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It is essential that African organizations and governments understand the dynamic and important role that information and communication technologies (ICTs) play in improving competitiveness, particularly in the context of the implementation of ICTs. the African Continental Free Trade Area (AFCFTA), one of the main economic commissions for Africa. (ECA) said Monday.
Speaking at the Innovation Africa Digital Summit (IAD) in Addis Ababa, Oliver Chinganya, director of the African Center for Statistics at ECA, said that technology and innovation were the backbone Africa's economic success over the past two decades, but internet-related penetration remains limited.
"This relatively low level of ICT maturity restricts government projects in many economic sectors, including its ability to achieve the planned digitization of public administration services such as censuses, health care, and public administration. education, "Chinganya said.
He added that many African countries faced a number of challenges related to national ICT maturity, including limited IT infrastructure, irregular electricity deliveries, large disparities in access to services Internet and mobile, the lack of appropriate legislation and excessive data costs.
"At a time of intense competition, globalization and a growing importance of knowledge as an economic driver, it is important for organizations and governments to understand the dynamic and important role ICTs play in enhancing competitiveness. in the context of implementing AfCFTA, "said the president. Director of ECA said.
"It is therefore necessary for governments to develop and implement strategies and policies that take into account the effects of economic, social and technological factors on the maturity of ICTs, as well as on the relationship between ICT maturity and global competitiveness."
He said the continent was suffering from a weak mobile broadband connectivity (less than 30% of Africans had access to it, compared to 79% of Americans), and its impact on the development of digital economic and social sectors such as e-commerce. – Health and eGovernment have been constrained by high transaction costs, limited space, limited information exchange and lack of access to international markets.
"Therefore, it is necessary to balance infrastructure policies, make them more effective, address the problems of marginal areas or groups and reach the poorest millions to ensure information societies and inclusive knowledge, "said Mr. Chinganya, acting director of the Technology, Climate Change and Natural Resources Management Division.
In this regard, he said, governments should make broadband not only accessible, but also affordable to enable citizens to use digital technologies to access public services.
"To enhance global competitiveness, governments should encourage stronger adoption of the latest technologies, especially broadband technologies, and develop digital industrial capabilities, including the innovative capacity of their companies." companies, "Chinganya said.
He added that it was necessary to tackle the main problems of human capacity building so that the continent could benefit from digital technologies.
"It is therefore necessary to intensify efforts to achieve sustainable development by investing in technology parks and other IT infrastructure, promote knowledge sharing and technology transfer, among others," he said. he told delegates attending the summit.
ACE
In response to the challenges and opportunities presented by the information age at ECA, through rigorous badytical and strategic research, we have stepped up the badistance provided to Member States in their efforts to adopt sound policies. evidence-based ICT, science, technology and innovation. their savings, said Mr. Chinganya.
ECA also undertook a series of research projects on cybersecurity, open government, broadband, financial technologies, blockchain technology in Africa, adoption and dissemination of youth and innovation, and only on new and emerging technologies that can support the development of financial inclusion on the continent.
This policy research has helped the organization to identify the level, quality and deployment method of ICT in different organizations and countries, enabling it to make recommendations on the way forward for Member States.
ECA has also established a Center of Excellence for Digital Identity, Trade and Economy to help member countries realize the full potential and harness the benefits of digitization for the development of the continent.
The Center of Excellence occupies a privileged position to act as a convener and resource of knowledge for countries that consider the role of digital in society. In this regard, the Trade and Industry Technical Committee of the African Union, held in January 2019, commissioned ECA, in collaboration with the African Union Commission and the African Union. Other partners, to develop a comprehensive African strategy for digital identification, digital commerce and the digital economy States will take full advantage of the 4th Industrial Revolution and facilitate the implementation of CAFTA, as well as the economic and structural transformation of Africa.
The Africa Digital Innovation Summit of 2019 is the 17th annual IAD Summit on ICT Acceleration and is being held from 10 to 11 June 2019 under the theme; National Acceleration Program.
The event is set up to help support, develop and develop ICT in Africa for innovation, service improvement and customer loyalty.
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