Unleashing Africa’s socio-economic power via one Africa network

Africa's telecommunications industry has undergone significant evolution over the years, with the number of phone users reaching about 500 million. However, challenges such as affordability, access to smartphones, and high roaming costs have persisted. Smart Africa, an organization initiated by seven heads of state and now comprising 40 countries, has been at the forefront of addressing these challenges. One of the key initiatives is the One Africa Network, aimed at making telecommunications more efficient and affordable across the continent. The Chief Strategy and Growth Officer of Smart Africa, Didier Nkurikiyimfura, highlighted the importance of this initiative in reshaping Africa's telecommunications landscape. By making connectivity more accessible, the One Africa Network is set to not only boost economic growth but also enhance intra-African trade and continental integration. The key to achieving this lies in harmonizing regulations, facilitating operator interconnections, and gradually reducing roaming costs to make communication seamless and affordable for all Africans. With 14 countries already committed to the initiative and plans to expand further, Africa is on the path to a more interconnected future. Despite the challenges posed by diverse regulatory frameworks in different countries, the vision of a unified African telecommunications network is steadily becoming a reality, driven by collaboration and a shared commitment to digital transformation and socioeconomic development.