Prime Minister of Rwanda, Anastase Murekezi
The Prime Minister of Rwanda, Anastase Murekezi has said there is need for Africa leaders and other stakeholders to renew their commitment towards Africa’s digital revolution. Speaking at the opening ceremony of the transformAfrica2015 summit in Kigali on Monday, the Prime Minister said that there is a need for full commitment in accelerating social economic transformation through ICT.
“This summit is therefore a golden opportunity to share lessons and renew our commitment towards sustaining Africa’s digital revolution,” he noted
The Prime Minister noted that the use of ICT in all sectors is the best approach towards driving social economic development across the continent.
“ICT is a good and inclusive medium of development in which our youth especially will participate and drive social economic change through innovation and entrepreneurship,” he said
The three day summit that started on Monday offers a platform for dialogue and deal making between governments and the private sector on technology solutions for Africa’s socio-economic transformation.
It is also expected to provide space for young innovators from Africa and the beyond to showcase their potential for creating home grown disruptive innovations, raising awareness of the limitless potential for women empowerment through technology (GemTech).
Hon. Murekezi said that the 2015 transform Africa summit will build the success of the 2013 transform Africa which has already made great strides.
Accordingly, seven heads states met in Rwanda in 2013 to discuss where Africa had so far gone as regards the implementation of the resolutions in 2007 in Connect Africa conference.
Murekezi said that since the 2013 transform Africa summit, Rwanda took strides in laying the fiber optic in 30 districts which has improved service delivery as well as cutting cost of doing business.
“Indeed it is because of the broad band connectivity that the number of mobile connectivity is increasing,’ the Prime Minister further explained.
However, this digital revolution is creating new challenges which necessitates home grown initiatives, innovative win- win initiatives.