Developing a digital economy: What can Africa learn from India?

The ongoing India Africa ICT Expo in Kigali provided a platform for discussions about the digital transformation journey that Africa could embark on. Sanjay Nayak, the CEO and managing director of Tejas Networks, shared insights on how Africa can learn from India's success in the digital economy. Nayak emphasized the importance of building a robust telecom infrastructure as a foundational step towards achieving digital transformation aspirations. He highlighted India's efforts in establishing high capacity broadband networks at a low cost, drawing from Tejas Networks' experience in rolling out rural broadband infrastructure covering 100,000 villages. Nayak stressed the significance of leveraging existing technology solutions and fostering a conducive environment for skill development to drive digital innovation. Furthermore, he emphasized the need for Africa, particularly Rwanda, to focus on skills development to ensure that local talents can lead the digital revolution in their respective countries. Nayak proposed establishing centers of excellence in ICT technologies to bridge the gap between educational institutions and industry needs. In addition, he called for strategic partnerships between the private sector and governments to create a collaborative ecosystem that fosters innovation and sustainable growth. By sharing India's technological expertise and experience, Nayak expressed a commitment to supporting Africa's digital transformation journey and enabling the continent to leverage digital tools for economic development and societal progress.