Gov't reaffirms commitment to Africa's digital economy at AIGF launch

The government reaffirmed its commitment to building a stronger and more resilient digital economy. This commitment focuses on creating a unified African digital identity and infrastructure system to support secure online transactions and boost cross-border internet trade.

Speaking at the launch of the 15th edition of the African Internet Governance Forum on Friday, 22nd May 2026 in Accra, the Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, underscored the strong link between Africa's digital transformation agenda and the vision of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). Mr. George stated, "The president's vision is clear: digital technology must become a key driver of the African free continental trade area. A truly integrated African market can, however, not be achieved without robust digital infrastructure, affordable connectivity, trusted digital ecosystems, interoperable payment systems, secured cross-border data flows and innovation-driven trade facilitation." He explained that central to the president's vision is the development of a unified African digital identity infrastructure, which is critical for secure transactions, cross-border trade, financial inclusion, access to public services and trusted participation in the digital economy.

Mr. George outlined key thematic areas expected to shape discussions at the forum, including digital inclusion, cybersecurity, digital public infrastructure, artificial intelligence governance, and affordable internet access across the continent. The forum will be anchored around eight key thematic areas that reflect both the opportunities and the challenges that shape Africa's digital landscape. These themes will guide discussions that will shape partnerships, and they will drive the policy dialogue and cooperation that Africa IGF 2026 will catalyse.