Director General of the Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (POTRAZ), Dr Gift Machengete, has urged African countries to take an active role in shaping the future of artificial intelligence (AI) and emerging technologies, warning that failure to do so could result in the continent’s digital exclusion.
Speaking during the ongoing International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Regional Development Forum being hosted by Zimbabwe in Victoria Falls, Dr Machengete said Africa must position itself as a key player in the global digital transformation agenda.
“If Africa does not actively participate in shaping AI and emerging technologies, then the digital future may be designed without African values, cultures, spirituality, languages, and perspectives,” said Dr Machengete.
He said the continent must move beyond being passive consumers of technology and become active innovators and contributors to global digital solutions.
Dr Machengete stressed that Africa possesses the talent, youthful population and growing digital ecosystem necessary to drive innovation, but noted that collaboration among governments, regulators, industry and development partners would be critical in closing existing digital gaps.
“The conversations we are having here are important because they will influence how Africa positions itself in the global digital economy. We need policies and partnerships that ensure no one is left behind in the digital transformation journey,” he noted.
The POTRAZ Director General also highlighted the importance of strengthening digital infrastructure.
“Strengthened digital infrastructure enhances connectivity and promotes digital skills development across the continent to fully harness opportunities presented by AI and other emerging technologies,” he said.
The ITU Regional Development Forum is expected to identify priority actions and build consensus among African countries on projects and strategies that respond to regional telecommunications and ICT development needs.
The gathering comes at a time when African countries are increasingly seeking to leverage technology to drive economic growth, improve public service delivery and bridge the digital divide, amid rapid advancements in AI and other transformative technologies globally.
