Expectations of the Global ICT Capacity Building Symposium

The Global ICT Capacity Building Symposium, organized by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), is set to commence in Nairobi this week. Hosted by the Communications Authority of Kenya, the symposium aims to gather stakeholders from around the world to engage in discussions about the current trends in the information and technology sector. In a recent interview with CNBC Africa, Hulin Zhao, the Secretary General at the ITU, shared his insights and expectations for the upcoming symposium. Zhao emphasized the remarkable progress that Africa has made in the last decade, with Kenya standing out as a prime example of development on the continent. He noted that while over 3.5 billion people worldwide are now connected to the internet, roughly half of the global population still lacks online access. This digital divide underscores the need for further development to ensure that everyone can benefit from modern ICT technologies. Zhao highlighted the importance of addressing both infrastructure and knowledge capacity gaps to enhance connectivity and empower individuals. The symposium will primarily focus on knowledge capacity building to leverage opportunities for advancing digital literacy and skills. Although government investment in infrastructure platforms remains a critical issue, Zhao clarified that the symposium's main emphasis is on capacity building rather than infrastructure development. Nonetheless, discussions at the event will encompass strategies to bridge the infrastructure divide, including public-private partnerships and government support for underserved regions. Zhao also addressed concerns about profit repatriation and tax evasion within the telecom sector, citing examples of legal disputes involving companies like MTN in various African countries. He acknowledged the need for international regulatory frameworks to prevent such practices and ensure fair business conduct. Despite diverse economic conditions across African nations, Zhao highlighted ITU's goal to increase internet penetration to 55 percent of the population by 2030. The symposium serves as a platform for stakeholders to collaborate on solutions for advancing ICT capacity, promoting digital inclusion, and addressing regulatory challenges in the rapidly evolving technology landscape. By fostering partnerships between governments, private sector entities, and international organizations, the event aims to drive sustainable growth and innovation in the global ICT sector.