This blog revisits my 2012 thoughts on ICT policy in Africa, originally shared in an application to the Association for Progressive Communications (APC) for the role of African ICT Policy Advocacy Coordinator. The issues are still urgent today—perhaps more than ever—as we move deeper into the digital age.
a) Why ICT Policy Still Demands Critical Attention in Africa
In 2025, the digital divide has become one of the most prominent forms of global inequality. While some African countries have made major strides—like Rwanda with its Smart Africa initiatives and Kenya’s digital economy push—many regions still lack basic access to reliable internet and digital infrastructure.
ICT policy isn’t just about internet connections. It’s about inclusion, education, governance, and innovation. It’s about ensuring that a farmer in rural Zambia, a student in Namibia, or a tech entrepreneur in Lagos all have equitable access to the digital tools needed to participate in the global economy.
In the same way that “Vorsprung durch Technik” implies progress through not just tools, but technique, Africa must focus on mastering digital skills alongside deploying infrastructure. This includes policy frameworks that nurture digital literacy, data privacy, access to AI and machine learning technologies, and inclusive e-governance.
b) Key Areas for Near-Future Intervention
Digital Literacy at the Foundation Level: We must integrate coding, media literacy, and critical internet skills into early education across the continent. In 2025, knowing how to code or use AI tools is as important as knowing how to read or write.
Decentralized Digital Infrastructure: Policies must support community-led internet initiatives like mesh networks and public access points, especially in under-served rural areas. An example is South Africa’s Zenzeleni Networks, a community-owned ISP.
Youth-Led ICT Action Groups (IAGs): I renew my call for ICT Action Groups reporting to high levels of government—perhaps directly to parliament or a digital cabinet ministry. These should be staffed by digitally fluent youth, including gamers, app developers, and online content creators.
AI and Data Governance: As generative AI tools (like ChatGPT or Sora) become more influential, African governments must build capacity to regulate AI ethics, protect data sovereignty, and support the use of local languages in AI development.
Content Creation and Digital Sovereignty: Promote African content on platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and X (formerly Twitter). Nigeria’s AltSchool Africa and Kenya’s iHub show how local innovation ecosystems can thrive with the right support.
National Open Data Platforms: Governments must open data sets to the public while ensuring privacy. Namibia’s planned National Digital Strategy is a step in this direction.
c) The Internet and Human Rights in 2025
Access to the internet is now widely recognized as a fundamental human right. The United Nations has reiterated this in numerous resolutions, including the 2021 UNHRC Resolution on the promotion, protection, and enjoyment of human rights on the internet.
Yet, millions in Africa remain excluded from these rights due to limited access or lack of digital education. We must rethink “the right to education” (as per Article 26 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights) to include digital literacy and access to ICT—as essential as libraries, housing, and water.
In 2025, “reading, writing, and arithmetic” must now include code, collaboration, and critical thinking online. It is imperative that governments commit to:
“Developing the digital tools and systems to support the inclusive management of our countries—government, civil society, and the private sector—in delivering access to services and technologies that enable a high quality of life for all residents.”
Examples of Today’s Political ICT Action Groups
Several movements and political initiatives today reflect the ideas I envisioned in 2012:
Kenya’s Ajira Digital Programme – Led by the Ministry of ICT to equip youth with digital skills for freelance jobs.
Rwanda’s YouthConnekt – A platform empowering young people through ICT innovation and leadership.
Smart Africa Alliance – A coalition of 39 African countries aiming to accelerate digital transformation across the continent, backed by heads of state.
Namibia’s Fourth Industrial Revolution Taskforce – Which advises the presidency on AI, robotics, and digital infrastructure.
DA’s Shadow Cabinet (South Africa) – Includes digital portfolios with a youth-oriented digital transformation strategy.
We are at a digital crossroads. With the right policies, Africa doesn’t need to play catch-up—it can lead.
