Deepening internet connectivity in Africa

As Africa continues to navigate its digital transformation journey, one key theme that has emerged is the importance of deepening internet connectivity across the continent. CNBC Africa’s Tabitha Muthoni recently caught up with Stanley Kamanguya, the CEO of the ICT Authority of Kenya, on the sidelines of the ongoing Connected Africa Summit 2024 in Nairobi, Kenya. The conversation shed light on the critical components that are essential for successful digital transformation in Africa. Digital skilling emerged as a fundamental issue in the discussion, with Kamanguya emphasizing the importance of empowering citizens with the necessary skills to leverage technology effectively. According to Kamanguya, providing infrastructure and software solutions alone is not sufficient for a successful digital transformation. Without enabling and empowering people to use these tools efficiently and safely, tangible outcomes cannot be achieved. To address this, Kenya has embarked on a significant training program aimed at equipping at least 20 million citizens with digital skills. The training program is designed to cater to individuals of all demographics, including the elderly, persons with disabilities, and those with limited literacy. By offering different levels of digital learning, from basic foundational skills to advanced capabilities, Kenya is ensuring that its population is well-equipped to participate in the digital economy. Collaboration with various partners is also underway to educate the public on online risks and threats, as internet usage expands across the continent. In addition to digital skilling, affordability and access to the internet emerged as critical factors in driving connectivity in Africa. Kamanguya highlighted the role of the government in laying the fundamental infrastructure required for connectivity, with the private sector responsible for extending services to households and monetizing them. Investing in digital infrastructure, increasing cross-border connectivity, and hosting applications and data locally were identified as key strategies to reduce the cost of internet access in Africa. Africa's reliance on international data traffic contributes to the high cost of internet on the continent, making it imperative to develop modern data centers to host global applications locally. Kamanguya noted that Kenya's efforts in this area have attracted global organizations to set up data centers in the country, reducing the need to route traffic to other continents. Furthermore, improving cross-connectivity between mobile operators in Africa and establishing a common telecom operator for the continent were proposed as measures to standardize communication costs and drive digital trade. By working towards a common digital payment platform, Africa can further enhance its digital economy and facilitate seamless transactions across borders. The path to affordable connectivity in Africa requires a multi-faceted approach, combining investments in infrastructure, skills development, and strategic partnerships. By addressing these key areas, Africa can accelerate its digital transformation and unlock new opportunities for its citizens and businesses.