Summit highlights need for collaboration to drive Africa’s digital future
Speaking during the summit, Safaricom CEO Peter Ndegwa called for stronger alignment between governments and private sector actors to create a more enabling digital environment.
Calls for policy harmonisation and removal of regulatory bottlenecks dominated discussions at the 15th Connected Africa Summit, as stakeholders pushed for faster integration of Africa’s digital economy.
The summit, held at the Edge Convention Centre, brought together industry leaders, policymakers, and technology players focused on accelerating the continent’s digital transformation agenda through improved connectivity and cross-border collaboration.
Delegates observed that while Africa continues to record strong growth in mobile penetration and digital adoption, inconsistent regulatory frameworks across countries remain a major barrier to scaling innovation and investment.
Speaking during the summit, Safaricom CEO Peter Ndegwa called for stronger alignment between governments and private sector actors to create a more enabling digital environment.
He noted that coordinated investment in infrastructure and faster digitisation of public services are key to unlocking inclusive growth across the continent.
Technology company Safaricom showcased its converged digital services model, which integrates enterprise solutions, financial services, public sector digitisation, and technology operations into a unified framework aimed at supporting governments.
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki reinforced the need for inclusive partnerships, stressing that effective digital transformation requires cooperation between governments, the private sector, and citizens.
He emphasised that shared responsibility is essential in building a sustainable and inclusive digital ecosystem.
“The public sector does not have a monopoly on resources… we must collaborate with the private sector and the citizens themselves,” he said.
The summit is expected to conclude with renewed commitments on policy alignment, investment frameworks, and regional cooperation to support Africa’s transition toward a fully connected digital economy.
