The Governor of Lagos State in Nigeria, Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, stated on Wednesday at the Gitex Africa Digital Summit in Marrakech that Africa can become the next Silicon Valley.
She stressed the necessity for Africa to capitalize on its young population, which makes up more than 60% of the African population, to continue to strengthen access to the internet and telecommunications and to develop the digital infrastructure.
While noting that around 30% of investment in Africa is dedicated to the digital economy, the official pointed out that Africa is in the process of becoming a global technology hub, adding that in 10 years, Africa will become the place where major global companies, including Microsoft and Meta, will come to recruit intelligent profiles.
This transformation is being driven by Africans and by the investment flowing into the continent,” he continued.
Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu also called for greater synergy between the public and private sectors to align them, given that the public sector should prepare an environment that is conducive, and secure and that highlights the development potential that exists in Africa before the private sector sets up shop.
This meeting is being organized by the Digital Development Agency (ADD) under the aegis of the Ministry of Digital Transition and Administrative Reform. It is an initiative of “GITEX GLOBAL” in Dubai, the world’s largest technology and start-up exhibition.
This meeting brought together leaders from the public and private sectors, political decision-makers, investors, and academics to discuss the future of the world’s largest digital economy.