Digital Transformation Critical To Accelerating AfCTA Success – Jiraji

The Co- Chair of G-20 Africa Digital Economy Summit (AfriDES), Mr. Kelvin Jiraji, says digital transformation is critical in accelerating the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA).

Jiraji made the assertion during a press conference in Abuja on Tuesday. while unveiling the summit which will be held in Sau Paulo, Brazil, in October, 2024.

According to him, the forthcoming summit with the theme:“Digital Transformation for Sustainable Growth: Africa’s Path to a Connected Future”, is a strategic vision of the Group of 20 Industrialized Nations, G20.

He noted that the G20 appreciates the imperative of deepening synergy with critical Stakeholders worldwide to advance and enhance inclusive digital transformation.

He said,”On behalf of the Local Organizing Committee, we welcome you all to this Press Conference. It aims to give further publicity, through the print, electronic and social media, on the forthcoming Africa Digital Economy Summit with the theme: “Digital Transformation for Sustainable Growth: Africa’s Path to a Connected Future” The Summit shall hold at the Intercontinental Hotel, Alameda Santos, 1123 Sao Paulo, Jardim Paulista, Brazil from 27th – 31st October, 2024. 

“It is important to state from the onset that the Africa Digital Economy Summit, AFRIDES, is a strategic vision of the Group of 20 Industrialized Nations, G20. The G20 recognizes the significance of inclusive digital transformation on national and sub-national economies as catalysts for economic growth. It also appreciates the imperative of deepening synergy with critical Stakeholders worldwide to advance and enhance inclusive digital transformation. That is why it has institutionalized this side event, as a critical corollary of its Agenda.

“You will note that the G20 hold their annual Summit each year on a rotational basis. The 2023 Edition held in Japan. This year’s edition is holding in Brazil from 18th to 19th November 2024 on the theme: “Building a Just World and a Sustainable Planet”. The 2025 Summit will hold in South Africa.”

Jiraji reiterated that the gross expansion of the contours of technology and digital transformation has made it imperative to recognize the eco-­‐systemic dimensions of the value chain of digital economy and the urgency to plug into its superstructures.

According to him, one of the priorities of the Africa Digital Economy Summit therefore, is to foster robust engagements, leverage collaboration and partnership with Heads of Government, Policymakers, FinTech Providers, Innovators, Entrepreneurs, and a broad range of Stakeholders and Key Industry Players across the globe. 

“The Summit will also provide the fertile ground for a broad spectrum of Stakeholders to work in concert towards maximizing the potentials and sustainability of Africa’s vital digital economy infrastructures; while at the same time, develop and strengthen existing and new opportunities for networking, promote industry awareness, advocacy and providing support for public and private sector national and sub national digital economy and transformation interventions.

“This Summit aligns with Africa’s institutional framework for achieving its Digital Economy Policy and Strategy and its implementation of the e-Government Master Plan. The Summit is also particularly strategic for Africa’s e-governance and its ecosystem because Digital Economy resilience is the engine room for the implementation and articulation of economic and business policies and programs, both in the public and private domains, and serve as the catalyst for building efficiencies and capabilities to deliver on critical aspects of economic transformation, development and national re-engineering.

“The choice of sub themes, topics and the quality of Resource persons invited to impact delivery is a reflection of the seriousness attached to this Summit. Top level FinTech Entrepreneurs, Digital Economy Policy Makers and Regulators, and other strategic professionals are mobilized to critically add value to the digital economy discourse in Africa and beyond.

“It is our strong expectations that 4-Day Summit will also open up viable opportunities for the regeneration of the numerous economic and other viable investment opportunities that shall create wealth, provide job opportunities and stimulate development in Africa. The Resolutions from this Summit shall no doubt inject fresh ideas and initiatives into the policy planning architecture to reinforce a systemized and collective framework in actualizing digital economy priority objectives,” he said.

Jiraji disclosed that the Conveners of the summit are in agency consultations with some of the leading FinTech and Digital Economy Entrepreneurs, who have specialized capabilities to develop a wide range of innovative options to achieve the desired solution outcomes. 

“It is also the expectation of the Summit to enhance knowledge leadership & management, regenerate investor confidence; and also boost capital growth and turnkey business startups and development,” he said.