Jean Philbert rallies tech leaders: Break barriers for Africa’s innovators

Jean Philbert Nsegimana, Chief Digital Advisor at Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, emphasizes the urgency for African countries to accelerate efforts in digital connectivity and digitization of government services in order to fully harness the opportunities in the digital economy. In an interview with CNBC Africa at the EU Rwanda Business Forum, Nsegimana highlighted the need for increased speed in connecting people and enabling access to devices to ensure that the continent does not miss out on the potential benefits of technological advancements. He pointed out that while governments are making investments towards connectivity, there is still a gap in ensuring universal access to devices and quality connectivity. Nsegimana also discussed the growing presence of techpreneurs in Africa and the need for the continent to cultivate a conducive environment for innovation and entrepreneurship. He noted that while there are already successful startups in sectors like fintech, there is potential for growth in other areas such as health tech. Nsegimana stressed the importance of developing a robust domestic market and removing barriers to promote trade and collaboration among African innovators. Furthermore, Nsegimana highlighted the untapped economic opportunities that come with a fully connected continent. He emphasized the need to focus on connecting sectors like healthcare and education, as well as digitizing businesses and government services. Nsegimana announced plans for an Africa Smart and Sustainable Cities Summit in September in Kigali, aiming to address the potential for technology to improve the quality of life in cities and enhance citizen services. He underscored the significant business prospects in enhancing connectivity and fostering innovation across various sectors. In addressing the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in Africa's digital transformation, Nsegimana expressed optimism about the potential benefits of AI while acknowledging the risks it poses. He emphasized the importance of investing in human resources to develop AI-based solutions tailored to Africa's specific challenges. Nsegimana highlighted the need for proactive regulations and laws to safeguard digital sovereignty and create a conducive environment for African innovators to compete on a global scale. Overall, Nsegimana's insights underscore the critical need for African countries to prioritize digital connectivity, innovation, and entrepreneurship to unlock economic opportunities and position the continent as a key player in the global digital economy.