In order to hasten the expansion of digital public infrastructure in Africa, Ing. Patricia Obo-Nai, Chief Executive of Telecel Ghana, has issued a clear appeal for better multilateral alliances and collaboration between business, government, and investors.
During the Mobile Technology for Development (MT4D) session of the 3i Africa Summit on Wednesday, Ing. Obo-Nai gave the keynote address on “Digital Infrastructure and Innovation: Accelerating Africa’s Development.” In her speech, she outlined a strategy for using technology to accelerate the development of digital infrastructure, innovation, and literacy throughout the continent.
“If we are serious about expanding digital public infrastructure, my first demand on the subject is for collaboration and engagement between governments, business, domestic direct investors, and foreign direct investors. “Let’s not just talk about it; let’s do it,” Obo-Nai stated.
Infrastructure, innovation, and digital literacy are the three main areas that Ing. Obo-Nai identified as needing focus in order to hasten the integration of technology into public service for the benefit of every community.
Under the auspices of the 3i Africa Summit, the Ghana Chamber of Telecommunications hosted the MT4D sessions, which included several panel discussions featuring technology, innovation, and public information experts who shared ideas and solutions on growing digital public infrastructure for inclusive development.
Infrastructure that is ready for the future
Ing. Obo-Nai argued for the growth of safe, dependable, and high-quality communication, citing a report on the condition of mobile internet access in sub-Saharan Africa that revealed that 15% of people on the continent are still without network service and 59% have coverage but are not connected.
“Telecel, a service provider, will persist in its belief and practice of investing in network infrastructure. To reduce the gap, we also think that co-investment and infrastructure sharing programs are important,” she added. “This will guarantee the much-needed advancement toward accomplishing Sustainable Development Goal 9—which calls for universal and reasonably priced internet access throughout Africa.”
Innovation propels advancement.
Citing the findings of the e-Conomy Africa report, which projects that by 2025, Africa’s digital economy could contribute US$180 billion to the continent’s GDP, making it one of the most significant untapped investment opportunities, Ing. Obo-Nai urged stakeholders to support Africa’s creative capacity and give invention a high priority in both industry and education.
“Innovation is the catalyst for advancement and transformation. To promote development at scale, we need to be more thoughtful, invest in utilizing our skills’ creative potential, and give innovation in education and business top priority.
Impact of digital literacy on a cascade
Advancing the cause of digital literacy programs in schools to prepare African youth for the digital economy, Ing. Obo-Nai posed the question, “Will we have an African population ready to take advantage of it and accelerate our development if we have the infrastructure and sort out all the innovative solutions?”
By 2035, it is estimated that there will be 450 million working-age people in Africa. According to Ing. Obo-Nai, increasing internet accessibility could lead to millions of new job opportunities and upskill young people for tech-related jobs in the digital era.
