※Building an African Digital Single Market by 2030§
[Video Message]
Dear Colleagues,
It is a pleasure to join you here today.
I thank USG Cristina Duarte for inviting me to speak on digital transformation in Africa.
I applaud the African Digital Single Market initiative -- which aims to create a seamless digital space across the African continent, facilitating access to digital goods and services without barriers.
The recently adopted Pact for the Future and the Global Digital Compact highlighted this opportunity and opened pathways to support the African vision.
Digital technologies carry immense potential to explore innovative solutions to current and emerging challenges and accelerate progress across the SDGs.
The vision of ※an integrated and inclusive digital society and economy in Africa§ is fully aligned with both Agenda 2063 and the 2030 Agenda.
Like other regions of the world, Africa stands at the cusp of a digital revolution 每 that has the potential to advance all facets of modern life, from creating jobs and transforming economies, to supporting digital healthcare and education, and improving the lives of millions of people.
This revolution is supported by remarkable progress in Africa＊s digital landscape.
Between 2016 and 2021, Internet users in Sub-Saharan Africa increased by an impressive 115 per cent.
This rapid growth has been accompanied by a surge in digital payments, with close to 200 million additional individuals engaging in digital transactions between 2014 and 2021.
But we must overcome challenges to connectivity for all in Africa.
The Global Digital Compact calls for developing innovative and blended financing mechanisms and incentives to connect the remaining 2.6 billion people to the Internet and to improve the quality and affordability of connectivity.
While digital development in Africa is generally trending upward, it has yet to gain significant momentum when compared to the rest of the world.
For instance, in digital government, 84 per cent of the population in Africa are still lagging behind the global average, according to the findings of the UN E-Government Survey 2024.
The E-Government Development Index in Africa is significantly less than the global average.
Severe disparities persist across the continent in digital development, particularly in terms of digital infrastructure, meaningful connectivity and digital literacy.
Furthermore, challenges remain in bridging the digital divide, including the gender digital divide and advancing integrated national frameworks for digital development and securing adequate financing.
Likewise, many are playing catch-up in regulatory frameworks in artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies.
In this context, I would like to share five recommendations for propelling digital development and digital government in Africa.
First, digital leadership and political support.
Effective digital development calls for strong political leadership and policy frameworks. This means countries should articulate a common vision, adopt holistic strategies, and build a vibrant digital ecosystem across public and private sectors.
In addition, the responsibility for digitalization should be shared by all and should not be be siloed within a single department. A whole-of-Government approach is key.
Second, Legal Digital Identity Systems in driving digital services.
Comprehensive digital identity systems, for both individuals and businesses, are the gateway to digital trade and the development of the digital economy and digital society. This is at the center of implementing the vision of an Africa＊s Digital Single Market.
Recent progress in operationalizing legal digital identity systems has been encouraging. But we must also tackle exclusion in access to public services as well as risks to the security and data.
Third, effective online participation.
Effective digital participation has a significant impact on sustainable development. Building trust in government institutions is crucial for promoting digital participation.
Raising awareness about the benefits of digital connectivity and building digital skills are indispensable for promoting digital transformation.
Fourth, data centricity.
Data is becoming a key asset in public administration and in achieving the SDGs.
Effective data governance frameworks improve service delivery, transparency, and accountability.
In addition, regulatory frameworks, focusing on data protection and cybersecurity, can facilitate data flows, including cross border data flows in Africa, while ensuring the safe use of digital platforms and protect privacy.
Last but not least, robust digital infrastructure.
Strategic investment and external support in digital infrastructure is crucial for Africa＊s digital future.
Public-private partnerships are instrumental in expanding broadband and fiber optic networks, improving connectivity across the continent.
Colleagues,
Despite challenges, the potential for leapfrogging into the African Digital Single Market is immense.
Africa is the youngest continent among all.
Over 60% of Africans are below 30 years of age. Youth is Africa＊s greatest asset.
We must ensure young people are empowered with digital tools.
We must scale up investment in human capacity, digital policies, digital infrastructure, digital literacy and digital cooperation.
Following the adoption of the Global Digital Compact, we must continue the momentum in advancing digital transformation in Africa.
UN DESA stands fully committed to supporting Africa in its digital development journey.
Thank you.