Digitalization is reshaping Africa’s development trajectory, setting the pace for new economic and social opportunities. In this context, the Global African Business Initiative (GABI) brought together government leaders, businesses, and technology institutions at the Africa CEOs Forum 2025. Under the theme “Connect. Empower. Prosper: The Big Push for Digital Africa,” the parallel GABI Bridge session outlined a clear roadmap to strengthen the continent’s digital infrastructure and innovation ecosystems.
Sanda Ojiambo, UN Under-Secretary-General and Executive Director of the UN Global Compact, emphasized the urgency of driving an inclusive, sustainable, and African-led digital future. She highlighted that investing in connectivity, nurturing young talent, and fostering innovation is not just a technological strategy but a priority for economic growth and social cohesion.
The forum stressed the importance of expanding digital infrastructure coverage. To achieve this, financing schemes that combine public resources, private investment, and international capital were proposed to support digital projects across the continent.
Participants agreed that digital progress requires cross-sector collaboration. Public-private partnerships are crucial to updating regulatory frameworks, promoting tech entrepreneurship, and creating conditions that support the expansion of the digital economy. The need to strengthen education was also addressed by modernizing curricula and enhancing teacher training to ensure future generations possess essential digital skills.
GABI Bridge concluded with a clear vision: turning commitments into concrete investments, converting partnerships into sustainable platforms, and transforming Africa’s digital potential into measurable results. With this approach, GABI reinforces its role as a strategic catalyst for African leadership in the global digital economy.
