UN Pledges Support to Africa’s Digital Leap
The United Nations University for E-Governance (UNU-EGOV) has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing digital transformation across Africa, as delegates gathered for the 18th edition of the International Conference on Theory and Practice of Electronic Governance (ICEGOV 2025) in Abuja. Ms Delfina Soares, Director of UNU-EGOV, said, “One of the impacts is the strengthened community that was here; there was also the volume of information exchanged about the latest developments in frameworks, policies and challenges of digital governance. This knowledge certainly benefits Nigeria and countries that participated in the conference. The UNU-EGOV remains committed to organising and supporting this conference for better digital governance.” Prof Adegboyega Ojo, Programme Chair for ICEGOV 2025, emphasised Africa’s role in shaping its own future, saying, “Africa needs to own its digital transformation because the deal will not be handed over to us. Africa understands its own problems, so it must adapt ideas discussed here, like AI for governance, in ways compatible with its systems.” Dr Lukman Lamid, Special Assistant on Innovation and Research to the Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), disclosed that one of the key recommendations from the conference is to “roll out 95,000 kilometers of fibre-optic cable by 2027 … aimed at ensuring more Nigerians have access to the internet. This will improve the digital economy and diversify the broader economy, and that is a project focused on building digital infrastructure.” The conference, themed 'Shaping the Future of Digital Governance Through Cooperation, Innovation and Inclusion,' hosted over 500 participants from 51 countries, including more than 100 international delegates. By reaffirming this support, UNU-EGOV underlined that digital transformation is no longer a luxury but a strategic necessity for Africa’s development. The focus now shifts to policy execution, infrastructure rollout, and ensuring inclusivity in digital access.
JOEL OWAH | 2025-11-10 16:36:02