August 15^th 2018                     By Cheruiyot Korir

There is need for Africa to prioritize digitization in its development agenda by integrating ICTs in national strategies and developing favorable policy and regulatory environments that foster ICT innovations, Principal Secretary for Broadcasting and Telecommunication, Mrs. Fatuma Hirsi Mohammed has said.

Mrs. Mohamed said, Africa has an opportunity to reap great social and economic benefits  from digital connectivity if it expands digital infrastructure and services  to stimulate business and growth of GDP in the continent.

Mrs. Mohamed said, if Africa closes the digital divide, it would experience rapidincrease in socio-economic growth that will accelerate creation of job opportunities.

Mrs. Hirsi who made the remarks at a Nairobi hotel today when she opened a preparatory meeting for the International Telecommunications Union to be held soon in

Dubai, said, African governments should increase resources towards supporting development of ICTs.

She reiterated the internet’s influence on economic growth saying its transformative power has been witnessing internet-powered applications and services, which have revolutionarised social lives, businesses and investment opportunities.

For Africa to realize the full benefits of the internet economy, “there is need to develop infrastructure both across the border and within countries, and in particular last mile connectivity” said Mrs. Mohamed