The African Telecommunications Union (ATU) has highlighted the importance of connecting rural and remote areas in Africa to economic opportunities.<\/p>\n
This was said by Secretary General of ATU, Abdoulkarim Soumaila at an ICT forum, AfricaCom, held on 7- 9 November in Cape Town.<\/p>\n
He said that connectivity, affordability and accessibility was a key focus for Africa\u2019s digital inclusivity and rural network coverage.<\/p>\n
Abdoulkarim Soumaila during the premier Pan-African technology, telecoms and media event noted that, connectivity has the potential to positively impact and transform people\u2019s lives in a number of areas, including health, education and financial services and agriculture.<\/p>\n
\u201cAll people must be able to access the Internet in order to exercise and enjoy their rights to a better quality of life, dignity and equality.\u201d Abdoulkarim said.<\/p>\n
Statistics from GSMA shows that approximately 53% of the world\u2019s population is still unconnected. Four-fifths of this unconnected population are located in Asia-Pacific and in Africa. On average, 69% of the African population do not have access to the Internet, with many of those unconnected living in rural areas.<\/p>\n
Abdoulkarim stated that there is a definite need for smarter strategies and co-operation amongst the various stakeholders to ensure digital Inclusivity.<\/p>\n
\u201cIn order to make rural connectivity a reality, governments and stakeholders need to make it a priority. It is necessary to develop suitable networks at an appropriate time and gradually overlay infrastructure and services until the ultimate goal of an ICT Society and Knowledge Economy is achieved.\u201d Abdoulkarim said.<\/p>\n
The forum with the theme, \u201cBuild a Better Connected Africa \u2013 How to Accelerate the Development of ICT Systems\u201d was attended by government officials including communication ministers from South Africa, Angola, Ghana, Namibia, Zimbabwe, representatives from GSMA, Deloitte, Huawei and Telco Operators in Sub-Saharan region.<\/p>\n
Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, Minister for Communications of Ghana said, \u201cOur universal access service agency GIFEC, in collaboration with operators and private sector partners, has been mandated to make 100% network coverage happen within two years. And I\u2019m happy to know that Huawei has successfully developed innovative solution for rural coverage in collaboration with MTN in Ghana. The ICT Africa forum should serve to strengthen our resolve in building a better connected Africa. \u201d<\/p>\n
Lipeng, president of Huawei Southern Africa region said most African policy-makers have created favorable environments for the ICT sector, and the private sector also plays an important role in provision of the technology, solution, service and training, help transforming and enriching people\u2019s life through communication.<\/p>\n
\u201cHuawei is ready to share our local practices and global expertise with all related stakeholders, to contribute to accelerating ICT development in Africa.\u201d Li said.<\/p>\n
–<\/p>\n
Credit: Huawei<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
The African Telecommunications Union (ATU) has highlighted the importance of connecting rural and remote areas in Africa to economic opportunities. This was said by Secretary General of ATU, Abdoulkarim Soumaila at an ICT forum, AfricaCom, held on 7- 9 November in Cape Town. He said that connectivity, affordability and accessibility was a key focus for […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":7,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[106],"tags":[11631,1060,1492,1990],"yoast_head":"\n