Why Africa must focus on scaling innovation to secure digital future for citizens – Hamzat

Hamzat emphasized that the continent faces no inherent innovation deficit but rather a structural need for state-led transformation. He argued that traditional regulatory roles must evolve into active enablers of technological progress. This shift requires governments to provide essential shared digital infrastructure and establish predictable policy frameworks. Without such foundational support, technology initiatives remain isolated efforts rather than scalable solutions capable of reaching millions of citizens across the continent. [1]

Leadership Actions

Kadri Hamzat, serving as deputy governor for Lagos State, has publicly advocated for sustained investment in digital infrastructure. He urged stakeholders to move beyond experimental phases and instead focus on building sustainable solutions that strengthen Africa's technological destiny. His directive specifically calls for bridging the technology gap through coordinated efforts between government bodies and private sector entities. [1]

Process Metrics

The initiative was delivered at the fifth edition of TeXcellence, an event organized by CWG Plc with the specific theme of accelerating African digital futures. This gathering brought together key decision-makers to discuss institutional reforms necessary for translating breakthroughs into tangible life-changing solutions for the population. [1]

Alternative Perspective

Adeyipo, a prominent figure in the discourse, challenged the notion that technology is merely an external dependency. He stressed that Africa must take deliberate steps to own and shape its digital future rather than relying solely on innovations developed elsewhere. This perspective reinforces the necessity of local ownership and institutional capacity building as critical components of national security. [1]

Next Strategic Step

The immediate next step involves implementing these proposed reforms across various administrative levels to ensure consistent application. While the event concluded with a call to action, the specific timeline for nationwide rollout remains undefined until further official announcements are released by CWG Plc and the participating government entities. [1]

Sources and further reading

• Why Africa must focus on scaling innovation to secure digital future for citizens – Hamzat