Laying the Digital Foundation: Dr Ondo on Why Connectivity Alone Won’t Transform Africa

Infrastructure: The Foundation 

Dr. Ondo emphasized that while infrastructure development remains paramount, it is only the first step in realizing a truly connected Africa. He elaborated on how governments can leverage tax incentives to encourage private sector investment, fostering a collaborative approach to infrastructure development. He also touched on the necessity of up-to-date policies and regulations to facilitate the adoption of current and emerging technologies, ensuring that Africa can keep pace with the rapidly evolving digital landscape. This includes streamlining regulatory processes and creating an environment conducive to technological innovation.

The Usage Gap: Beyond Connectivity 

However, Dr. Ondo stressed that connectivity alone is insufficient to unlock the full potential of the digital economy. He highlighted the “usage gap” – the divide between access to connectivity and its meaningful utilization. Addressing this gap requires a multi-faceted approach that encompasses awareness campaigns, comprehensive education programs, and skills training initiatives. These efforts should aim to empower individuals and communities to effectively leverage digital tools and resources for economic advancement, social development, and personal enrichment.  

“The usage gap is a major concern. Raising awareness, providing education, and offering training are crucial so that people truly understand the value and benefits of being connected. Without that understanding, they won’t fully embrace or utilize the connectivity available to them.” 

– Dr Oscar Ondo, CEO, GITGE 

Education and Empowerment: GITGE’s Approach 

GTIGE’s approach to bridging this gap involves a deep commitment to education and empowerment at the grassroots level. Dr. Ondo shared an insightful anecdote about encountering resistance to fiber optic installations in homes due to a lack of understanding of its benefits. This experience underscored the critical role of education in fostering acceptance and driving adoption of new technologies. He also emphasized the importance of affordable devices and locally relevant content, advocating for strategic partnerships with local entrepreneurs to develop solutions tailored to the unique needs and contexts of African communities.  

Data Sovereignty and the African Mentality 

Looking ahead, Dr. Ondo expressed optimism about the future of digital development in Africa, citing increased collaboration and harmonization of regulations across the continent as positive trends. However, he also raised a crucial point about data sovereignty and the imperative for Africa to manage its own data and develop AI in its own terms, guided by an “African mentality.” He advocated for building more data centers within Africa and developing AI models that reflect African languages, cultures, and values, mitigating the biases inherent in existing AI systems and ensuring that AI serves the interests of African communities.  

“Data is the lifeblood of AI. Without data, there is no AI. Yet, more than 70 to 90% of our data is carried, controlled, or managed by large corporations.
If Africa cannot manage its own data, then we have no foundation to talk about AI. We simply cannot discuss AI seriously. Our priority should be building more data centers across the continent. We need to take ownership and manage our own data in Africa.” 

-Dr Oscar Ondo, CEO, GITGE