Africa’s prosperity is inextricably tied to the quality of its digital infrastructure, says Mr ‘Deremi Atanda, Managing Director of Remita Payment Services Limited (RPSL). Speaking at the Hyperscalers Convergence Africa Conference during a panel session themed ‘Innovating Towards Africa’s Digital Future,’ Mr Atanda emphasised that Africa’s development depends on innovative strategies that cater to the continent’s unique challenges and opportunities.
The panel session brought together key industry leaders, including Wabo Majavu, Executive, Strategy & Business Operations at Africa Data Centres; Ifeanyi Akosionu, Managing Director, INQ Digital; and Frank Eleanya, Senior Writer, Infrastructure, Business and BigTech at TechCabal. The discussions centred on how digital infrastructure could unlock new possibilities for Africa’s economic growth and sustainability.
“Africa’s prosperity is fundamentally tied to the quality of its digital infrastructure,” Mr Atanda remarked. “Solving Africa’s problems within its context will yield multidimensional benefits. Improved digital infrastructure will enhance the quality of life across the continent, connecting Africa in unprecedented ways. Moreover, expanding digital infrastructure will significantly enhance skills development in Africa, connecting more people and creating vast opportunities. This capacity building is crucial for our continent’s growth.”
“Africa’s digital transformation requires a unified vision and a comprehensive infrastructure agenda, driven by dedicated promoters and community involvement. By integrating diverse skills and fostering collaboration, we can accelerate trade, expand local economies, and enhance the quality of life across the continent. Continuous monitoring and evaluation will ensure sustainable progress, making Africa a significant player in the global digital landscape,” he added.
Echoing this sentiment, Wabo Majavu, Executive, Strategy & Business Operations at Africa Data Centres, stated, “We are building for a future we have not yet seen, and this requires constant collaboration and communication. Adopting a DevOps culture is essential for our success. We must focus on interconnected solutions and collaborate with government programmes to execute our plans effectively.” Her call for collaboration underscores the need for a unity of vision in Africa’s digital transformation, highlighting that innovation cannot exist in isolation.
In Nigeria, digital adoption has grown significantly, with internet penetration reaching 52% of the population in 2023, according to the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC). The country also witnessed a rise in mobile broadband subscriptions, which surpassed 92.3 million users in 2022, reflecting the increasing demand for digital services across the nation. Despite these advancements, significant gaps remain, particularly in rural areas where infrastructure development and digital inclusion are still lagging. Expanding digital infrastructure to unserved and underserved regions will be key to addressing these challenges and driving sustainable growth.
Olusola Teniola, Director of Strategic Business Initiatives at IPNX, reinforced this perspective by stating that, “With Africa’s population projected to reach 2.4 billion by 2050, the urgency of investing in digital infrastructure has never been more evident. This investment is not just about laying fibre-optic cables or expanding data centres; it is about building a foundation for collaboration, future growth, innovation, and economic prosperity.” This sense of urgency adds a compelling dimension to the need for swift and strategic investment across the continent.
Mr Atanda further emphasised the critical role that innovation plays in addressing Africa’s challenges. He noted that while there have been significant advancements in the digital payment space, there is still much work to be done, particularly in creating intra-African payment systems that facilitate trade and economic collaboration without relying on external channels. He affirms that Remita is at the forefront of this innovation, redefining the ease of connected payments digitally.
“Pan-African payments have been a long time coming. It’s time to take ownership of our digital future and ensure that our solutions are designed by Africans, for Africans. We need to build capacity at scale and create opportunities for the continent to thrive,” he quipped.
One of the key messages Remita’s Managing Director delivered during the session was the importance of community involvement in shaping Africa’s digital future. He called for a collective effort from various stakeholders, including governments, businesses, and educational institutions, to promote and implement a unified digital infrastructure agenda.
“To succeed, we need to engage communities at all levels—whether it’s local communities, governments, or the investment community. This will ensure that Africa’s digital infrastructure meets the unique needs of each region while driving sustainable development,” he explained.
Mr Atanda concluded by advocating for the creation of an African digital infrastructure investment bond, which would encourage both local and international stakeholders to invest in the continent’s digital future.
“Africans must take responsibility for shaping our digital destiny. If we don’t, others will do it for us. We need to start framing the conversation around digital infrastructure in a way that highlights the immense opportunities available and encourages investment in this critical sector,” he said.
