Emmanuel Manasseh on Redefining Africa’s Digital Future Through Urgency, Unity, and Innovation

Connectivity as an Indispensable Foundation 

The conversation began by establishing connectivity as the bedrock of digital transformation. Manasseh emphasized the urgency of investment, stating that “connectivity cannot wait”.  He stressed that successful connectivity hinges on “strong political will and support,” alongside strategic investments and enabling policies designed to drive affordability and accessibility. 

“I think one of the key issues is connectivity at the heart of digital transformation. And connectivity cannot wait because delaying investment in connectivity is delaying achievement of the sustainable development goals as well as delaying the development of socio-economic activities.”  

– Emmanuel Manasseh, Regional Director Africa, International Telecommunication Union (ITU)  

 

The High Cost of Duplication and the Promise of Infrastructure Sharing 

A significant challenge identified was the wasteful duplication of investment in infrastructure. Manasseh explained that duplication occurs when multiple operators invest in serving the same customers instead of pooling resources and sharing infrastructure. He championed infrastructure sharing—citing examples such as fiber optic cables and mobile network towers—to substantially reduce operational costs and capital expenditure. Sharing not only lowers costs but also facilitates the identification of coverage gaps, paving the way for more targeted and efficient investments. 

A Holistic, Integrated Approach to Maximize Impact 

The discussion strongly advocated for a “whole of government approach” to prevent the creation of isolated digital silos. Manasseh argued for the integration of various sectors—such as energy, connectivity, and financial services—to stimulate synergistic growth. He noted that in many African countries, connectivity has been the key enabler of financial services, such as mobile money and electronic payments for utilities and government services. Mapping infrastructure and usage across sectors enables holistic planning, ensuring that development efforts are both positive and efficient. 

Forging Synergies: The Critical Role of Private Sector Partnerships 

Recognizing that connectivity and telecom are capital-intensive endeavors, the conversation underscored the necessity of private sector partnerships. Manasseh proposed a shift in competitive focus, asserting that “competition should go to the services rather than infrastructure.” He encouraged telecom operators to collaborate on infrastructure development and then compete on delivering innovative solutions and services that address the pressing needs of society. 

AI as a Catalyst: Enhancing Efficiency and Fostering Local Innovation 

The dialogue explored the transformative potential of AI in enhancing efficiency and driving local innovation. Manasseh highlighted AI’s role in monitoring infrastructure, identifying network congestion, and optimizing performance. He also pointed out how AI can extend battery life. Moreover, he emphasized AI’s capacity to foster local innovation, enabling solutions to be developed locally and scaled globally. Manasseh optimistically stated that he sees “a big opportunity in Africa to innovate locally and scale up globally,” leveraging AI to integrate local solutions into multinational business models.