insert_link Africa Kenya’s digital divide: pastoralists are key to the country’s economy, but they’re being left behind By Job Mwaura, University of the Witwatersrand Information and communication technologies (ICTs) hold great potential to expand African economies. They include mobile banking platforms, internet-enabled communication devices and e-government services. All of these can enhance financial inclusion and improve services for citizens. Kenya’s mobile money transfer platform, M-Pesa, for instance, has given millions of people access to banking services. And Rwanda’s e-government platform has […] todayJuly 16, 2024 27
insert_link 2 Africa CRAN attends 25th Africa Telecommunications Union Administrative Council The Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia represented Namibia at the 25th Session of the Africa Telecommunications Union Administrative Council in Kinshasa from 8 to 10 July 2024. CRAN spokesperson Mufaro Nesongano says that over the three-day session, the Council reviewed the financial, technical, administrative, and other activities of the Union. todayJuly 11, 2024 44 2
insert_link Business / Economics Enhancing Digital Transformation: Innovations and Obstacles in East Africa By Robert van Breukelen, CEO at Itemate Solutions The telco sector is poised to play a central role in Ethiopia’s economic and digital transformation, but should learn from other countries to avoid common pitfalls and accelerate development. In recent years, countries in the eastern and north-eastern African region have launched several exciting initiatives aimed at accelerating the adoption of digital technologies. Digital transformation in East Africa Powered […] todayMay 2, 2024 12
insert_link Local Governor! Gawaxab champions economic resilience and financial innovation at 2024 Cirrus investor conference The Bank of Namibia, participated in the 5th edition of the Cirrus Investor Conference. Taking place in Swakopmund between 9-10 April 2024, the conference drew development finance institutions, institutional asset managers, listed companies, state-owned enterprises, and Government Ministries, offices and agencies together to connect Namibian securities issuers and potential issuers, with investors from around the world. Speaking at the event, the Governor of the Bank, Mr. Johannes !Gawaxab provided […] todayApril 10, 2024 9
insert_link Africa Digital trade protocol for Africa: why it matters, what’s in it and what’s still missing By Franziska Sucker, University of the Witwatersrand In February 2024, African heads of states adopted a draft protocol to regulate digital trade within the continent. This significant yet challenging course for Africa’s digital economy fits into the broader trade agreement, designed to create a single continental market for free movement of goods, services, capital and people. Franziska Sucker explains the protocol, why it matters and what still […] todayApril 2, 2024 6
insert_link World Private sector invests in universal connectivity The mobile phone industry has pledged over $9 billion towards the goal of connecting the world. ITU Secretary-General Doreen Bogdan-Martin said, “Thanks to these new commitments, millions of people will benefit from accessible and affordable connectivity across the world.” Around 2.6 billion people remain offline worldwide, according to data from the specialized UN agency, which drives innovation in communications technology. As telecommunications infrastructure forms the backbone of connectivity and digital transformation, […] todayFebruary 28, 2024 23