What's Happening?
The Smart Africa alliance, led by CEO Lacina Koné, is advancing its mission to create a single digital market across Africa. Since its inception in 2013, the initiative has grown from seven to over 40
member countries, focusing on policy harmonization, digital infrastructure, and innovation funding. The alliance has launched the Smart Africa Fund, initially supported with €100 million, to invest in scalable, technology-led solutions that benefit underserved communities. The fund is backed by contributions from the governments of Côte d'Ivoire and Luxembourg. Smart Africa is also working on harmonizing digital policies across borders to facilitate innovation and integration.
Why It's Important?
The expansion of the Smart Africa initiative is significant as it aims to position Africa as a key player in the global digital economy. By creating a unified digital market, the alliance seeks to overcome the challenges of fragmented digital policies and infrastructure that have historically hindered growth. This initiative could lead to increased investment, innovation, and economic development across the continent. It also addresses the issue of data sovereignty, advocating for African ownership of digital infrastructure and data. The success of this initiative could serve as a model for other regions seeking to integrate their digital economies.
What's Next?
The Smart Africa Summit, scheduled for November 2025 in Conakry, Guinea, will bring together stakeholders to discuss the future of digital innovation in Africa. The summit aims to align policies, mobilize investment, and showcase local innovations. The alliance will continue to work on cross-border data governance frameworks and shared digital IDs to facilitate smoother collaboration. The ongoing efforts to harmonize digital policies and infrastructure are expected to accelerate the integration of African markets, potentially leading to a digitally unified continent by 2030.
Beyond the Headlines
The initiative highlights the importance of co-creation over consumption, emphasizing the need for Africa to develop its own digital platforms rather than relying on foreign technologies. This approach aims to retain local talent and foster homegrown innovation. The alliance's focus on sustainable and inclusive growth could lead to long-term economic and social benefits for the continent. The initiative also raises questions about the balance of power in the global digital economy and the role of African countries in shaping their digital futures.
