Stakeholders at the Africa Soft Power Summit held in Kigali, Rwanda, emphasised how the digital economy is a driver of prosperity on the continent.
According to a statement from the organisers, leaders from Africa and the diaspora convened in Rwanda for a summit that ended recently with the subject “Africa Now: Connecting Africa—Shaping the Global Social and Economic Priorities of Our Time.”
The digital economy uses the Internet, digital platforms, and other digital technologies to generate value, stimulate innovation, and promote economic expansion.
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Gabby Otchere-Darko, the founder and executive chairman of the Africa Prosperity Network, emphasised the need for a single market to promote economic expansion.
“Making the single market function is the greatest approach to secure shared prosperity for Africa, and this can only be achieved if it is owned and driven by Africa’s private sector, particularly SMEs,” stated Otchere-Darko.
He emphasised that to improve economic development, the private sector must lead integration initiatives in Africa.
Subjects of discussion at the Africa Soft Power Summit
Sessions covering various subjects were offered throughout the summit, such as digital infrastructure, payments innovation, tech policy, women in leadership, and Artificial Intelligence.
The conversations emphasised how Africa’s knowledge, creative, and digital industries can spur economic expansion and guarantee the continent’s inclusion in international debates on essential problems.
Nigeria is working hard to build a digital economy by utilising its youthful population, expanding the ICT industry, and infrastructural spending. Notwithstanding ongoing challenges, the nation is well-positioned to emerge as an African digital superpower.
Speech from various African dignitaries
During her keynote speech, former Malawi president Joyce Banda emphasised traditional rulers’ critical role in ensuring positive outcomes for Africans.
Banda talked about her experiences fighting for Malawi’s domestic abuse bill and lowering the country’s maternal death rate, mentioning the backing of civil society and traditional leaders.
Nana Baffour, Executive Chairman of Enda and co-founder of NVH Studios spoke on the value of cooperation in furthering the African story.
He vowed to boost African enterprise and skill while putting African brands on the international map.
The CEO of Nigeria Exchange Limited, Temi Popoola, spoke on the role of the private sector in promoting gender equality.
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Popoola stated that by incorporating gender equality into its operational structure, the Nigeria Exchange Group has encouraged stakeholders in the capital market to make this a fundamental aspect of their operations.
The Africa Soft Power Gala and Awards, which celebrated innovation and highlighted accomplishments across various businesses and sectors, marked the summit’s conclusion.
Nkiru Balonwu, the CEO and founder of Africa Soft Power, reiterated her dedication to changing the global narrative of contemporary Africa.
“By holding the summit, we ensure that the continent is included in the larger global discourse on our day’s most critical intersectional challenges. This conference is more than just a summit, according to Balonwu; it’s evidence of Africa’s expanding influence and inventiveness on the world stage.