Innovation and Technology

Thanks for sharing this great piece.

Well...while the intentions are there - with existing hard infrastructure - the biggest obstacles are the soft infrastructure, the institutions. Institutions are non-permitting when it comes to innovations to improve effectiveness and efficiency. Theoretically, we can discuss on their inability to reward innovators (in the form of patents etc)- while in addition in reality, gate-keeping is one of the obstacles of innovation. For example, individuals who own transport facilities (trucks etc) would be against the idea of adopting rail transportation to protect their purses.

Secondly, the sunk-cost fallacy of the individuals deter them from accepting innovative initiatives. The mentality of being comfortable with what they have learnt over time and the fear of being a novice in new initiatives deters individuals to push for the latter.

Dear colleagues and fellows,

As many of you closely follow the evolving digital policy landscape, I wanted to share key reflections from the recently adopted Cotonou Declaration on Accelerating Africa’s Digital Transformation, which emerged from the African WSIS+20 Review Summit (May 2025, Benin).

This declaration stands out as one of Africa's most structured, comprehensive, and forward-looking commitments to digital transformation in recent years. Some core elements I believe deserve special attention:

Bridging Infrastructure Gaps: Ambitious targets to achieve 95% broadband coverage in leading countries by 2030, while tackling the persistent issue of high mobile data costs across the continent.

Moving Beyond Digital Access: A shift towards advanced capacity-building, integrating AI, IoT, Big Data, and Quantum Computing into national curricula, addressing both foundational and frontier digital skills.

Strengthening Governance & Regulation: Clear calls for developing adaptive AI governance frameworks, cross-border data harmonisation, and robust cybersecurity standards.

Commitment to Measurable Progress: The introduction of an Africa Digital Performance Index and Ministerial Peer Reviews to ensure transparency, benchmarking, and shared learning across Member States.

Linkage to Global Processes: The Declaration explicitly reinforces Africa’s engagement with WSIS, the IGF, and the GDC, ensuring Africa’s voice remains influential in shaping global digital norms.

In my view, this is not just a declaration, it is a blueprint for operationalising Africa’s digital ambitions, with a heavy emphasis on differentiated targets recognising our continent’s diversity in digital maturity.

I would love to hear your perspectives:

How do you see this Declaration influencing the national and regional policy work you are involved in?

How do you envision Member States and the African Union translating these ambitious targets into concrete action and accountability frameworks?

Are you actively following or contributing to any UN processes related to digital governance (WSIS+20, IGF, Global Digital Compact)?

I believe cross-sharing between these tracks is becoming increasingly essential, and as fellows within the UN ECA community, we are well-positioned to contribute to that dialogue.

Let’s keep this conversation active; Africa's digital future depends on how effectively we move from commitments to coordinated action.

There is a whole lot of debate on whether Africa is ready for the all the innovations and digital technologies needed to transform agrifood systems in the continent. The FAO and AU will be discussing the African Union's new Digital Agriculture Strategy. ALI Ibrahim Houssen,Djibouti,ACS you might be particularly interested in joining the conversations with your interests in AI and agriculture. Webinar is on the 12th of June. Register on the link: https://lnkd.in/ehDY_Sh3

ALI Ibrahim Houssen,Djibouti,ACS Well articulated! The need for sustainable agricultural practices that address climate change and promote water efficiency cannot be overstated. As we strive to meet the SDGs, it is crucial to recognize that innovative approaches, such as smart irrigation farming systems and water-saving technologies, play a pivotal role in ensuring food security, conserving natural resources, and mitigating the impacts of climate change.

In this digital age, leveraging AI and cutting-edge technology is key to unlocking the full potential of these solutions. AI offers a huge opportunity to optimize irrigation schedules based on real-time weather data, soil moisture levels, plant needs, and improved crop yields. It offers a chance for evidence based decisions and that will help African communities adapt to changing environmental conditions. The interconnectedness of water management, agriculture, climate action, and technology highlights the importance of a holistic and systems-thinking approach in achieving the SDGs.

IITUMBA Ndinelao,Namibia,PCKMD This week’s dialogue highlighted the complexity of Africa’s tax systems, particularly the close relationship between citizens' distrust of their governments and the perceived efficiency of the public sector.

In our paper (https://academic.oup.com/oep/article-pdf/76/3/741/58212432/gpad036.pdf) on the determinants of public sector efficiency covering 158 countries of all income levels, we demonstrate that an effective public sector is essential for strengthening institutional legitimacy and encouraging tax compliance. The analysis includes four sectors: education, health, infrastructure, and public administration. Our study emphasizes that key determinants of this efficiency include governance quality, transparency, administrative accountability, and the capacity to deliver quality public services. When citizens perceive their taxes are used efficiently, it reinforces trust in the tax system and motivates voluntary compliance, creating a virtuous cycle of improved public service delivery and civic engagement.

A fundamental takeaway from this discussion is the need for governments to tangibly demonstrate how tax revenues are utilized. Distrust and tax apathy often stem from a lack of transparency regarding resource allocation. Building on our research in Apeti et al. (2024), we argue that enhancing public sector efficiency requires citizens to have access to clear, accessible information about how their taxes are spent. Transparent management, supported by effective digital platforms, would bolster trust by showing how taxation directly funds essential services like healthcare, education, and infrastructure.

Moreover, public sector efficiency also hinges on administrative capacity to optimally manage resources. In our study (Apeti et al., 2024), we stress the importance of a robust institutional framework centered on accountability. As noted in the dialogue, implementing digital strategies must therefore be paired with strengthening institutional capabilities to ensure technological investments translate into better management and transparency. This would enable citizens to see tangible improvements, reinforcing their trust and engagement in the tax system.

In essence, for Africa’s tax systems to become true levers of development, they must be grounded in accountable governance, transparent communication, and effective technology use. As supported by our research (Apeti et al., 2024), this combination shows that public sector efficiency is not merely an internal management issue but a vital dimension of the social contract between states and citizens. Providing citizens with precise information...