AfriLabs, a pan-African network of over 470 innovation hubs, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the African Telecommunications Union (ATU) to promote inclusive digital innovation and harness the $712 billion internet economy potential in Africa by 2050. This partnership is focused on enhancing collaboration between policymakers, innovators, and the private sector to strengthen Africa’s digital ecosystem, especially for underserved communities.
The MoU outlines strategic areas of collaboration, including capacity building, policy advocacy, knowledge sharing, and co-creation of regulatory frameworks that support startups and innovation hubs. It aims to empower youth and women entrepreneurs through access to digital infrastructure, innovation opportunities, and skills development. AfriLabs and ATU recognize the urgent need to address challenges such as poor digital infrastructure, regulatory barriers, and limited access to funding that continue to stifle Africa’s innovation potential.
Through this partnership, both organizations will work towards creating enabling environments for tech-driven entrepreneurship by engaging national governments, regulatory agencies, and regional bodies. By aligning innovation with digital policy frameworks, the MoU intends to bridge the gap between grassroots innovators and decision-makers, ensuring inclusive participation in Africa’s digital transformation.
AfriLabs’ Executive Director, Anna Ekeledo, emphasized the importance of ecosystem collaboration in scaling innovation and achieving socio-economic impact. Similarly, ATU Secretary General John Omo highlighted the internet’s potential to create jobs, reduce inequality, and drive sustainable development. They both underlined the transformative role of inclusive innovation in achieving the African Union’s Agenda 2063.
The agreement also supports the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) by facilitating cross-border digital trade and innovation. It envisions a future where African startups can thrive under harmonized policies, shared infrastructure, and improved access to markets.
Overall, this MoU reflects a unified effort to unlock Africa’s digital economy by integrating innovation into policy and creating inclusive ecosystems that prioritize local talent, equitable access, and sustainability. It marks a significant step towards realizing Africa’s projected internet economy value of $712 billion by mid-century.
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