Digitalization key to Africa’s development: UN official

ADDIS ABABA, Nov. 29 (Xinhua) — Digitization is key to achieving the global Sustainable Development Goals and Africa’s 50-year development agenda 2063, a United Nations (UN) official has said.

Antonio Pedro, Acting Executive Secretary of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), highlighted the importance of partnership and cooperation in promoting digital connectivity in Africa as the continent endeavors on the path of economic transformation with the conduct of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement. underlined. field agreement.

Pedro made the remarks during a high-level session organized under the theme “Universal, Affordable and Meaningful Connectivity” as part of the ongoing Internet Governance Forum (IGF) 2022, which runs from November 28 to December 2 in Addis Ababa. Used to be. capital of Ethiopia.

Pedro said that the African Union Commission’s Digital Transformation Strategy was an excellent framework to prioritize digital infrastructure and access as a prerequisite for achieving digital transformation and prosperity in line with Agenda 2063.

He added that UNECA is promoting broadband expansion efforts in African countries, which will have a substantial impact on regional cooperation and integration in Africa.

According to Pedro, to address the gender digital divide across Africa, UNECA is organizing coding camps for girls and young women as part of the “Connected African Girls” initiative.

The 17th IGF is being organized under the theme of “Resilient Internet for a Shared Sustainable and Common Future”.