Africa’s digital future: an urgent call to action
Africa stands at a critical point in its digital evolution. Despite comprising 18% of the world’s population, the continent possesses a mere 0.02% of global fiber optic infrastructure and less than 1% of the 40GW data center capacity worldwide. This stark contrast underscores the urgency for transformative action.
The upcoming African Digital Infrastructure Conference, scheduled for September 5, 2024, at the Federal Palace Hotel in Lagos, Nigeria, aims to address these disparities head-on. With Africa’s population projected to reach 2.4 billion by 2050, the need for robust digital infrastructure has never been more pressing.
Since 1998, Africa has made strides, yet challenges persist. With just over one million kilometers of fiber network and limited data center capacity, the continent lags far behind global standards. Factors like cost, access, and literacy contribute to these obstacles, delaying Africa’s digital journey.
Africa must declare a state of emergency on digital infrastructure. Broadband is not a luxury but a necessity—fueling youth entrepreneurship and driving economic empowerment. While the continent prides itself on ‘leapfrogging’ with mobile connectivity, over 50% of users are still on 2G due to affordability.
Countries like Nigeria face similar challenges, with most subscribers on 2G or 3G networks while less than 1% have access to 5G. Urgent investments are needed to bridge these gaps and propel Africa forward.
In a world where the average age to get online is significantly lower elsewhere—12.6 years in the US and 8 years in Asia—Africa’s average stands at 23 years. This digital divide hampers economic growth and innovation potential.
Africa’s digital infrastructure stakeholders—operators, regulators, investors, service providers, academia, and analysts—must collaborate to bridge the technological gap that currently limits the continent’s potential.
As we embark on Africa’s digital transformation, broadband emerges as the catalyst for youth innovation and economic revitalization. By prioritizing digital infrastructure investment, we pave the way for a brighter future where Africa’s youth can lead the charge towards prosperity.
Hyperscalers Convergence Africa, hosted by Africa Hyperscalers, will unite Africa’s digital leaders and influencers—from operators and regulators to investors, service providers, enterprises, academia, and media. Together, we will engage in a collaborative dialogue aimed at overcoming the infrastructural barriers hindering the realization of a connected digital economy.
Will you join us in Lagos this September to chart the future of digital infrastructure in Africa?
