The International Telecommunications Union (ITU) has appointed Nigeria’s Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani and 17 others, as distinguished members of the Digital Innovation Board within the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Alliance for Digital Development.
The ITU emphasizes that the board is designed to offer guidance, expertise, and advocacy, contributing to the mission of cultivating local enablers and promoting innovation and entrepreneurship in digital development.
The Board led by Dr. Cosmas Zavazava, the Director of ITU’s Telecommunications Bureau, comprises esteemed members such as Daud Suleman, the Director-General of Malawi Communication Regulatory Authority and Enkelejda Muçaj, Albania’s Deputy Minister of Infrastructure and Energy.
Others are Mohamed bin Thamir, Bahrain’s Minister of Transportation and Telecommunications; Carlos Baigorri, the President of Brazil’s National Telecommunications Agency (Anatel); and Eng. Hossam El-Gamal, the Executive President of Egypt’s National Telecom Regulatory Authority (NTRA).
Other members include Laurence Ndong, Gabon’s Minister of Communication and Media; Mondli Gungubele, South Africa’s Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies; Jabiri Kuwe Bakari, the Director-General of Tanzania Communication Regulatory Authority; and Gift Kallisto Machengete, and others.
Read More: FG identifies 6,000 Nigerian AI researchers to drive Nigeria’s AI ambitions- Bosun Tijani
Key points in addressing the digital innovation gap
ITU announced the composition of the Board, emphasizing the Alliance’s innovative approach to bridging the digital innovation gap. The Alliance seeks to empower ITU-D membership in overcoming challenges during their digital transformation journey.
This involves unlocking digital potential, fostering local innovation and entrepreneurship capabilities, and accelerating impact across sectors for a more inclusive and sustainable society.
“The Alliance will facilitate transformative projects, fostering digital innovation and entrepreneurship for national, regional, and global impact,” ITU said in a statement. The focus extends beyond local boundaries, aiming to create substantial effects at a global level.
As the Alliance strives to accelerate the capacity for innovation globally, the Board is positioned to play a pivotal role on the global stage. It will lead efforts to engage with stakeholders and partners, including UN agencies, governments, and the private sector.
ITU expressed confidence in the accomplished group comprising the Board, acknowledging their wealth of personal expertise, leadership, and dedication. The collective vision of the Board aligns with the Alliance’s commitment to realizing an equitable and sustainable digital future for all.
Bridging the digital divide: Global initiatives for inclusive connectivity
The digital divide remains a persistent challenge, creating disparities in access to information, education, and opportunities worldwide. Recognizing the urgency of addressing this issue, various global initiatives have emerged, aiming to bridge the digital gap and ensure that the benefits of the digital age are accessible to all.
The digital divide includes disparities in internet access, digital literacy, and technological infrastructure. According to recent studies, a significant portion of the global population still lacks reliable and affordable internet connectivity, hindering their participation in the digital economy and limiting access to crucial services.
The United Nations has identified bridging the digital divide as a key component of its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Goal 9, which focuses on industry, innovation, and infrastructure, includes targets explicitly aimed at expanding access to information and communication technologies (ICTs) globally.
Efforts under this goal range from providing basic connectivity to fostering innovation ecosystems in underserved regions.
Numerous organizations, including governments, non-profits, and private entities, have launched initiatives to enhance connectivity in remote and marginalized areas. Projects such as Google’s Project Loon, which deploys high-altitude balloons to provide internet coverage in rural locations, and Facebook’s Connectivity Lab, exploring innovative technologies like solar-powered drones, aim to extend connectivity to the most remote corners of the globe.
Access to technology alone is not sufficient; promoting digital literacy is equally crucial. Global efforts focus on integrating digital literacy into education systems and providing training programs for individuals in underserved communities. Initiatives like UNESCO’s Mobile Learning Week aim to harness the potential of mobile technology in advancing education and digital skills.
Collaboration between governments, private sector entities, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) is essential in overcoming the digital divide. Public-private partnerships contribute resources, expertise, and infrastructure to create sustainable solutions.
Examples include Microsoft’s Airband Initiative, partnering with local ISPs to expand broadband access in rural areas, and the Alliance for Affordable Internet (A4AI), advocating for policy changes to reduce the cost of internet access.
Challenges and future outlook
Despite progress, challenges persist, including issues of affordability, regulatory barriers, and geopolitical considerations. Future efforts must address these challenges and adapt to evolving technologies. The advent of 5G, satellite internet constellations, and other innovations hold promise for further narrowing the digital gap.
Read More: Bosun Tijani unveils 45 recipients of National AI research grants
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