Ethiopia is stepping up its efforts to foster a dynamic and inclusive digital future for the African continent, according to Belete Molla, the Minister of Innovation and Technology. Speaking at the Africa Internet Governance Forum in Addis Ababa on November 21, 2024, Molla underscored Ethiopia’s role in driving forward Africa’s digital transformation.
This year’s forum, themed “Building Our Multi-Stakeholder Digital Future for Africa,” has brought together policymakers, civil society, technical experts, and young innovators. The forum aims to foster collaboration, share best practices, and build partnerships to accelerate Africa’s digital journey.
Ethiopia’s Vision for Digital Inclusion
Minister Molla highlighted Ethiopia’s commitment to an inclusive and sustainable digital future, emphasizing that the country has already made significant progress in expanding internet access, promoting digital literacy, and nurturing innovation.
“We recognize that the internet has become an indispensable tool for economic growth, social progress, and innovation,” he said. The Minister stressed the importance of building secure and resilient digital infrastructures that can protect economies and societies from the growing threats of cyber-attacks.
Ethiopia aims to play a pivotal role in shaping the digital future of Africa and believes that pan-African cooperation is crucial for overcoming challenges and ensuring that all African nations can benefit from the digital revolution.
The Digital Divide in Africa
Claver Gatete, Executive Secretary of the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), also spoke at the forum, drawing attention to the mixed nature of Africa’s digital landscape. While the continent has seen remarkable innovations, such as mobile money systems that process billions annually, over 800 million Africans still lack internet access and remain excluded from the digital economy.
Gatete pointed out ongoing challenges in cybersecurity and data governance that are hindering the development of robust digital ecosystems. Despite these obstacles, he praised the continent’s ingenuity and transformative innovations.
He called for a significant scaling up of efforts to close the digital divide and ensure that Africa benefits from a comprehensive digital transformation aligned with the Global Digital Compact and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
A Collaborative Effort for Africa’s Digital Future
The forum, hosted by the ECA and Ethiopia’s Ministry of Innovation and Technology, serves as a platform for stakeholders to discuss critical issues such as cybersecurity, digital rights, sustainability, meaningful connectivity, and emerging technologies like AI. These discussions aim to foster cooperation among African nations to achieve a digitally inclusive future, as envisioned in Agenda 2063 – The Africa We Want.
