Contribution of digital to Africa’s green growth and progress

How the digital and green twin transitions support economy, boost innovation, and help Africa meet SDG targets.

Studio 2
High-Level Panels
Tuesday, June 21, 2022
11:40 to 12:40

The Global Gateway and the launch of the Digital4Development (D4D Hub) highlight the EU's ambition to support partner countries' digital transition. But what are the prerequisites for "meaningful connectivity" in Africa? What opportunities lie within the twin transition for young entrepreneurs and SMEs?

This panel saw speakers from diverse public and private backgrounds discuss different implications of Africa's journey towards a digital and green future. European public officials highlighted the EU's role in deepening ties with African partners to attain Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Private sector speakers representing small and big enterprises on both continents focused on infrastructure, green business models, and decentralized growth. Civil society and youth leaders put an emphasis on human-centric digital transformation and what the twin transition means for the next generations.

 

Synopsis

The digital and green twin transitions are essential to Africa’s growth and development, but there are several obstacles, including low (digital) literacy, low participation in rural areas and a lack of affordability.

To support growth, people have to be meaningfully connected to the internet through regular access, appropriate devices and unlimited broadband at 4G-like speeds. Governments should also convene partnerships between regulators and telecom providers to build shared infrastructure that minimises costs.

Organised by

Speakers

Moderator
Vilas DHAR
President
Patrick J. McGovern Foundation
Junior TAGNE
Data Engineer Je M'engage pour l'Afrique
Jérémie PELLET
Director General
Bernardo CALZADILLA-SARMIENTO
Directeur de la Numérisation at UNIDO
Adia SOWHO
Chief Marketing Officer
MTN Nigeria
Caroline KAMAITHA
Vice-President Africa of SES
Nanko MADU
Director of Programmes
AfriLabs
Tanja GOENNER
Chair of the Management Board
Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH
Jean Philbert NSENGIMANA
Honorary Chairperson
Alliance for Affordable Internet

Photo gallery

Contribution of Digital to Africa’s economic growth and progress