Kagame highlighted that remaining behind is not an option as the world is in the era of the digital economy noting that economic transformation and prosperity require mastery of technology.

“Technology connects the world like never before. Access to knowledge has become much more equitable as a result. At the same time, let’s not be empty vessels, using broadband internet merely to consume the content and ideas produced by others. We are innovators and thinkers. We have our own products to sell. We have our own stories to tell,” he said.

The president who was delivering a keynote address today on the second day of the 5th edition of Transform Africa 2019 taking place at Kigali Convention Center from 14th to 17th May 2019 attended by Kenya president, Uhuru Kenyatta and Mali President Ibrahim Boubacar Keïta, commended Smart Africa for organizing the Transform Africa Summit, and bringing together an impressive range of partners, innovators, and policy-makers.

He said that it is time to build the necessary infrastructure and skills in Africa.

“There is a great deal at stake for our continent, which is why African governments came together to establish Smart Africa in the first place, with the private sector as a key partner from the outset,” said Kagame.

Commenting on the role of Smart Africa, Kagame said it firstly lies in keeping Africa together, in terms of the digital agenda, highlighting that ‘collaboration is the only way for us to navigate successfully, through the complex global dynamics we have to face’.

Kagame urged Africans to tackle tendencies intending to divide the continent for various reasons.

He said, Africa, can only protect its peoples’ interests, and increase the size of the market, through integration and cooperation.

“This is especially the case when it comes to harmonizing laws and regulations, and ensuring that Africa’s ICT infrastructure is managed in a sensible way. The emergence of a common African agenda on ICTs should not be a source of worry to anyone. It is long overdue, and in the end, greater African unity will benefit both Africa and its partners globally,” he said.

President Kagame also unveiled that the host of the 6th Transform Africa Summit in 2020 will be the Republic of Guinea.

The Transform Africa Summit is the Smart Africa flagship event.

Under the theme “Boosting Africa’s Digital Economy”, the Summit attracted over 4,000 participants, including Heads of State and Government, First Ladies, UN Broadband Commissioners, Ministers, Regulators, Mayors and Governors, Public and Private Sector, International Organizations, Industry Leaders, Investors, Entrepreneurs, Young Innovators, Civil Society and Academia.