Africa Digital Economy summit to be unveiled in Brazil, focuses on sustainable growth

The Local Organizing Committee of the Africa Digital Economy Summit (AFRIDES) has announced the upcoming event themed “Digital Transformation for Sustainable Growth: Africa’s Path to a Connected Future”, to be held in São Paulo, Brazil.

The summit, scheduled for October 27-31, 2024, at the Intercontinental Hotel, aims to accelerate Africa’s digital economy through collaborative partnerships and strategic discussions among key stakeholders.

Speaking at a press conference, Co-Chair of G20/T20 AFRIDES, Kelvin Jiraji, emphasized the significance of the summit as a vital extension of the G20’s focus on inclusive digital transformation, highlighting the importance of fostering global collaborations to drive economic growth.

He noted that the summit aligned with the broader G20 agenda, which would host its annual summit in Brazil later in November, focusing on “Building a Just World and a Sustainable Planet.”

Jiraji explained that AFRIDES was conceptualized to support Africa’s growing digital economy, positioning it within the global framework for economic transformation.

The summit will bring together heads of government, policymakers, innovators, entrepreneurs, FinTech providers, and industry leaders from across the globe to explore how Africa can leverage digital transformation for sustainable economic development.

“The expansion of technology has made it crucial to engage all key stakeholders in shaping Africa’s digital future,” Jiraji stated.

“This summit will provide fertile ground for partnerships, networking, and strengthening digital infrastructure across Africa, while also promoting industry awareness and policy advocacy,” he stated.

He said that the event was a key element in Africa’s journey towards implementing its Digital Economy Policy and Strategy, including the e-Government Master Plan.

According to Jiraji, digital resilience is essential for the implementation of economic policies, creating efficiencies in both public and private sectors, and driving Africa’s development forward.

The summit’s carefully selected topics and sub-themes will address critical issues related to Africa’s digital economy, with contributions from top-level professionals, including FinTech entrepreneurs and policymakers.

Attendees will explore opportunities for investment, job creation, and sustainable development, while engaging in critical discourse on Africa’s digital transformation.

Jiraji concluded by expressing the organizers’ expectation that the summit will generate new ideas, investment prospects, and solutions to drive Africa’s digital economy forward.

He also called on members of the press to share the summit’s objectives and outcomes with a global audience, ensuring widespread participation and awareness.

The Africa Digital Economy Summit is set to be a landmark event in advancing Africa’s connected future and promoting sustainable digital growth across the continent.
Other members of his team, Barrister Festus Nyiwon (Members, LOC), Ms Juliana James (Media Partner), Dr. Alfred Chiakor (Executive Director, Ashcraft Centre for Social Science Research) and Tom Chiahemen (Principal Consultant, Cattigan Communications.