Stakeholders push for unified digital market at Connected Africa Summit

The 15th Connected Africa Summit has spotlighted the need for urgent regulatory reforms and stronger continental cooperation to fast-track Africa’s digital integration.

Held at the Edge Convention Centre, the summit brought together industry leaders, policymakers, and technology stakeholders who warned that fragmented regulations and structural barriers continue to slow down the continent’s digital transformation agenda.

Discussions focused on the need to move toward a single, more connected African digital market that can support innovation, cross-border services, and inclusive economic growth. Delegates noted that while Africa’s digital ecosystem is expanding, policy misalignment remains a key obstacle.

Speaking during the summit, Safaricom CEO Peter Ndegwa said Africa’s digital future depends on stronger collaboration between governments and the private sector to create enabling environments for innovation.

He stressed the need for coordinated investment in infrastructure and faster digitisation of public services to ensure broader inclusion and scalability.

Technology firm Safaricom also used the forum to showcase its integrated service model, which combines enterprise solutions, financial services, public sector digitisation, and technology operations to support governments with end-to-end digital systems.

On his part, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki called for inclusive digital transformation strategies that bring together governments, private sector players, and citizens in shaping Africa’s digital future.

He noted that public institutions alone cannot drive the scale of investment required for a fully connected continent.

“The public sector does not have a monopoly on resources… we must collaborate with the private sector and the citizens themselves,” he said.

As the summit enters its final sessions, participants are expected to refine recommendations on policy harmonisation, cross-border digital frameworks, and investment partnerships aimed at accelerating Africa’s transition into a unified digital economy.