President William Ruto has reaffirmed Africa’s commitment to building a unified and borderless digital market, positioning connectivity as a key driver of innovation, trade, and economic growth across the continent.
Speaking in Nairobi during the ongoing Connected Africa Summit 2026, the President said Africa’s digital transformation agenda is firmly anchored on integrating markets and leveraging technology to unlock opportunities for its 1.5 billion people.
“Our efforts to make Africa a connected continent are anchored on establishing a unified and borderless digital market to enhance innovation, trade and economic growth,” President Ruto said.
He noted that Kenya is taking a leading role in advancing digitisation and digitalisation, citing ambitious investments in digital infrastructure, skills development, and policy reforms. Among the key targets is the expansion of fibre optic broadband by 100,000 kilometres, alongside training a critical mass of digital professionals and enacting legislation to support the growth of the digital economy.
The President revealed that Kenya has already digitised nearly 30,000 government services, up from just 320 three years ago. This shift, he said, has significantly improved efficiency, reduced human interaction in service delivery, and enhanced government revenue collection.
In addition, the country has expanded 34,000 kilometres of fibre optic connectivity through the national electricity grid and is rolling out 1,450 digital hubs across all wards to bridge the digital divide and promote inclusive access to online services.
The Head of State made the remarks after hosting African ministers responsible for ICT at State House, Nairobi, where they held high-level discussions on accelerating connectivity across the continent. The meeting forms part of the broader summit agenda aimed at strengthening collaboration among African nations.
During the State House working breakfast, Cabinet Secretary for Information, Communications and the Digital Economy William Kabogo underscored the importance of regional cooperation in achieving a fully connected Africa.
Kabogo said the gathering brought together ministers, deputy ministers, principal secretaries, and heads of delegation from across the continent, including representatives from Malawi, Uganda, Liberia, South Sudan, Zimbabwe, Burundi, Angola, Algeria, Guinea, The Gambia, Congo Brazzaville, and a special delegation from Chad.
He described the summit as a critical platform for advancing Africa’s shared vision of a single digital market, noting that enhanced connectivity will unlock new economic frontiers and foster inclusive growth.
“Together, we are building One Africa, One Digital Market, and One Connected Future,” Kabogo said.
The Connected Africa Summit 2026, currently underway in Nairobi, has brought together policymakers, industry leaders, and innovators to deliberate on strategies for accelerating digital transformation and ensuring that no region is left behind in the digital revolution.
As discussions continue, leaders are expected to outline actionable frameworks to strengthen cross-border digital infrastructure, harmonise policies, and promote investment in technology—steps seen as crucial in positioning Africa as a competitive player in the global digital economy.
