US Vice President Kamala Harris has announced the formation of a new partnership aime
d at providing internet access to 80 percent of Africa by 2030, a significant increase from the current 40 percent. The announcement, made on Friday, aligns with Harris’ previous commitments during her visit to the continent last year and coincides with Kenyan Presi
dent William Ruto’s visit to Washington. Harris and Ruto are scheduled for a fireside chat at the US Chamber of Commerce to discuss how public-private partnerships can drive economic growth.
‘Africa’s potential in digital innovation is vast, and we are committed to supporting its growth,’ Harris stated. ‘By enhancing internet access, we can foster economic development and bridge the digital divide.’
The new initiative, outlined in a preview obtained by The Associated Press, includes the launch o
f the nonprofit Partnership for Digital Access in Africa. This organisation aims to enhance internet connectivity across the continent. Additionally, Harris is introducing an initiative to integrate 100 million African people and businesses in the agricultural sector into the digital economy.
The Mobilising Access to the Digital Economy Alliance (MADE), formed with the support of the African Development Bank Group and Mastercard, among others, will begin a pilot programme to provide digital access to 3 million farmers in Kenya, Tanzania, and Nigeria. The programme plans to expand to other regions subsequently.
‘Africa has struggled to attract the necessary capital for its industrial and technological sectors,’ Harris noted. ‘With initiatives like MADE, we aim to change that, starting with our pilot program that will empower millions of farmers.’
Harris, the first female US vice president, also highlighted the success of the Women in the Digital Economy efforts, which have generated over $1bn in public and private commitments to address the gender divide in technology access. Some of these US commitments are still pending congressional approval.
The United Nations reported a decline in foreign direct investment in Africa to $45bn in 2022, down from a record high of $80bn in 2021. Despite Africa making up approximately 18 percent of the global population, it accounted for only 3.5 percent of global foreign direct investment.
