Boutheina Guermazi

Digitalization is a growth driver across Africa, including for green jobs and innovation. Digital solutions can also help protect vulnerable populations from the impacts of climate change. At the same time the digital sector is susceptible to climate risks and a growing source of GHG emissions. The roundtable will discuss how governments and the private sector can climate proof digital infrastructure and accelerate sustainable digital development. The event is organized by Smart Africa and World Bank.

Universal, meaningful connectivity lies at the core of the African Union’s Digital Transformation Strategy and is the foundation for building a Single Digital Market in Africa. However, today almost two third of Africans remain offline. The digital divide, particularly between the rural and the urban population, persists. This session brings together key stakeholders to discuss the opportunities and challenges of ensuring meaningful and affordable access for all Africans. The session will also provide recommendations to connect the unconnected in Africa and promote the nexuses between energy and digitalization to bridge the urban and rural digital divide.