The Transform Africa Summit 2023, organized by Smart Africa, has officially commenced in Zimbabwe with the theme, “Connected, Innovative, and Transformed Africa.” The summit aims to accelerate the creation of a single digital market in Africa by 2030, paving the way for the continent’s digital revolution. Diplomatic Watch is present at the event, covering the latest developments and emerging trends in Africa’s digital transformation journey.
During the opening ceremony, Mr. Lacina Koné, Director General and CEO of Smart Africa, expressed his gratitude to the President of Zimbabwe, His Excellency Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, for sponsoring the event and the other heads of state for attending. Koné also highlighted the growth of Smart Africa, which started as a modest institution with three staff members and a capital of $600,000, and now represents 36 member states and over 1.1 billion people.
Five heads of state, including H.E President Emmerson Mnangagwa of Zimbabwe, H.E President Hakainde Hichilema of Zambia, H.E President Lazarus Chakwera of Malawi, H.M King Mswati III of Eswatini, and President Paul Kagame of Rwanda, were present at the opening ceremony. The President of Zimbabwe emphasized the importance of technology as a development priority for Africa and its ability to enhance participation by all in the modern global economy.
The Transform Africa Summit is an opportunity for African governments and stakeholders to usher the continent into a knowledge-based economy anchored on the benefits of technology. The event can also serve as a catalyst for investment in the digital ecosystem, attracting capital and resources to the continent’s digital economy and stimulating growth and creating opportunities across Africa.
