Leaders from across the technology, finance and government sectors gathered this week in Cape Town for the 2024 Broadband Development Congress to discuss Africa’s path to wider internet access and the growing role of artificial intelligence in transforming the continent’s digital landscape.
The event, organised by the World Broadband Association (WBBA) as part of the Africa Tech Festival 2024, served as a platform for new ideas and partnerships aimed at addressing the continent’s digital gaps and improving broadband access. A key moment at the event was the release of a whitepaper titled ‘The Role of AI in Fixed Networks Sustainability’, which explored how AI can help build more reliable, energy-efficient networks.
“Africa has the resources, the talent, and the potential to lead the next phase of the digital revolution”, said Dr. Li Zhengmao, Chairman of the World Broadband Association (WBBA), in his opening remarks. He emphasised how expanding internet access can open opportunities in education, healthcare, and commerce for millions across the continent.
The Congress came at a pivotal time, with broadband subscriptions rising 22% in the past year and revenue projected to grow to $6.7 billion by 2029. Despite these gains, the digital divide remains a significant hurdle, with many communities still lacking affordable, reliable access to the internet.
Leaders like Guinea’s Chief of Staff Nfaly Sylla emphasised on the importance of national initiatives while citing Guinea’s National Data Centre as a model for other African nations. “We must create systems that ensure every citizen, no matter where they live, has access to the tools they need to succeed”, Sylla said.
The role of telecom companies was another hot topic. Ke Ruiwen, CEO of China Telecom, spoke about the shift from traditional telecom operations to technology-driven companies, urging investors to view Africa as a key market for growth. “Our future success is tied to Africa’s ability to thrive digitally”, Ruiwen said.
Discussions also touched on practical steps to improve broadband access, including affordable financing models, regulatory reforms and scalable infrastructure. Experts like Dr Sunil Piyarlall of Openserve called for fairness in how digital infrastructure is distributed, while Pieter Viljoen of Yangtze Optics Africa Cable outlined strategies to meet the rising demand for fiber networks.
The potential of AI was a recurring theme throughout the event. According to WBBA Director General, Martin Creaner, AI offers tools to make networks more efficient and sustainable, but only if operators prioritize quality data. “The technology is here. Now it’s about making sure we use it wisely and effectively”, Creaner said in his closing remarks.
