The expansion of broadband service in Africa “will cost at least USD 100 billion” and creating a resilient and expansive digital economy in Africa, according to Ralph Mupita, CEO of MTN Group, the continent's largest telecom operator.
The expert who was speaking during a panel of experts on building resilient digital economies in Africa, reiterated the great potential of the industry on the continent, where investment in broadband networks and commitment to innovation and entrepreneurship are essential to develop a digital ecosystem prosperous.
For Ralph Mupita, it is worth highlighting the rapid advances in connectivity in Africa, where almost half of the population has its own SIM card and more than 20% have access to the internet.
Tidjane Dème, partner of the venture capital company Partech and who was also at this event parallel to the annual meetings of the African Development Bank (ADB), which took place in Accra, Ghana, also stresses the importance of digital platforms as an engine capable of revolutionizing entire sectors of the economy, especially when applied to existing value chains.
BUT: Increased internet access in Africa could generate 44 million new jobs.
The large investment in digital technology in Africa, which grew by 1.344% in four years, rising from USD 360 million in 2016 to USD 5,2 billion in 2020, was another subject enhanced in the debate. But investment alone is not enough, according to experts, noting that building digital infrastructures requires specific skills and entrepreneurship. To get the most value, governments and the private sector need to consider the ecosystem as a whole.
Still on this path, the Cape Verdean Minister of Finance, Olavo Correia, underlined Cape Verde's commitment to digital, where through an investment of just 31 million euros from the ADB allowed the governo build a world-class technology park, which will help the archipelago to position itself "as the main digital hub and gateway to West Africa".
Also highlight the case study of the green girls, an organization created by Monique Ntumngia in Cameroon, which trains girls in rural communities to produce energy from the sun and waste using artificial intelligence, ensuring that women and rural communities “don't be left behind” in the digital revolution. Through its Empowerment Program, Green Girls supports female entrepreneurs to grow and prosper by selling and installing light bulbs and solar panels, as well as biodigesters, with digital codes.
