Stakeholders at the Africa Soft Power Summit have stated the role of the digital economy as a catalyst for growth across the continent.
The just concluded summit in Rwanda brought together leaders from Africa and the diaspora under the theme “Africa Now: Connecting Africa—Shaping the Global Social and Economic Priorities of Our Time,” the organisers said in a statement.
The digital economy leverages the internet, digital platforms, and other digital technologies to create value, drive innovation, and foster economic growth.
The Executive Chairman and Founder of the Africa Prosperity Network, Gabby Otchere-Darko, underscored the importance of a unified market to drive economic growth.
“The best way to ensure shared prosperity for Africa is by making the single market work, and this can only be achieved if it is owned and driven by Africa’s private sector, particularly SMEs,” Otchere-Darko said.
He highlighted the need for Africa’s private sector to lead integration efforts to enhance economic development.
The summit featured sessions on various topics, including women’s leadership, artificial intelligence, tech policy, payments innovation, interoperability, connectivity, and digital infrastructure.
The discussions highlighted the potential of Africa’s digital, creative, and knowledge economies to drive growth and ensure the continent’s representation in global discussions on key issues.
Nigeria is making concerted efforts to develop its digital economy, leveraging its young population, ICT sector growth, and infrastructure investments. While obstacles persist, the country is poised to become a digital powerhouse in Africa.
Former Malawian President Joyce Banda delivered a keynote address, emphasising the crucial role of traditional rulers in achieving positive outcomes for Africans.
Banda shared her experiences in reducing maternal deaths and championing the domestic violence bill in Malawi, noting the support from traditional leaders and civil society.
The co-founder of NVH Studios and Executive Chairman of Enda, Nana Baffour, spoke on the importance of collaboration in advancing the African narrative.
He expressed his commitment to amplifying African talent and entrepreneurship and elevating African brands on the global stage.
The CEO of Nigeria Exchange Limited, Temi Popoola, spoke on the role of the private sector in promoting gender equality.
Popoola said that the Nigeria Exchange Group had integrated gender equality into its operational framework, inspiring capital market stakeholders to adopt this principle as a core tenet of their practices.
The summit concluded with the Africa Soft Power Gala and Awards, celebrating innovation and spotlighting achievements across various industries and sectors.
The founder and Chief Executive of Africa Soft Power, Nkiru Balonwu, reaffirmed her commitment to reshaping the narrative about modern Africa on the world stage.
“With the summit, we are ensuring that the continent is part of the wider global conversation around the key intersectional issues of our time. This gathering is more than a summit; it’s a testament to Africa’s growing global influence and innovative spirit,” Balonwu said.