Kathy Gibson reports – African countries need to collaborate to ensure that the continent’s young population is connected and able to participate in the digital economy.
This is the word from John Omo, secretary-general of the African Telecommunications Union (ATU), addressing the Ministerial Forum ahead of AfricaCom 2024.
Africa is experiencing a significant communications shift, he says, with the number of Internet users now surpassing 600-million, for an internet penetration of about 42% of the population.
“Yes, there has been growth, but it is still way below the international average of 66%,” says Omo. “This tells us all that there is still a lot more to do in terms of the initiatives we need to put together.”
The opportunities in the digital world are numerous, he adds. “As we face the significant challenges, we must identify the opportunities and the challenges, and how we can surpass them together.
The lack of electricity access several restricts the use of digital technologies, so disparities still persist.
The International Telecommunications Union (ITU) notes that just 23% of people in rural areas – including in South Africa – have access to the Internet compared to the urban average of 57%.
Regulatory hurdles compound these issues, inhibiting investment in connectivity. This is especially true in rural areas where they inhibit people from participating in the digital economy, Omo adds.
“Fortunately, there are minds with a solution,” he says. “I think collaboration in terms of learning from one another is key. Oftentimes we have competed rather than collaborated – and this kills initiatives that would allow us to forge ahead together.
“My call is for more dialogue, and sharing of resources, working with governments and telecommunications operators.”
The ATU works with the ITU on several issues, including reclaiming of radio resources. For instance, more than 18 000 FM channels are now available. “So we do believe there is a role to play at the African and global level to work with the membership and facilitate access.”
Africa has the world’s youngest population. “This is a huge potential,” Omo says. “But we must give them opportunities – and digital technology can provide this.”
We need to retain focus, Omo concludes. “A lot has been accomplished, but a lot still needs to be done to bridge the various divides we still have.”
Digitalisation, intelligence and decarbonisation are the three imperatives currently sweeping the world, according to Hover Gao, president of Huawei sub-Saharan Africa.
He says there are vibrant opportunities in sub-Saharan Africa. “We believe that prosperity, inclusivity and sustainability are the most important values to pursue.”
To do so, Huawei recommends collaboration in three key areas.
The first area is around data, a crucial resource in the intelligent age. Indeed, artificial intelligence (AI) could add $2,8-trillion to Africa’s economy by 2030, raising 11-million out of poverty every year.
A national cloud can help to realise the opportunities, Gao says. “It could lower the cost of access while improving access to government services.’
To achieve sustainability, renewable energy has a big role to play, he adds. And solar energy is an ideal solution for Africa, being the cheapest source to plug the significant energy gap especially in rural areas.
Africa already leads the world in solar installations, and there are many opportunities for micro-grids to supply affordable energy, Gao adds.
China has long advocated buildings roads in order to promote economic growth, and this philosophy stays true in the digital era.
“Cloud, Internet of Things (IoT) and electricity are the roads in the AI era,” Gao says. “they can connect us to greater opportunities for every individual and country.”
He adds that China has pulled itself up as an industrialization latecomer, to the point where it is a digital leader, and is keen to work with Africa to share its experiences.
“As we look to the future, we stand ready to work closely with all parties and leverage our expertise so we can sustainably contribute to a digital economy in Africa.
