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Lusaka, Zambia – The first-ever Africa Digital Parliamentary Summit has officially opened in Lusaka, Zambia, marking a major milestone in the continent’s journey toward harnessing technology for sustainable development and inclusive growth.
This high-level, three-day event is the result of a strategic collaboration between the Pan-African Parliament (PAP), the Africa Population and Health Research Centre (APHRC), and the GSMA, the global association of mobile operators. Together, these partners aim to strengthen evidence-based policymaking that will shape Africa’s digital transformation in the years to come.
Under the theme of building “The Africa We Want”, the Summit has convened parliamentarians from the PAP Committees on Transport, Industry, Communications, Energy, Science and Technology, as well as Health, Labour, and Social Affairs. Also in attendance are senior representatives from African Union organs, leading researchers, and digital policy experts from across the continent and beyond.
In his opening remarks, a senior official hailed the Summit as a “historic opportunity” to align legislative priorities with Africa’s pressing digital challenges and opportunities. “Digital transformation is not a luxury; it is a necessity,” he said. “We must ensure that our laws and policies anticipate and support innovation while protecting our people’s rights and wellbeing.”
Focus on AI, Digital Health, and Data Governance
Discussions at the Summit will centre on the critical roles of artificial intelligence (AI), digital health, and data governance in shaping Africa’s digital landscape. Policymakers will grapple with complex questions about how to ensure that AI technologies deployed on the continent are ethical, inclusive, and adapted to local needs.
Equally important is the focus on digital health, with participants examining how mobile technologies, data systems, and telemedicine can expand access to essential health services, improve outcomes, and strengthen health systems. The issue of data governance is also high on the agenda, as African countries work to balance the promise of big data with the need to protect privacy, ensure security, and avoid reinforcing inequalities.
Evidence-Based Policymaking at the Core
Throughout the Summit, parliamentarians will review and discuss two key reports developed by the APHRC and GSMA: the Africa Digital Health report and the Smart Manufacturing report. These evidence-based analyses offer policy recommendations and real-world case studies intended to guide lawmakers in adopting laws and regulations that foster innovation while meeting social and economic goals.
Dr. Catherine Kyobutungi, Executive Director of APHRC, emphasised that good data and research must be the foundation of Africa’s digital policy choices. “Our continent’s future depends on our ability to make informed, evidence-based decisions,” she said. “This Summit is a critical step in building the capacity of our lawmakers to champion policies that unlock the benefits of digital technology for all Africans.”
Building Regional Consensus
A defining feature of the Summit is its pan-African scope. Parliamentarians from all five regions of the continent—North, South, East, West, and Central Africa—are present, offering a unique opportunity to build shared understanding and coordinated responses to digital challenges that transcend national borders.
The GSMA’s Head of Sub-Saharan Africa, Angela Wamola, underscored the importance of regional collaboration. “Connectivity and digital services don’t stop at national borders,” she noted. “To unlock the economic and social potential of digitalisation, Africa needs harmonised policies that encourage investment, protect consumers, and foster innovation.”
A Vision for the Future
As Africa’s economies continue to digitise—from health systems to manufacturing and financial services—the need for effective, forward-looking, and inclusive digital policy has never been more urgent. The Africa Digital Parliamentary Summit aims to empower lawmakers to lead this transformation, ensuring that Africa’s digital future is not only innovative and competitive, but also equitable and sustainable.
The Summit is expected to conclude with a declaration outlining shared priorities and recommendations for building Africa’s digital future, reinforcing the commitment of African parliamentarians to work together toward “The Africa We Want.”
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