In a bid to position Africa at the forefront of digital technologies, Amani Abou-Zeid, the Commissioner for Infrastructure and Energy at the African Union (AU), has emphasised the crucial need for the continent to invest in digital infrastructure and skills development.
Abou-Zeid called upon both public and private-sector stakeholders in Africa to embrace the latest advancements in digital technology to drive socio-economic development across the continent. Her remarks come ahead of the AU’s biennial ministerial meeting, which aims to advance Africa’s digital agenda.
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Strategic Investment in Digital Infrastructure and Skills Development
Amani Abou-Zeid stressed the importance of strategic investments in digital infrastructure, skills development, entrepreneurship, and research and development for Africa to lead in shaping the development and deployment of digital technologies. She highlighted that any digital transformation strategy in Africa must prioritise the needs of the people and communities it aims to serve. Emphasising the role of technology in enhancing human capabilities rather than replacing them, she stated, “Our focus is on using technology to solve real problems that Africans face, from access to education and health services to financial inclusion.”
Human-Centric Approach to Technology
Abou-Zeid underscored the significance of adopting a human-centric approach to technology, asserting that digital technologies should augment human capabilities ethically and inclusively. She outlined the potential of digital technologies such as mobile money, e-commerce, and e-learning to create new opportunities, emphasising the need for their development with the specific needs of African users in mind. The Commissioner stressed the importance of leveraging technology to address real challenges faced by Africans, promoting access to education, health services, and financial inclusion.
Continental Artificial Intelligence Strategy
Abou-Zeid highlighted the draft Continental Artificial Intelligence Strategy, designed to position Africa at the forefront of harnessing artificial intelligence (AI) for socioeconomic development. The strategy aims to adopt a human-centric approach to AI, balancing the opportunities presented by emerging technologies with measures to mitigate potential risks and negative impacts. By promoting ethical and inclusive development, the AU aims to harness the benefits of AI for the overall advancement of the continent.
As the AU focuses on driving Africa’s digital agenda forward, the call for strategic investments in digital infrastructure and skills development reflects a commitment to fostering sustainable and inclusive technological advancements across the continent. The upcoming ministerial meeting is expected to serve as a platform for further discussions and collaborations to propel Africa into a leading role in the digital era.