Innovation and Technology

Governance evolves around several facets. However, in light of ECA, I think before ECA initiates governance related initiatives, the institution needs to reflect on its own readiness to convene diverse perspectives of members states, understand their policy, and programme dimensions, and instigate relationships/channels across countries to leverage benefits for them.

Such a timely and important piece! Internet shutdowns are too often dismissed as short-term political measures, yet their ripple effects extend far deeper, stifling SMEs, disrupting cross-border trade, and undermining the very digital ecosystems Africa is working so hard to build under frameworks like the AfCFTA. As someone working at the intersection of technology, and development, I’ve seen how connectivity is not just about communication, it’s infrastructure for innovation, digital skills, financial inclusion, and market access. When the internet goes dark, it’s not only freedom of expression that suffers, but also the livelihoods of young entrepreneurs, farmers, and educators who rely on digital tools daily. Your call to think about legal precedents and pathways forward is especially critical. If Africa is serious about unlocking digital trade and positioning itself competitively in the global economy, safeguarding connectivity must be seen as both an economic imperative and a human right.

The Ramses Exchange fire is a stark reminder: resilient e-government requires redundancy, cybersecurity, and disaster-recovery planning. Africa cannot afford fragility!

It’s interesting to reflect on the insights shared during the hybrid Policy and Programme Dialogue. The discussions surrounding taxation management and the issues of tax evasion remain relevant and thought-provoking. Your observations about the need for trust between citizens and governments, as well as the role of technology in enhancing tax systems, continue to be critical as we move forward. Engaging in such conversations is essential for fostering good governance and improving public trust over time.

SHWEHDY Amged B, Libya, SRO-NA Congratulations on your publication and hope you get to publish many more. Interestingly, I came across a paper whose findings indicate that, when government become more digitized, it positively impacts the growth of the digital service trade. Personally, I have not had an experience publishing, I hope to do that in the future though. However, I have from a colleague who has published several papers that the process is tedious with the long peer review process and can be costly, especially if you want to publish in renown journal.

Traffic Management Solutions: Côte d’Ivoire has actively embraced digitalization to modernize its transport system. With the support of the African Development Bank (AfDB), the country has upgraded its traffic management infrastructure by installing smart traffic lights equipped with sensors. These sensors monitor real-time vehicle flow and automatically adjust signal timings, helping to reduce congestion and minimize the risk of accidents at busy intersections. In addition, the government has deployed over 200 surveillance and traffic cameras across major intersections and expressways. These cameras not only enhance road safety by monitoring traffic violations but also detect vehicle speeds—enabling more effective enforcement of speed limits and contributing to a safer and more efficient urban transport network. Mobility Services (e.g., Uber): over ther we has Yango which is the most used. Besides, we also have Uber, Heetch, Bolt, inDrive Moya Ride. Even though for the rest I don't really know, I think efforts have been made in these areas as well. Côte d’Ivoire is not my origin country but my resident country.

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.