Kagame urges Africa to fast-track digital integration through Smart Africa

By The Inspirer.

President Paul Kagame has called on African nations to strengthen collaboration in advancing the continent’s digital transformation, emphasizing that effective partnerships and practical action will determine Africa’s success in building a technology-driven economy.

He made the remarks while chairing the 12th Board Meeting of Smart Africa, held in Conakry, Guinea, where leaders reviewed progress on initiatives such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) development and regional digital integration spearheaded by the Smart Africa Alliance.

President Kagame, who also chairs the Smart Africa Board, said that Africa’s potential in digital innovation can only be realized through unity of purpose and coordinated implementation.

“Let us continue to work together,” Kagame urged. “Our true progress will be measured by how effectively we turn commitments into results.”

He noted that partnerships among governments, industries, academic institutions, and development agencies are the foundation of an inclusive digital economy, stressing that delays in project execution slow the continent’s advancement.

During his visit, President Kagame and his Guinean counterpart, President Mamadi Doumbouya, toured Rwanda’s technology exhibition at the Transform Africa Summit 2025 (TAS2025), where Rwanda showcased its innovations in digital services and ICT infrastructure.

The summit, officially opened on October 12, 2025, brought together African heads of state, technology experts, and investors to exchange ideas on leveraging innovation for sustainable growth.

Reflecting on the decade-long journey since the first Transform Africa Summit was launched in Kigali, President Kagame said the initiative had helped Rwanda and other African countries build stronger ICT sectors aligned with global digital trends.

“When we began Transform Africa more than ten years ago, we saw an opportunity to place Africa at the center of the digital revolution,” Kagame said. “That vision continues to inspire new progress and partnerships today.”

The Transform Africa Summit remains a premier continental platform for dialogue and investment in technology, aiming to accelerate Africa’s transition toward a knowledge-based, innovation-led economy.

As Smart Africa continues to expand its membership and digital agenda, Kagame’s message was clear — Africa’s future competitiveness will depend on how well it transforms innovation into impact, guided by collaboration, leadership, and shared vision.