Digital Transformation in Africa

Given the criticality of Africa’s digital transformation, it is important to examine how the continent navigates its rapidly advancing digital revolution. Although Africa’s digital technology growth is not directly comparable to that of many advanced countries and regions, the continent is making significant progress. As a developing region, Africa still faces challenges in constructing the necessary infrastructure to become globally competitive in the digital age. However, the gap is closing, and Africa is no longer far behind.

Every year, 7th December is celebrated as African Telecommunications/ICT Day to commemorate the establishment of the African Telecommunications Union (ATU). The year 2024 marks the celebration of the 47th year of the ATU dedicated to Africa’s digital transformation. To commemorate the same, ORF has released a compendium on the subject, titled “Powering Africa’s Digital Transformation: The Policy Landscape”. In this context, ORF is also organising a panel discussion to discuss the following key themes:

• Current state of digital public service delivery in Africa including potential and challenges in utilising big data to transform governance
• The role of the digital economy in Africa’s industrial transformation under ‘Agenda 2063’
• Digital inclusion and women’s empowerment
• Implementation of rural tech empowerment programmes to support ICT-driven initiatives in rural Africa

Introductory Remarks:

Sameer Patil, Director, Centre for Security, Strategy and Technology, ORF

Panelists:

• Caroline Kathure Gatobu, Lecturer, National Defence University, Kenya
• Mikatekiso Kubayi, Senior Researcher, Institute for Global Dialogue (IGD)
• Anele Simon, Acting Secretary General, Independent Continental Youth Advisory Council on AfCFTA (ICOYACA)
• Anulekha Nandi, Fellow, ORF

Moderator:

Samir Bhattacharya, Associate Fellow, ORF