Video On Demand

Digital Transformation and Inclusion in Sub-Saharan Africa

December 12, 2022 • 10:00 – 11:30 am EST

Closing the digital divide and managing digital transformation efforts will be critical to expanding economic, political, and educational opportunities globally and in Sub-Saharan Africa. While the pandemic has accelerated digitalization globally, populations such as women and girls are still at a basic disadvantage in accessing basic digital infrastructure such as ID, electricity, internet, and handset devices. As of 2020, only 30 percent of Sub-Saharan Africa has access to the internet despite attempts to increase connectivity across the region. In addition, the private sector will play an increasingly pivotal role in accelerating and sustaining digital transformation efforts in the region.

Please join the CSIS Project on Prosperity and Development for a hybrid public event examining two key issues on digital transformation and inclusion in Sub-Saharan Africa. This event leads up to the 2022 Africa Leaders’ Summit in Washington D.C., and welcomes leading experts and representatives from government, the private sector, and multilateral organizations.

Agenda

Panel I: The Role of the Private Sector in Africa’s Digital Transformation Journey
(10:00 – 10:40 AM ET)


Featuring:
Cina Lawson - Minister of Digital Economy and Transformation of Togo
Brionne Dawson - Emerging Markets Lead, Google
Chris Burns - Chief Digital Development Officer and Director, Technology Division, USAID

Daniel Huba - Vice President, Community Pass Market Development, Sub-Saharan Africa, Mastercard

Panel II: Closing Africa’s Gender Digital Divide
(10:45 – 11:30 AM ET)


Featuring:
Hawa Berete - Country Coordinator (Côte d'Ivoire), Digifemmes Program
Lacina Koné - Director General and CEO, Smart Africa
Agnieszka Rawa - Managing Director, Data Collaboratives for Local Impact, Millennium Challenge Corporation

This event is made possible through general support to CSIS.

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Daniel F. Runde
Senior Vice President; William A. Schreyer Chair; Director, Project on Prosperity and Development

Cina Lawson

Minister of Digital Economy and Transformation of Togo

Hawa Berete

Country Director (Côte d'Ivoire), Digifemmes Program
Chief Digital Development Officer and Director, Technology Division, USAID

Daniel Huba

Vice President, Community Pass Market Development, Sub-Saharan Africa, Mastercard

Lacina Koné

Director General and CEO, Smart Africa

Brionne Dawson

Emerging Markets Lead, Google

Agnieszka Rawa

Managing Director, Data Collaboratives for Local Impact, Millennium Challenge Corporation