Connecting for a Better Future: Vodacom on Africa’s Voice in Global Digital Policy

Africa’s Voice: Shaping Global Digital Policy

Essam emphasized that Africa’s voice in digital policy requires collective engagement from all stakeholders. “It is about gathering all stakeholders in the industry to push digital advancement forward,” he explained. He highlighted that Vodacom’s purpose—connecting for a better future—relies on enabling conditions such as effective partnerships, supportive policies, regulations, and the availability of investment. Essam noted that Africa’s voice becomes meaningful when governments, regulators, operators, investors, and technology partners work together to prioritize connectivity and digital inclusion.

Partnerships as a Foundation for Digital Progress

According to Essam, collaboration is essential to build resilient and inclusive digital infrastructure. “Partnerships with smartphone manufacturers, policymakers, regulators, and investors allow us to connect for a better future for all Africans,” he said. Vodacom engages with multiple sectors, including healthcare and education, to deliver scalable digital solutions. Examples include healthcare digitization initiatives in Egypt reaching over six million people and partnerships in South Africa with ESCOM to improve access to digital services. These efforts demonstrate that shared goals and coordinated action can amplify Africa’s impact on global digital infrastructure.

Investment and Infrastructure: Overcoming Barriers

Essam highlighted that the continent has already seen significant investment in infrastructure, yet challenges remain. “Hundreds of billions have been spent on infrastructure across Africa, and the key is ensuring all stakeholders act as partners in leveraging these investments,” he explained. He stressed that alignment among governments, policymakers, and private sector actors is essential to deliver tangible benefits to citizens and industries alike, from healthcare to e-commerce and agriculture, all of which depend on robust telecommunications networks.

Driving Meaningful Impact for Citizens

Essam illustrated the human dimension of connectivity. “When we provide someone with connectivity that enables them to call an ambulance in an emergency, we know we have truly made a difference,” he said. This emphasis on real-life impact reinforces Vodacom’s mission to ensure that digital infrastructure not only serves commercial interests but also improves the everyday lives of African citizens. 

“When I say all, I mean all—as in governments, regulators, policymakers, industries, telecommunication providers, partners. We all have the same goal, which is the betterment of the lives of Africans. If we all recognize that this is the goal we share, that’s when things start happening. That’s when we understand that we can bring investments together and all benefit from it. We can build infrastructure together and work towards providing more services to customers.”

– Ayman Essam, Chief External Affairs Officer, Vodacom Group 

Africa as a Partner in Digital Change

Essam concluded with a vision for inclusive collaboration across the continent. “I would like to see governments, policymakers, regulators, partners, mobile operators, and ISPs all sitting at one table, deciding together how to make the lives of African citizens better,” he said. By fostering coordinated action, Vodacom aims to ensure that Africa is recognized not only as a market but also as a partner and driver of global digital innovation.