About the summit
Building Tomorrow’s Africa.
The U.S.–Africa Tech Summit brings together executives, industry experts, and thought leaders to discuss opportunities in the evolving relations between America and Africa — and the vision for the future through innovation and technology.
Context
Economic policies and business environments on the continent are improving. Institutions are becoming more resilient, and good governance is spreading. The African Continental Free Trade Area is a landmark — the world’s largest free trade area, and a key step toward a more dynamic regional economy.
Players beyond the continent will also play an essential role. America has been keen to rebuild partnerships in trade, health, security, climate, innovation, and peace — and to provide technical assistance that boosts African countries’ resilience.
Vision
An integrated and inclusive digital society and economy in Africa.
One that improves the quality of life of Africa’s citizens, strengthens existing economic sectors, enables diversification, and ensures continental ownership — with Africa as a producer, not only a consumer, in the global economy.
- Promoting Africa’s integration
- Generating inclusive economic growth
- Stimulating job creation
- Breaking the digital divide
- Eradicating poverty
U.S.–Africa Tech Council
The work of the council.
Ecosystem capital
Leverage resources from private, public, and international partners to develop African tech and innovation ecosystems.
Localised transformation
Localise digital transformation in concert with Africa’s own initiatives and United States Government engagement.
Public-sector capacity
Work with African governments to raise their capacity to innovate in the design and delivery of public services.
Transatlantic networks
Connect U.S. and African incubators, universities, and accelerators — new markets, new knowledge, new capital.
The work ahead
Addressing an immature digital innovation ecosystem.
Limited internet access
Reliable, high-speed connectivity remains a constraint — especially beyond major cities.
Infrastructure
Power, roads, and telecommunications must keep pace if technology is to compound.
Digital literacy
Skills gaps still prevent too many people from using and benefiting from digital tools.
E-government
Comprehensive digital public services remain a work in progress across much of the continent.
Cybersecurity
As adoption rises, so does the need to protect governments, firms, and citizens.
Affordable devices
The cost of smartphones and computers still limits access to digital resources.
Entrepreneurial ecosystem
Startups need more than programming. They need capital, procurement, and patient networks.
Partnership
U.S. digital innovation in service of Africa’s development goals.
The U.S. Commercial Service and the African Development Bank have announced strategic collaboration to drive digital transformation across Africa — focusing on new technologies, internet access, skills, and a regulatory environment conducive to innovation. The Bank’s historic investment in digital infrastructure, paired with American private-sector insight, is a turning point the summit is built to advance.