Experts in the digital economy have raised concerns over the low level of investment in digital infrastructure across Africa, pointing out that the continent accounts for a mere 0.02% of the global fiber network. This was discussed at the Hyperscalers Convergence Africa conference, which took place in Lagos on Wednesday.
According to the experts, Africa currently has just over a million kilometers of fiber network, a figure that pales in comparison to global standards. They highlighted that this limited infrastructure significantly hampers the continent’s ability to fully leverage the opportunities within the digital economy.
Nigeria, the most populous country in Africa, serves as a stark example of the situation. The Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, noted that the country has only 35,000 kilometers of fiber infrastructure. This figure underscores the urgent need for expanded investments to bridge the digital divide.
The experts emphasized that improved digital infrastructure is crucial for Africa to compete on the global stage. Without adequate fiber networks, businesses, governments, and individuals across the continent will continue to face challenges in accessing fast, reliable internet services.
Calls were made at the conference for both public and private sector collaboration to accelerate the deployment of fiber infrastructure. Speakers urged African governments to create policies that would incentivize investments in this critical area.
By scaling up investments in digital infrastructure, Africa can unlock new economic opportunities, enhance connectivity, and promote digital inclusion across the continent.