Fostering EU-Africa collaboration on digital transformation

In a transformative journey towards digitalization, the European Union and African nations are collaborating to spur economic growth, enhance governance, and make service delivery more efficient. The partnership is forging a path towards a more inclusive, prosperous, and digitally-enabled future. CNBC Africa's Tabitha Muthoni recently spoke to Roy Eriksson, Global Gateway Ambassador at the Ministry for Foreign Affairs in Finland, to delve into the initiatives driving this collaborative effort. Connectivity remains a critical aspect of this partnership, with less than 40% of the Kenyan population having access to broadband internet. Eriksson highlighted the importance of extending connectivity to underserved rural areas that are not commercially viable. Through the utilization of development funds, efforts are being made to bridge this digital divide and meet the connectivity needs of modern society. Furthermore, digitalization is seen as a catalyst for addressing climate change. Eriksson pointed out that digital solutions can help cut emissions, improve production efficiency, and facilitate remote work. In some African countries, initiatives are underway to support the transition of telecom towers from diesel to solar power, reducing carbon footprint and contributing to a greener environment. Policy and regulatory frameworks play a crucial role in ensuring a connected Africa. Eriksson mentioned a significant project under the Global Gateway focusing on data governance in Africa. This initiative aims to enhance regulation and harmonization to support trans-border e-commerce growth. By promoting best practices and proposing infrastructure projects, the partnership seeks to drive connectivity and digitalization across the continent. E-commerce and digital trade have emerged as key focus areas in deepening digitalization efforts. Eriksson commended Africa's innovative youth and FinTech solutions, emphasizing the importance of a mutually beneficial partnership where knowledge exchange is paramount. Through collaborations like the Global Gateway, the goal is to generate employment opportunities and build a value chain that benefits local communities. Partnerships with African countries have already yielded significant outcomes. One notable project involves the installation of a regional fiber optic cable connecting five countries – DRC, Malawi, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, and Zambia – to provide connectivity to 90 million people. This infrastructural development facilitates cross-country digital services and operations, showcasing the promising future of digitalization in Africa. Looking ahead, long-term sustainability and impact measurement are key considerations for Finland in bridging the digital divide. Eriksson emphasized the importance of ensuring that digitalization projects benefit all segments of society, particularly focusing on empowering women and girls to partake in the advantages of digital transformation. With a commitment to narrowing the gap and fostering inclusive development, the EU-Finland partnership is poised to make a lasting impact on Africa's digital landscape.