The US Vice President Kamala Harris has announced a new partnership to help connect 80% of Africa with internet access by 2030 from 40% currently.
The announcement follows the continued commitment of the US to support Africa’s connectivity. Recently, Kenyan President William Ruto and US Vice President Harris were to hold a dialogue on how public-private cooperation could foster economic growth.
The federal government is doing the same in the US to enhance broadband connectivity. It has come in the form of millions of funds in subsidies with an emphasis on growing internet access to millions of households across rural America.
According to the Associated Press, Harris wants to continue with the commitments she made earlier to promote digital innovation during her visit to Ghana, Tanzania, and Zambia.
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The United Nations reports that Africa’s foreign investment shrunk to a record low of $45 billion in 2022 from $80 billion in 2021. Africa represented only 3.5% of foreign direct investment worldwide.
Already, a Partnership for Digital Access in Africa is in place to expand internet access. However, Harris wants to amplify the efforts that should accentuate the communication side of the underprivileged region at a pace.