The Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) says deliberate steps are needed to make ICT services more accessible and affordable to drive development in the region.
COMESA’s Assistant Secretary General for Programmes, Mohamed Kadah, emphasized that ICT can help solve issues like climate change, gender inequality, and health crises among others.
“However, Africa still lags behind,” he said, indicating that according to 2023 reports, only 37% of Africans are using the internet, compared to the global average of 67%.
“Just 25% are connected to the internet, far below the global average of 57%,” said Dr. Kadah.
Dr. Kadah highlighted that even where services are available, high costs of data and digital devices limit usage.
He stressed that ICT is a top priority for development and regional integration under COMESA’s strategic plan.
Dr. Kadah made these remarks in Lusaka today, in a speech read on his behalf by COMESA Director of Infrastructure, Bernard Dzawanda, during the Technical Working Group Meeting and 5th Programme Steering Committee Meeting for the Enhancement of Governance and Enabling Environment in the ICT Sector.
By Eva Hatontola
