What's Happening?
Lacina Koné, CEO of Smart Africa, is spearheading a €100 million initiative to establish a single digital market across Africa. The alliance, originally formed by seven African heads of state in 2013,
aims to accelerate digital transformation on the continent. Under Koné's leadership since 2019, Smart Africa has expanded to over 40 countries, focusing on policy harmonization, digital infrastructure, and innovation funding. The Smart Africa Fund, supported by anchor sponsors Côte d'Ivoire and Luxembourg, targets scalable, sustainable tech solutions that benefit underserved communities. The initiative seeks to harmonize digital policies across borders, addressing fragmented laws that hinder progress.
Why It's Important?
The establishment of a single digital market in Africa is crucial for the continent's integration into the global digital economy. By harmonizing policies and investing in digital infrastructure, Smart Africa aims to overcome barriers that have historically limited intra-African trade and digital collaboration. This initiative could significantly boost Africa's tech ecosystem, attracting venture capital and fostering innovation. It also addresses concerns about data sovereignty and ownership, ensuring that Africa's digital future is controlled by Africans. The potential for economic growth and increased digital resilience makes this initiative a pivotal development for African nations.
What's Next?
The upcoming Transform Africa Summit in November 2025 in Conakry, Guinea, will further the initiative's goals. The summit, themed 'AI for Africa: Innovate Locally, Impact Globally,' will gather heads of state, policymakers, investors, and entrepreneurs to align policies and mobilize capital. This event marks a significant step in Smart Africa's mission to unify the continent digitally by 2030. The summit will focus on showcasing local innovation in AI, fintech, and agritech, emphasizing Africa's role in shaping the global digital agenda. The outcomes of this summit could accelerate the realization of a single digital market.
Beyond the Headlines
The initiative highlights the ethical and strategic importance of data sovereignty in Africa. As global tech giants expand their presence on the continent, questions about ownership and control of digital infrastructure become more pressing. Smart Africa advocates for sovereign data infrastructure to ensure national control and digital resilience. This approach not only protects African interests but also empowers local talent and innovation. The initiative's focus on co-creation over consumption aims to retain talent within Africa, fostering homegrown platforms that reflect local needs and contexts.
