Africa’s digital transformation is gaining momentum, and discussions on the continent’s digital infrastructure opportunities have never been more critical. In an engaging conversation with James Manyika, Senior Vice President of Research, Technology & Society at Google, Strive Masiyiwa, the renowned African technology billionaire and Chairman of Econet Group, delved into the prospects and significance of building robust digital infrastructure in Africa.

Below are our excerpts from the interview.

The Digital infrastructure imperative

Masiyiwa emphasized the pivotal role of digital infrastructure in propelling Africa to the next level of technological advancement. He outlined several key components that are instrumental in shaping the continent’s digital future:

1. High-speed broadband: High-speed broadband connectivity forms the backbone of a thriving digital ecosystem. Masiyiwa highlighted the importance of expanding access to high-speed internet across Africa to empower businesses, individuals, and educational institutions.
2. 5G Connectivity: As the world embraces the era of 5G technology, Africa must not lag behind. Masiyiwa stressed the need for comprehensive 5G connectivity that can fuel innovation, enhance communication, and drive economic growth.
3. Last-mile fiber networks: Last-mile fiber networks play a pivotal role in connecting African countries, cities, and remote areas. These networks are essential for bridging the digital divide and ensuring that even underserved regions have access to digital opportunities.
4. Foundational physical infrastructure: Beyond digital networks, Masiyiwa highlighted the significance of basic physical infrastructure that serves as the foundation for development. This includes subsea cables, fiber-optic last-mile infrastructure, wireless masts, and data center infrastructure.

A platform for global innovation

According to Masiyiwa, the development of these essential infrastructure components is not only vital for Africa’s growth but also paves the way for global tech giants like Google to establish a significant presence on the continent. As the infrastructure layer matures, it becomes easier for international companies to invest in and build innovative service layers.

Strive Masiyiwa’s vision for Africa’s digital infrastructure aligns with Africa Hyperscaler Media’s commitment to amplifying the operators that are building the digital infrastructure in Africa. It is only when we address key infrastructure challenges and build a solid foundation, that Africa can position itself as an attractive destination for technology investments and innovation.

To gain deeper insights into Strive Masiyiwa’s thoughts on Africa’s digital infrastructure opportunities and its potential impact, we invite you to watch the full conversation on Google Dialogues on Technology and Society. Click on the link below to access the video