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Tech leaders to discuss 180bn African digital economy at AFDEIC 2025

The conference aims to bridge the digital divide and promote digital inclusivity across the continent. It will bring together experts, policymakers, and industry leaders to discuss the challenges and opportunities in the digital economy, with a focus on Africa’s unique context and needs.

  • Foster a digital economy that is inclusive, equitable, and sustainable
  • Address the digital divide and promote digital literacy
  • Encourage private sector investment in digital infrastructure and services
  • Develop policies and regulations that support digital innovation and entrepreneurship

    • The Digital Divide

    The digital divide refers to the gap between those who have access to digital technologies and those who do not. In Africa, this divide is particularly pronounced, with many communities lacking access to basic digital infrastructure such as internet, computers, and mobile phones. • In some African countries, only 10% of the population has access to the internet, while in others, it is as low as 1%

  • Mobile phone penetration is also limited, with an average of only 50% of the population owning a mobile phone
  • The lack of digital infrastructure hinders economic development, limits access to education and healthcare, and exacerbates social inequality

    • Promoting Digital Inclusivity

    The AFDEIC aims to promote digital inclusivity by addressing the root causes of the digital divide.

    The Digital Divide in Rural Africa

    The digital divide in rural Africa is a pressing issue that affects millions of people.

    Keynote Sessions

    The AFDEIC conference will kick off with a series of high-level keynote sessions, where renowned experts will share their insights on the latest trends and developments in AI ethics and cybersecurity. These sessions will provide a platform for thought leaders to discuss the challenges and opportunities presented by emerging technologies, and to share their expertise on how to navigate these complexities.

    This is largely due to the lack of reliable and affordable internet connectivity in these areas.

  • Limited internet penetration in rural areas
  • High costs associated with internet access
  • Inadequate digital infrastructure in many parts of the continent

    • The Impact on Rural Communities

    The lack of reliable internet access in rural areas has a profound impact on the daily lives of many Africans. For instance, in some parts of Kenya, farmers rely on traditional methods to access market information, which can lead to lower crop yields and reduced income.

    The Vision of AFDEIC

    AFDEIC aims to harness the potential of AI to drive sustainable development across Africa. The initiative seeks to bridge the digital divide and ensure that AI benefits all Africans, regardless of their geographical location or socio-economic background.

  • Limited access to data and infrastructure
  • Skills gap in AI and data science
  • Cybersecurity threats
  • Regulatory frameworks that are not yet conducive to AI adoption

    • Cybersecurity: A Critical Focus Area

    Cybersecurity is an increasingly pressing concern in Africa, where the risk of cyber-attacks is growing. AFDEIC recognizes the importance of cybersecurity and is working to develop strategies to mitigate these risks.

    “We need to be proactive in addressing the growing threat of cyber attacks on our continent. AFDEIC 2025 aims to bridge the gap between the public and private sectors in Africa to enhance cybersecurity awareness and capacity building.”

    Key Objectives

  • Enhance cybersecurity awareness among the public and private sectors in Africa
  • Foster collaboration and knowledge-sharing between stakeholders
  • Develop and implement effective cybersecurity strategies and solutions
  • Promote digital literacy and skills development

    • The Importance of Cybersecurity in Africa

    Cybersecurity is a pressing concern for Africa, given the continent’s rapid digitalization and increasing reliance on technology. The African digital landscape is evolving rapidly, with more and more people and businesses turning to the internet for communication, commerce, and other purposes.

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