Africa is steadily advancing toward a Single Digital Market by 2030, a bold vision led by the Smart Africa Alliance. This year’s seventh Transform Africa Summit (TAS), held in Conakry, convened heads of state, policymakers, and technology leaders for three days of discussions on the continent’s digital future.
Organised by Smart Africa in partnership with the Government of Guinea, the summit marked the first time Francophone West Africa hosted Africa’s flagship technology gathering, according to Business Insider Africa.
Under the theme “AI for Africa: Innovate Locally, Impact Globally,” the event highlighted Africa’s shared commitment to leveraging technology for sovereignty, economic growth, and inclusive development.
Smart Africa, a bloc of 42 member states, showcased flagship initiatives such as SANIA, SADX (Smart Africa Data Exchange Platform), and Digital ID.
SANIA, in particular, is designed to foster cross-border collaboration among investors, startups, accelerators, and institutions. Ralph Oyini, Director of Digital Transformation and Services at Smart Africa, said, “Africa has the money, the investors, the startups, and the innovation, but too often, these ecosystems operate in silos. SANIA is here to bring them together and connect them.”
The platform can, for example, enable entrepreneurs in Conakry to connect seamlessly with investors in Lagos, creating a coordinated pan-African innovation ecosystem.
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The summit also announced new strategic partnerships to accelerate digital integration across the continent, spanning digital skills, payments, data exchange, and internet governance —
— Smart Africa–YouthConnekt Africa: Promotes youth-led entrepreneurship and leadership through mentorship networks and joint programs at flagship summits.
— Smart Africa–Visa: Expands digital government services, digital payments, financial inclusion, e-commerce, and trade facilitation.
— Smart Africa–Ascend Digital Solutions: Launches the SADX pilot connecting Benin, Ghana, and Rwanda, enabling secure cross-border digital identity verification and interoperable services.
— Smart Africa–The Gambia (SADA): Strengthens digital skills training for policymakers, youth, women, and public-sector workers.
— Smart Africa–AFTLD: Enhances cybersecurity, digital sovereignty, and unified internet governance across African country code domains.
— Smart Africa–Women Political Leaders: Promotes inclusive female leadership and gender-responsive digital transformation policies.
Collectively, these initiatives advance Smart Africa’s vision of an interconnected, competitive, and sovereign Africa, positioning the continent for a stronger role in the global digital economy.
Founded in 2013, the Smart Africa Alliance has expanded from 37 members three years ago to 42 today, evolving from a consultative platform into a fully operational institution executing large-scale digital projects across Africa.
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Image Credit: Smart Africa
