue. Thank you very much.

Moe Ba: Thank you very much, John. Mr. Rizabog?

Stephen Isaboke: Yeah, so I think my colleagues have actually laid it. I think it’s around creating the right environment. And for us, it’s to start by addressing the basics, which is basically access. where the infrastructure is coming in big time. And then that’s really hardware, then to underpin that is also to ensure that you’ve got governance around data because that infrastructure is actually going to be run by data, that’s why AI is a big thing. So, in Kenya, we’ve got now the control of for data security and all that and we’ve got laws that govern how you can use data because eventually then when the digital play comes on, you’ve got infrastructure, you’ve got data and then you’ve got all the activities that you run with the government service with their commercial activities, with its innovation and all that. So, we as government have to look at the entire ecosystem from infrastructure to data to access, especially for the vulnerable, the SMEs, MSMEs and really the marginalized, the youth and all that. And then also ensure that the environment is actually especially enabling for those that should actually really most need it, the youth and the MSMEs. And there’s a very active sort of promotion of that. And in fact, it’s a case study we’d like to share particularly from MSMEs and the youth in terms of digital access. Thank you.

Ke Wang: Thank you very much. I think point taken, platform is about data, infrastructure, access and services. Mr. Ba. And we can finish this.

Bocar Ba: I think I don’t have time to be controversial, but I don’t like the term goodwill. Mr. Ba, I don’t like the term goodwill. This partnership, it’s not a nice to have, it’s a necessity and it can be decisive. So I think we need to, it’s up to us to take it in urgency and just to number one, harmonizing the policies framework. for the SMEs, and number two, to create scale by cross-border collaboration. And these are the messages that we have to communicate to the policymakers and regulators.

Moe Ba: Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Ba. I want to thank all panelists and Ms. Wang Qi, just over to you to close the session.

Ke Wang: Thank you, Mr. Ba and all the panelists for the participation. And briefly, ladies and gentlemen, esteemed guests and distinguished colleagues, thank you for the excellent, exceptional, productive discussion and participation, shared diverse perspectives, and valuable insights. And the seminar now conducts successfully. I wish all distinguished guests a fruitful and rewarding experience at the coming events. Thank you. Thank you, everyone.

Agreement points

SMEs are critical economic drivers requiring urgent digital transformation support

Speakers

– John OMO
– Xiaohui Yu
– Bocar Ba
– Ke Wang

Arguments

SMEs contribute 50-60% of GDP in many countries but only 20% use digital technologies, creating urgent need for transformation

Digital transformation has become core engine for global sustainable development, with SMEs needing transformative momentum through ICT

SMEs represent 90% of businesses and over half of jobs worldwide, making their digital empowerment critical for inclusive growth

SMEs have small funding scale, insufficient upgrading capabilities, and weak competitiveness but are highly innovative and crucial for global economic growth

Summary

All speakers agreed that SMEs are fundamental to economic growth globally, contributing significantly to GDP and employment, but face urgent need for digital transformation to unlock their full potential despite current limitations in digital adoption and capabilities.

Topics

Development | Economic

Infrastructure development is fundamental prerequisite for SME digital transformation

Speakers

– Stephen Isaboke
– Bocar Ba
– James George Patterson

Arguments

Kenya extended 1000 kilometers of fiber cables and established hundreds of digital hubs to enable rural digital access

Fit-for-purpose infrastructure combining 5G, fixed wireless access, fiber spines, and LEO satellites is needed near industrial zones

Access to emerging technologies in open formats like open source software and digital public infrastructure services is crucial

Summary

Speakers consistently emphasized that robust digital infrastructure is the foundation for SME digital transformation, requiring comprehensive connectivity solutions and open technology platforms to enable widespread access.

Topics

Infrastructure | Development

Collaborative ecosystems and platforms are essential for scaling SME support globally

Speakers

– Moe Ba
– Ke Wang
– Li Tian
– John OMO

Arguments

ITU Innovation and Entrepreneurship Alliance operates as global network with 100+ stakeholders, 35+ board members, and 17 acceleration centers

The 2025 ICT-Enabled Digital Transformation SMS Case Collection Initiative aims to identify rational pathways and analyze critical challenges for SME transformation

ZTE promotes transaction-based architecture and open modules through Cooperative Open Intelligence Computing Industry Alliance

Need for harmonized policy frameworks for SMEs and cross-border collaboration to create scale

Summary

All speakers supported the need for collaborative platforms and ecosystems that bring together multiple stakeholders to share resources, knowledge, and best practices for supporting SME digital transformation at scale.

Topics

Development | Economic

Capacity building and skills development are critical enablers for SME digital adoption

Speakers

– Cosmas Luckyson Zavazava
– James George Patterson
– Bocar Ba

Arguments

ITU launched Strategic Foresight 101 courses and advanced training for acceleration center experts on ecosystem development

Access to skills and capacity development are critically important, with need for supportive cybersecurity solutions for SMEs

Capacity building on digital marketplace, e-government procurement, and cybersecurity literacy empowers SMEs to adopt trusted digital tools

Summary

Speakers agreed that targeted capacity building programs covering digital skills, cybersecurity, and strategic planning are essential for enabling SMEs to effectively adopt and utilize digital technologies.

Topics

Development | Cybersecurity

Financial inclusion and innovative funding mechanisms are crucial for SME digital transformation

Speakers

– Stephen Isaboke
– Bocar Ba
– James George Patterson

Arguments

Kenya created state department for MSMEs and Hustler Fund providing digital access to funding through M-Pesa platform

Inclusive financing requires broadening investment base by engaging platforms, cloud providers, and renewable energy players alongside traditional operators

Access to funding and venture capital remains critical challenge requiring strategic intervention and policy support

Summary

All speakers recognized that traditional funding mechanisms are inadequate for SMEs and emphasized the need for innovative, inclusive financing approaches that leverage digital platforms and broader stakeholder participation.

Topics

Development | Economic

Similar viewpoints

Both speakers emphasized the importance of open standards and interoperability as fundamental principles for enabling cross-border collaboration and making technology accessible to SMEs, with large corporations having responsibility to drive this openness.

Speakers

– James George Patterson
– Li Tian

Arguments

Cross-border digital payment systems and data flow regulations using open standards can support regional collaboration

Large corporations should be responsible for technology innovation, especially for SMEs, using open standards and interoperability

Topics

Infrastructure | Legal and regulatory

Both speakers viewed connectivity gaps as urgent development challenges requiring immediate government intervention to prevent digital divides from worsening inequality and to ensure inclusive access to digital opportunities.

Speakers

– Bocar Ba
– Stephen Isaboke

Arguments

2.6 billion people remain offline, representing a development emergency that risks reinforcing privilege rather than expanding opportunities

Infrastructure challenges are the primary barrier, requiring government intervention to address basics like access and data governance

Topics

Development | Infrastructure

Both speakers supported structured, multi-layered approaches to innovation ecosystems that combine governance, implementation networks, and practical operational components to deliver concrete outcomes for SME support.

Speakers

– Moe Ba
– Ke Wang

Arguments

Alliance provides ecosystem approach with Digital Innovation Board, Network of Acceleration Centers, and operational labs

CAICT operates as ITU acceleration center with three planned achievements: foresight report, SMS guidelines, and integration innovation platform

Topics

Development | Economic

Unexpected consensus

Private sector responsibility for SME digital transformation

Speakers

– Li Tian
– Bocar Ba

Arguments

Large corporations should be responsible for technology innovation, especially for SMEs, using open standards and interoperability

Universal Broadband Financial Framework applies principle that everyone benefiting from digital economy should contribute to funding

Explanation

Unexpected consensus emerged between private sector representative (ZTE) and telecommunications council leader on corporate responsibility for SME support. This suggests strong industry recognition that successful digital transformation requires private sector leadership and shared financial responsibility, moving beyond traditional government-led development approaches.

Topics

Economic | Development

Urgency of SME digital transformation as development emergency

Speakers

– Bocar Ba
– John OMO
– Xiaohui Yu

Arguments

2.6 billion people remain offline, representing a development emergency that risks reinforcing privilege rather than expanding opportunities

SMEs contribute 50-60% of GDP in many countries but only 20% use digital technologies, creating urgent need for transformation

Digital transformation has become core engine for global sustainable development, with SMEs needing transformative momentum through ICT

Explanation

Unexpected strong consensus emerged across different organizational perspectives (telecommunications council, African union, Chinese research institute) on characterizing SME digital gaps as a development emergency rather than gradual challenge. This unified urgency suggests global recognition that incremental approaches are insufficient.

Topics

Development | Economic

Overall assessment

Summary

Strong consensus emerged across all speakers on five key areas: SMEs as critical economic drivers needing urgent digital transformation, infrastructure as fundamental prerequisite, collaborative ecosystems for scaling support, capacity building as essential enabler, and innovative financing mechanisms as crucial. Unexpected consensus appeared on private sector responsibility and urgency of transformation as development emergency.

Consensus level

High level of consensus with remarkable alignment across diverse stakeholders from different regions, sectors, and organizational types. This strong agreement suggests mature understanding of SME digital transformation challenges and readiness for coordinated global action through platforms like the ITU Innovation and Entrepreneurship Alliance.

Different viewpoints

Terminology and urgency framing for collaboration

Speakers

– Bocar Ba
– John OMO

Arguments

I don’t like the term goodwill. This partnership, it’s not a nice to have, it’s a necessity and it can be decisive

Perhaps I can just summarize it into one word, goodwill. I think we have had event-based activities, especially from our perspective

Summary

Bocar Ba explicitly rejected John OMO’s characterization of collaboration as ‘goodwill’, arguing that partnership is a decisive necessity rather than a nice-to-have based on goodwill. John OMO viewed goodwill as the key factor for bringing platforms together.

Topics

Development | Economic

Unexpected differences

Fundamental nature of international cooperation

Speakers

– Bocar Ba
– John OMO

Arguments

I don’t like the term goodwill. This partnership, it’s not a nice to have, it’s a necessity and it can be decisive

Perhaps I can just summarize it into one word, goodwill

Explanation

This disagreement was unexpected because both speakers were advocating for the same collaborative platform, yet they had fundamentally different philosophical approaches to international cooperation – one viewing it as voluntary goodwill versus mandatory necessity.

Topics

Development | Economic

Overall assessment

Summary

The discussion showed remarkably high consensus on core issues with minimal direct disagreements. The main areas of difference were in approach and emphasis rather than fundamental goals – speakers agreed on SME empowerment, digital transformation, and infrastructure needs but differed on implementation strategies and philosophical frameworks for cooperation.

Disagreement level

Very low level of disagreement with high implications for effective collaboration. The consensus suggests strong potential for unified action, though the philosophical difference about cooperation frameworks could impact implementation approaches and urgency of action.

Partial agreements

Similar viewpoints

Both speakers emphasized the importance of open standards and interoperability as fundamental principles for enabling cross-border collaboration and making technology accessible to SMEs, with large corporations having responsibility to drive this openness.

Speakers

– James George Patterson
– Li Tian

Arguments

Cross-border digital payment systems and data flow regulations using open standards can support regional collaboration

Large corporations should be responsible for technology innovation, especially for SMEs, using open standards and interoperability

Topics

Infrastructure | Legal and regulatory

Both speakers viewed connectivity gaps as urgent development challenges requiring immediate government intervention to prevent digital divides from worsening inequality and to ensure inclusive access to digital opportunities.

Speakers

– Bocar Ba
– Stephen Isaboke

Arguments

2.6 billion people remain offline, representing a development emergency that risks reinforcing privilege rather than expanding opportunities

Infrastructure challenges are the primary barrier, requiring government intervention to address basics like access and data governance

Topics

Development | Infrastructure

Both speakers supported structured, multi-layered approaches to innovation ecosystems that combine governance, implementation networks, and practical operational components to deliver concrete outcomes for SME support.

Speakers

– Moe Ba
– Ke Wang

Arguments

Alliance provides ecosystem approach with Digital Innovation Board, Network of Acceleration Centers, and operational labs

CAICT operates as ITU acceleration center with three planned achievements: foresight report, SMS guidelines, and integration innovation platform

Topics

Development | Economic

Key takeaways

Digital transformation of SMEs is critical for global sustainable development, with SMEs contributing 50-60% of GDP in many countries but only 20% currently using digital technologies

A global collaborative platform is needed to connect existing regional and national SME support ecosystems, moving from fragmented clusters to unified networks

Infrastructure, policy harmonization, capacity building, and inclusive financing are the four foundational pillars required for successful SME digital transformation

The ITU Innovation and Entrepreneurship Alliance serves as a global coordination mechanism with 100+ stakeholders, 35+ board members, and 17 acceleration centers

Cross-border collaboration using open standards and interoperable systems is essential for scaling SME digital solutions regionally and globally

Government intervention is crucial for creating enabling environments through digital public infrastructure, regulatory frameworks, and targeted funding mechanisms

Resolutions and action items

Launch of the 2025 ICT-Enabled Digital Transformation SME Case Collection Initiative by CICT and ITU, with expert review starting July 2025

Preparation of joint final report by ITU and CICT for release at ITU WTDC in Baku (November 17-28, 2025)

Three planned deliverables: foresight report, SMS guidelines, and integration innovation SMS platform

Third Digital Innovation Board meeting scheduled for October 1-2, 2025 in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic

Second ICODI workshop to be organized in August 2025 for accelerating regional initiatives implementation

Assignment of specific responsibilities to regional partners for cross-border collaboration (requested by John OMO)

Submission of case studies from participating countries (South Africa, Kenya, others) to the global study

Unresolved issues

Specific mechanisms for harmonizing policy frameworks across different regions and countries

Detailed funding models for the proposed ‘platform of platforms’ and its sustainability

Concrete implementation timeline for cross-border digital payment systems and data flow regulations

Specific roles and responsibilities for each alliance member in the collaborative network

Technical specifications for interoperability standards across different national digital ecosystems

Measurement criteria and success metrics for the SME digital transformation initiatives

How to effectively connect the 2.6 billion people still offline to benefit from SME digital services

Suggested compromises

Combining regional approaches with global coordination rather than imposing uniform solutions across all countries

Balancing open innovation principles with necessary cybersecurity and data protection requirements

Integrating both government-led initiatives and private sector platforms rather than choosing one approach

Addressing both basic infrastructure needs and advanced technology access simultaneously rather than sequentially

Supporting both formal and informal SME sectors through flexible digital solutions rather than one-size-fits-all approaches

Leveraging existing national platforms while building bridges between them rather than creating entirely new systems

We live in a very uncertain, volatile, complex, and ambiguous environment. Everything is changing around us. It’s for our countries, but as well as for the SMEs that we are talking about. And digital is at the core of this. So, the alliance was really put in place as a bigger mechanism to really try to help all of us navigate this environment.

Speaker

Moe Ba

Reason

This comment reframes the entire discussion by positioning digital transformation not as an opportunity but as a survival necessity in an inherently unstable world. It shifts the conversation from ‘nice-to-have’ innovations to essential adaptive mechanisms, elevating the urgency of SME digital transformation.

Impact

This framing influenced subsequent speakers to emphasize concrete, practical solutions rather than theoretical benefits. It established the foundational context that made other participants focus on immediate, actionable interventions rather than long-term aspirational goals.

We realized that digital access is very elite. So the current government put out policy to extend digital services, to extending 1000 kilometers of fiber cables across the country, 100nds of digital hubs, to enable all these rural parts to get access.

Speaker

Stephen Isaboke

Reason

This comment introduces a critical equity dimension by explicitly acknowledging that digital transformation can reinforce existing inequalities rather than democratize opportunities. It challenges the assumption that digital solutions are inherently inclusive.

Impact

This observation shifted the discussion toward infrastructure equity and prompted other speakers to address accessibility barriers. It influenced subsequent comments about affordability, rural access, and the need for targeted policies for underserved populations.

There are too many clusters, too many clusters… I think a network that goes from exhibition to the market is really one that we want to see in Africa.

Speaker

John OMO

Reason

This comment identifies a fundamental structural problem – fragmentation of innovation ecosystems that prevents scaling. It moves beyond celebrating innovation to critiquing the disconnect between innovation showcases and market realization, highlighting a critical gap in the innovation pipeline.

Impact

This observation prompted the moderator and other participants to focus on platform integration and cross-border collaboration. It influenced the later discussion about creating ‘platforms of platforms’ and the need for systematic coordination rather than isolated initiatives.

This is not a connectivity issue. We consider it as a development emergency. And unless we connect the unconnected, digital progress risk reinforcing privilege rather than expanding opportunities.

Speaker

Bocar Ba

Reason

This comment fundamentally reframes digital divide from a technical problem to a development crisis with moral implications. It introduces the provocative idea that digital progress without inclusion actually worsens inequality, challenging the assumption that any digital advancement is inherently positive.

Impact

This reframing elevated the entire discussion’s urgency and ethical dimension. It influenced other speakers to emphasize inclusive financing, targeted policies for underserved populations, and the responsibility of all digital economy beneficiaries to contribute to solutions.

I don’t like the term goodwill. This partnership, it’s not a nice to have, it’s a necessity and it can be decisive. So I think we need to, it’s up to us to take it in urgency.

Speaker

Bocar Ba

Reason

This direct challenge to another panelist’s framing transforms the discussion from diplomatic cooperation to urgent action. It rejects the notion that collaboration is voluntary or charitable, instead positioning it as strategically essential for survival and success.

Impact

This comment created a pivotal moment that shifted the entire tone from polite cooperation to urgent action. It influenced the closing discussion toward concrete commitments and actionable next steps rather than aspirational statements about future collaboration.

Overall assessment

These key comments fundamentally transformed what could have been a routine policy discussion into a more urgent, equity-focused, and action-oriented conversation. The progression from Moe Ba’s environmental framing, through Isaboke’s equity concerns and OMO’s structural critique, to Bocar Ba’s emergency framing and direct challenge to ‘goodwill’ thinking, created a narrative arc that elevated both the stakes and the specificity of proposed solutions. The comments collectively shifted the discussion from celebrating digital opportunities to confronting digital inequities, from showcasing isolated successes to demanding systematic integration, and from diplomatic cooperation to urgent collaborative action. This transformation is evident in how later speakers increasingly emphasized concrete infrastructure investments, targeted policies, and immediate collaborative commitments rather than general aspirations about digital transformation benefits.

How to better shape an innovation ecosystem for investments in developing countries

Speaker

Cosmas Luckyson Zavazava

Explanation

This was mentioned as an area being explored through workshops, indicating ongoing research needs to understand optimal ecosystem development approaches

What constitutes a regional priority as opposed to a national priority for digital development

Speaker

Cosmas Luckyson Zavazava

Explanation

This is being addressed through ICODI workshops to help member states identify regional initiatives for the World Telecommunication Development Conference

How to identify rational pathways for accelerating SME digital transformations through ICT

Speaker

Ke Wang

Explanation

This is a core objective of the case collection initiative, requiring analysis of opportunities, challenges, and resource needs

How to create cross-sector, cross-border sandboxes to facilitate SME digital transformation

Speaker

Moe Ba

Explanation

This was mentioned as a key capability of the alliance that needs further development and implementation

How to harmonize policies and regulatory frameworks across regions for SME support

Speaker

James George Patterson

Explanation

Cross-border collaboration requires aligned regulatory environments, which currently presents challenges for SME growth

How to develop solutions for cross-border digital payment systems and data flow regulations

Speaker

James George Patterson

Explanation

These are identified as key areas needing collaborative development to support cross-border SME activities

How to create a network that goes from exhibition to market for African SMEs

Speaker

John OMO

Explanation

There’s a gap between showcasing innovations and actually bringing them to market that needs to be addressed

How to reduce the number of fragmented clusters and create unified momentum for SME support

Speaker

John OMO

Explanation

Too many separate initiatives exist without coordination, reducing overall effectiveness

How to ensure everyone who benefits from the digital economy contributes to SME support

Speaker

Bocar Ba

Explanation

This relates to the Universal Broadband Financial Framework and needs further development for implementation

How to build fit-for-purpose infrastructure combining multiple technologies for SME needs

Speaker

Bocar Ba

Explanation

Integration of 5G, fiber, satellites, and other technologies near industrial zones requires further research and planning