Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Information, Communications, and the Digital Economy, William Kabogo, today officially unveiled the Connected Africa Summit 2025 at a partners’ breakfast meeting in Nairobi, Kenya. Organised by the Ministry of Information, Communications, and the Digital Economy and the ICT Authority of Kenya, the Connected Africa Summit 2025 is scheduled for May 26th to 29th at the Diamond Leisure Resort and Spa in Diani, Kenya.
The summit will bring together policy leaders, technology pioneers, investors, and industry captains. Discussions will focus on how emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence, Blockchain, Cybersecurity, Cloud Computing, and Climate Technologies can accelerate transformation across sectors such as Education, Healthcare, Manufacturing, and Sustainability.
Mr Kabogo emphasised that the summit will provide a platform for cross-border collaborations and a unified approach for Africa to implement digital transformation. “This year, we convene the Connected Africa Summit under the theme: ‘The Digital Journey: Vision to Reality.’ It is a theme that challenges us to move beyond ambition and turn our shared digital vision into tangible action and impact. Over the past years, Africa has made significant strides in digital connectivity, financial inclusion, and innovation,” Mr Kabogo said.
He said to unlock the full potential of the digital economy, Kenya must ensure that technology adoption translates into sustainable development, economic opportunities, and social progress for all. “Kenya is leading the charge in digital transformation through a multi-sectoral approach that leverages ICT to drive economic growth and service delivery. But our focus isn’t just about our country; it is about Africa’s collective digital future. As a continent, we should strive to leverage technology for economic development and job creation, bridge the digital divide by enhancing digital infrastructure and skills training, strengthen cybersecurity frameworks, and foster an enabling environment for fintech and digital trade,” he said.
Eng. John Kipchumba Tanui, Principal Secretary, ICT and Digital Economy, highlighted the continuity of last year’s discussions: “Reflecting on last year’s Connected Africa Summit, which brought together 40 ministers from over 40 countries, we remain committed to tracking our Nairobi Declaration and advancing key areas like connectivity and emerging technologies,” he said.
Mr Stanley Kamanguya, CEO, ICT Authority, reiterated the summit’s role in fostering collaboration between the public and private sectors. “The Connected Africa Summit provides the private sector with a vital platform to voice their needs and collaborate with the government in creating a conducive business environment for tech innovation. By fostering dialogue, we ensure that policies and infrastructure align with industry growth, driving digital transformation across Africa,” Kamanguya said.
Robin Njiru, Regional Lead Public Sector, Amazon Web Services (AWS), emphasized the summit’s impact on business and innovation: “The Connected Africa Summit is a vital platform for turning discussions into real business opportunities and showcasing Kenya’s dynamic tech ecosystem. I look forward to another impactful summit that will foster collaboration, innovation, and business growth.”
Africa has the world’s youngest population, with a significant portion under 30, presenting both opportunities and challenges for the continent’s development. The summit takes place at a critical time when Africa is looking for ways to leverage technology to drive economic growth, create jobs for its young population, and enhance service delivery through emerging technologies.
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