By Kepher Otieno - Reporter
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Kenya, 28 April 2026 - Kenya's Deputy President Prof Kithure Kindiki has challenged African nations to move with urgency and intent in investing in digital transformation, warning that the continent risks falling behind if it fails to match the pace set by more advanced economies.
Speaking at the Connected Africa Summit in Nairobi, he made it plain that the digital age will not wait for Africa to catch up.
He stated that Kenya is already committing significant resources to the sector, positioning digital infrastructure and innovation at the heart of governance reforms and service delivery.
The aim, he noted, is not merely modernisation but the creation of a productive and profitable digital economy capable of transforming livelihoods.
The Deputy President asserted that Africa must build its digital future deliberately and collectively, describing technology as the foremost driver of future growth. He urged governments across the continent to abandon complacency and seize the vast, untapped potential within the sector.
He pointed to Kenya’s recent gains as evidence of what is possible, citing major investments in expanding the digital superhighway, rolling out ICT hubs across wards, installing public Wi-Fi, and equipping young people with critical digital skills.
These efforts, he said, have enhanced access to government services, improving both efficiency and transparency.
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He added that Kenya is already reaping tangible benefits, with the digital economy contributing a growing share of GDP and the country emerging as a recognised innovation hub in Africa.
However, he cautioned that governments alone cannot sustain this momentum, calling for stronger public-private partnerships to bridge gaps in funding and expertise. Without such collaboration, he warned, Africa’s digital ambitions may remain unrealised.
His message was unequivocal: the time for discussion has passed—Africa must now act.