Building a Connected Africa: A Story of Inclusion, Leadership, and Digital Transformation

Story by Ayubu John photo journalist Afrimedia Group news 

By Hon. Liyc, Chair, Board of Directors – ICT Authority

Distinguished guests, leaders, innovators, partners, ladies and gentlemen—good morning.

As the summit draws to a close, the room still carries the energy of bold ideas, shared ambition, and a collective vision for Africa’s digital future. But among all the discussions, one theme stands taller than the rest: the inclusion and participation of women in the digital economy.

At the start of the session, the women in the room were asked to rise. And they did—not just physically, but symbolically. They rose as innovators, as engineers, as policymakers, as entrepreneurs. They rose as leaders shaping Africa’s future.

In that moment, it became clear: women are not on the margins of the digital economy—they are its foundation.

Across the summit, women spoke, challenged, moderated, and led. They asked difficult questions and offered bold solutions. Their presence was not symbolic—it was essential. As Hon. Liyc would later emphasize, inclusion is not charity; it is competence.

Yet, beyond the conference halls, the reality remains stark.

In Kenya, women make up more than half of the population, yet only a third of the telecommunications workforce. In technical ICT roles, their representation drops even further. Across Africa, women are less likely to access the internet, less likely to own digital devices, and significantly underrepresented in innovation ecosystems. Funding tells a similar story, with women-led ventures receiving only a small fraction of available capital.

These are not just statistics—they are missed opportunities.

They represent untapped talent, unrealized innovation, and slowed economic growth.

Hon. Liyc’s message was clear: Africa cannot afford to build a digital future while leaving women behind.

To change this trajectory, she outlined a path forward—one grounded in action, not just intention.

First, access must be expanded. Digital infrastructure and connectivity must reach every woman, regardless of geography or income. Initiatives that lower barriers to entry are not optional—they are foundational.

Second, skills m

ust be developed at scale. From classrooms to community programs, women and girls must be equipped with the digital and technical capabilities needed to thrive in a modern economy.

Third, the pipeline must be strengthened. Encouraging girls into STEM is not enough; they must be supported, mentored, and retained throughout their journey into the workforce.

Fourth, financing must be unlocked. Women-led innovation cannot grow without capital. Targeted funding, inclusive procurement, and intentional investment strategies must become the norm.

Fifth, ecosystems must be inclusive. Beyond access, women need safe, trusted digital spaces where they can participate fully and lead confidently.

This is where transformation happens—not just in participation, but in ownership.

As Hon. Liyc noted, true empowerment lies in moving women from users of technology to owners, creators, and decision-makers within the digital space.

Her closing message carried both urgency and hope.

This is not just a gender issue. It is an economic imperative. A development priority. A strategic necessity.

Because when women participate fully, economies grow stronger. Innovation accelerates. Communities become more resilient.

The digital economy being built today will shape Africa for generations. And its success will depend on whether it is truly inclusive.

The summit may be ending—but the work is just beginning.

With renewed commitment, shared responsibility, and unified purpose, Hon. Liyc called on all stakeholders to move forward—not as individuals or institutions, but as one team.

A team committed to building a connected Africa where no one is left behind.

And in that vision, women are not just included.

They are leading.