Minister Somaali Calls for Stronger Digital Infrastructure and Innovation Reforms Across Africa – TechAfrica News

African Startup Summit 2025: Advancing Digital Innovation Aligned with Sustainable Development Goals

Overview of the Summit

The African Startup Summit 2025, held in Algiers, strategically emphasized the enhancement of high-growth startups, digital connectivity, technology-driven innovation, and the expansion of ICT infrastructure. These efforts aim to foster resilient, inclusive, and competitive digital economies across Africa, directly supporting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly:

• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
• SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

Ministerial Roundtable Participation

On the second day of the summit, the Minister of Communications and Technology of the Federal Republic of Somalia, H.E. Mohamed Somaali, participated in the Ministerial Roundtable. This high-level forum convened communications and technology ministers from across Africa to discuss the continent’s digital transformation, policy harmonization, and innovation ecosystems as key drivers for sustainable development.

Key Focus Areas Highlighted by Minister Mohamed Somaali

1. Strengthening Africa’s Digital Connectivity: Developing strategic frameworks to improve access and integration of digital networks continent-wide, supporting SDG 9 and SDG 10.
2. Robust Cybersecurity and Data Protection: Implementing protocols to safeguard digital infrastructure and user data, ensuring trust and security in digital economies, aligned with SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions).
3. Policy Reforms to Stimulate Innovation and Entrepreneurship: Encouraging ICT-driven business growth through enabling regulatory environments, fostering economic growth and decent work in line with SDG 8.
4. Development of Critical ICT Infrastructure: Building the necessary infrastructure to facilitate Africa’s transition to a digitally-enabled economy, advancing SDG 9.

Commitment to Inclusive Digital Development

Minister Somaali emphasized Somalia’s dedication to fostering innovation and expanding digital access across the nation. The commitment aligns with the broader African digital vision to ensure inclusivity and that no country is left behind, reinforcing the principles of SDG 10 and SDG 17.

Conclusion

The African Startup Summit 2025 serves as a pivotal platform for advancing sustainable digital transformation across Africa. By focusing on innovation, connectivity, and infrastructure development, the summit supports the achievement of multiple SDGs, promoting equitable economic growth and technological progress continent-wide.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
   • Focus on supporting high-growth startups and entrepreneurship.
   • Promoting ICT-driven business growth.
2. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
   • Advancing technology-driven innovation.
   • Expanding ICT infrastructure.
   • Building resilient and inclusive digital economies.
3. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
   • Ensuring inclusive digital access and no nation left behind.
4. SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
   • Robust cybersecurity protocols and data protection mechanisms.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs

1. SDG 8 Targets
   • Target 8.3: Promote development-oriented policies that support productive activities, decent job creation, entrepreneurship, creativity and innovation.
   • Target 8.2: Achieve higher levels of economic productivity through diversification, technological upgrading and innovation.
2. SDG 9 Targets
   • Target 9.1: Develop quality, reliable, sustainable and resilient infrastructure, including regional and transborder infrastructure, to support economic development and human well-being.
   • Target 9.5: Enhance scientific research, upgrade the technological capabilities of industrial sectors.
   • Target 9.c: Significantly increase access to ICT and strive to provide universal and affordable access to the Internet in least developed countries.
3. SDG 10 Targets
   • Target 10.b: Encourage official development assistance and financial flows to states where the need is greatest, including least developed countries, to help reduce inequalities.
4. SDG 16 Targets
   • Target 16.6: Develop effective, accountable and transparent institutions at all levels.
   • Target 16.10: Ensure public access to information and protect fundamental freedoms, in accordance with national legislation and international agreements.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied in the Article

1. Indicators for SDG 8
   • Number of high-growth startups supported or created.
   • Employment rates in technology-driven sectors.
2. Indicators for SDG 9
   • Proportion of population with access to ICT infrastructure and internet connectivity.
   • Investment levels in ICT infrastructure development.
   • Number of technology innovations or patents registered.
3. Indicators for SDG 10
   • Percentage of population with digital access across different nations.
   • Reduction in digital divide metrics among African countries.
4. Indicators for SDG 16
   • Existence and enforcement of cybersecurity protocols and data protection laws.
   • Measures of policy harmonization and institutional effectiveness in digital governance.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: techafricanews.com