Infrastructure, Skills, Affordability: ATU’s John Omo Maps Out Africa’s Path to Digital Inclusion

The Two Sides of the Digital Divide

Omo drew a sharp distinction between the supply side and demand side of Africa’s digital challenge. Infrastructure rollouts have improved across the continent, yet the bulk of reliable connectivity remains concentrated in cities. Rural communities continue to wait for stable coverage, leaving millions underserved. Omo stressed that this imbalance can only be corrected through sustained investment and stronger public private partnership frameworks that encourage operators to build beyond urban borders.

The Cost of Access Still Holds Millions Back

Even where networks reach communities, the cost of access continues to lock many people out. Smartphones remain unaffordable for a significant share of the population. Omo noted that no citizen should be forced to choose between a device and essential needs. Efforts such as local device assembly in Kigali and Nairobi and flexible micro-lending schemes are helping shift this reality, but he said broader policy support is required to drive device prices down to a point where mass adoption becomes possible.

Skills and Relevant Content: The Missing Ingredients

Beyond physical access, Omo stressed the importance of practical digital skills and content that reflects local needs. 

“There must be a pipeline delivering the content to the end user. It is not enough to put a terminal in someone’s hands. We have seen cases where people had devices but used them for unrelated purposes because the content was not relevant to their needs. What matters is providing relevant content and ensuring the backhaul can deliver it at the right speeds, whether for health, education, or agriculture.”
– John Omo, Secretary General of the African Telecommunications Union (ATU) 

He called for deeper investment in digital literacy and homegrown applications that support communities in education, agriculture, health and small business.

Policy Harmonisation: A Path to a Single Digital Market

Policy harmonisation has become a recurring theme in Africa’s digital ecosystem, and Omo reinforced its importance. He explained that countries benefit when rules, taxation frameworks and device import policies are aligned. Harmonised roaming frameworks in East Africa have already demonstrated the impact: lower roaming costs, higher call volumes and improved cross-border communication. Scaling similar models across the continent would support regional trade and simplify digital service delivery.

The Next Five Years: What Success Should Look Like

When asked to look ahead, Omo described a vision of an Africa that trades more freely within its own borders, supported by consistent policies and shared infrastructure. He highlighted three priorities: coordinated regulatory approaches, accelerated cross-border fibre deployment and comprehensive skills development for young people. He believes that access to undersea cables for landlocked countries and digital-ready graduates will define Africa’s competitiveness in the coming decade.

As Africa experiences rapid uptake in digital financial services and homegrown innovation, the ATU continues to push for policies, infrastructure and skills development that will support long term digital growth. The message from Kigali was clear: Africa’s digital future depends on unity, affordability and relevance.