By Brian Kiprono - Reporter
Kenya, 29 April 2026 - President William Ruto has outlined an ambitious plan to position Africa as a single, connected digital market, saying stronger digital links across the continent could unlock innovation, trade and economic growth.
Speaking after hosting African ICT ministers at State House during the Africa Connect Summit 2026, Ruto said the goal is to connect the continent’s 1.5 billion people through shared digital systems and infrastructure.
“Our efforts to make Africa a connected continent are anchored on establishing a unified and borderless digital market,” he said.
At the centre of this vision is Kenya’s own digital push, which the President described as a model for the region. He noted that government services have rapidly moved online, growing from just 320 three years ago to nearly 30,000 today, a shift he said has improved efficiency, reduced physical interactions and increased government revenue.
Beyond services, the country is investing heavily in infrastructure. Kenya has already rolled out 34,000 kilometres of fibre optic cable using the national electricity grid, with plans to expand coverage by an additional 100,000 kilometres.
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The government is also building 1,450 digital hubs across the country’s wards, aimed at widening access to internet services and digital opportunities, especially in underserved areas.
Ruto said the strategy goes beyond connectivity, pointing to ongoing efforts to train digital professionals and put in place laws that support a growing digital economy.
The discussions with African ICT leaders are expected to shape how countries collaborate on cross-border digital systems, as governments increasingly look to technology as a driver of economic transformation.