Africa must close the digital divide and leverage technology to drive socioeconomic growth, according to Percy Chinyama, National Coordinator of SMART Zambia.
“Africa still relies heavily on Western countries for IP address allocation, which is a significant concern.”
Chinyama made the statement while fielding questions at the ongoing 56th edition of the Southern African Development Community Parliamentary Forum (SADC PF) which began on Monday in Livingstone, Zambia.
Read also: Smart Zambia expands GWAN to 88 locations, boosts digital access across country
The conference, with the theme “Leveraging Technology and Innovation for Smart, Inclusive and Responsive Parliaments in the SADC Region,” focused on using digital technologies, such as artificial intelligence (AI), to modernise parliamentary procedures in an effort to establish inclusive, democratic, and effective governance structures in the region.
He emphasised that Africa should create its own digital solutions, but that fragmentation frequently prevents cooperation and coordination.
“Africa’s biggest challenge is digital fragmentation, with countries often working in isolation rather than collaborating to achieve common goals,” he said.
“Technological breakthroughs are crucial in driving socio-economic development, and Africa has made significant strides in areas like digital payments and e-commerce,” he continued.
“To harness technology effectively, Africa must prioritise collaboration and coordination, working together to develop and implement digital solutions that address regional challenges,” he stressed.
Read also: Zamtel introduces e-SIM technology to Zambia
Africa’s collaboration to address local challenges with local solutions
Chinyama emphasised that in order to close the digital divide and use technology for socioeconomic advancement, Africa must act decisively.
He added that governments, businesses, and civil society organisations must work together to create and execute digital solutions that tackle local issues.
Africa can reach sustained socioeconomic development and realise its full potential by cooperating and giving digital transformation top priority, said Chinyama.