Kagame echoes usage of ICT in Africa in the Transform Africa Summit held in Rwanda

A the three day Summit that run from 19-21 October 2015 themed “Accelerating Digital Innovation”, that attracted over 2,500 delegates from across the globe including: Heads of state and government, members of the UN broadband Commission, CEOs of leading technology companies, policy makers, members of the private sector, and young innovators from across the continent has concluded with ICT being top of the agenda.

The Transform Africa Summit is the leading African forum bringing together regional and global leaders from government, business and international organizations to collaborate on new ways of accelerating and sustaining Africa’s ongoing digital revolution.

The President of Rwanda Paul Kagame who was the key speaker, address focused on the steps that African governments must take to drive greater digital adoption and innovation. He emphasized the need for governments across the region and continent to collaborate on solutions for unlocking Africa’s full potential.

"In Africa, we are fully aware that our continent has often missed opportunities to accelerate development," said President Kagame. "[By] placing ICT at the core of our transformation agenda we can make sure that Africa is never again left behind."

Kagame emphasized on the importance of ICT in government as it enables it to provide more efficient and accountable public services which leads to better health outcomes, quicker customs procedures, and computerised land titles.

He also stated on the need to change the mindset that would be necessary to further unlock the region's potential.

"ICT is increasingly making access to world class education and information affordable to everyone" said President Kagame. “Africa can no longer be excluded from globalization; we must develop our human capital and productivity using the same methods that are taken for granted in many other places. That doesn’t mean anything will be easy, the existence of technology doesn’t automatically change lives. A mindset of curiosity, responsibility and hard work is necessary if we are to become our best selves and to compete effectively in the wider world.”

The final day of the three-day Summit ended with a session entitled “Face the Gorillas” where young entrepreneurs from across Africa pitched start-ups to a panel of seasoned entrepreneurs, Angel investors and other financiers– nicknamed “Gorillas”, as a motivator for young African entrepreneurs. The financiers bought shares and pledged funding to some of the initiatives judged viable, and promised to continue support smart ideas from young entrepreneurs in the ICT sector.