Publications
The Africa Roundtable N°7
Action Recommendations
The Africa Roundtable in Nairobi 2024
Foundations for Africa's Future: Digital Infrastructure, Digital Public Infrastructure, and Data Sovereignty for Economic Growth
Publications: The Africa Roundtable N°7
December 20, 2024
Nairobi
The seventh edition of The Africa Roundtable united leading figures from Europe and Africa in Nairobi. Representatives from politics, business, civil society, media and academia explored strategies for Africa’s digital infrastructure and data sovereignty. As data increasingly drives economic growth, bridging gaps in data accessibility and processing across the continent has become essential. A research paper presented at the conference, examining the economic and social potential of Africa’s digital transformation, provided empirical foundations for the discussion.
Building on the previous edition’s insights into infrastructure and the digitalization of the agricultural sector, this edition broadened the scope to explore the digitalization of all sectors of society and the continent’s growing role in the global digital landscape.
Action Recommendations
Meaningful Access
Quality digital infrastructure requires more than network coverage. Success depends on affordable devices, relevant content, and user skills development across all communities.
Public-Private Partnerships
Collaboration between government and business drives sustainable digital innovation. This ensures digital services reach all citizens, especially in underserved regions.
Harmonization
African nations must develop compatible systems and unified standards. This enables seamless cross-border services and strengthens continental integration.
Data Sovereignty
Balanced frameworks protect African interests while enabling global participation. National strategies must combine digital autonomy with international cooperation.
Digital Skills
Infrastructure growth requires matching skills development. Comprehensive training programs across education and professional development ensure universal digital participation.
Security Frameworks
Trust requires robust privacy and security measures. Clear governance structures protect user rights while fostering innovation.
Sustainable Financing
Modern partnerships focus on co-creation and knowledge exchange. Sustainable funding, technology transfer, and capacity building respect African digital sovereignty.
Contact Persons
Stephanie Igunbor, s.igunbor@globalperspectives.org
Supported by
Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
BDI Bundesverband der Deutschen Industrie
BMZ Bundesministerium für wirtschaftliche Zusammenarbeit und Entwicklung
Publications
Our collaborative publications aim to stimulate questioning and discussion. They are the result of a deep engagement with the focus topics of our work and enable a fact-based dialogue.
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Program Archive
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The distribution of power in the international system is changing. We interviewed 10 experts from the so-called 'Global South' to get their insight into their perception of Germany's role.
Africa's creative industries are booming and changing the global cultural landscape. We discussed the growing industry with Nollywood director Funke Akindele and writer Lola Shoneyin.
Investments in women's health are threatened by budget cuts and anti-gender movements. In our webinar, we discussed innovative strategies to drive progress in our digital dialogue.
The inequalities in the global health system have a significant impact on the financial situation of women. We discussed economic growth through equal opportunities.