In 2024, only 34% of women and 45% of men on the continent used the Internet, against global averages of 65 and 70%. Meanwhile, 98% of Africans under the age of 18 do not finish school with STEM basic skills (science, technology, engineering and mathematics), reflecting long-term underinvestment in education.
This slow progression of digital integration and STEM education hinders Africa’s ability to achieve Sustainable development objectives (SDD) By 2030, the report noted. The “digital division” strikes the most harsh marginalized groups, including women and rural communities.
“Africa is a vast and populated continent, rich in natural endowments and talents. However, a large part of this potential remains underused, “said Philitarmon Yang, the President of the general assembly in a message to Reunion.
Youth potential
Deputy secretary general Amina Mohammed told delegates that Africa should “bet on young people”.
By 2050, there will be more than 850 million young people in Africa.
“It is an incredible opportunity. Carrying out this potential means investing in Stem education now.
But current systems do not sufficiently support young innovators – three -quarters of young Africans have insecurity, lacking basic protections.
This lack of social protection is part of a broader difference in labor rights, noted the report. In 2023, only 19% of people in Africa had access to at least one form of social protection, such as social security or health insurance – against 53% worldwide.
“Strong social protection does not only concern safety nets. It is a question of creating stability that allows companies to take risks, innovate and grow, “said Ms. Mohammed.
Approaches to people at the origin of people
The report calls on governments and partners to adopt an approach that promotes people who promotes digital and technological innovation while being decent work, rights and intellectual property.
“Resilience cannot be carried out without governance that places people at the center of the design and implementation of policies,” says the report.
The speakers have also stressed that African expertise must guide the solutions.
“We reaffirm our collective determination to guarantee that the development of Africa is led by its own people, based on knowledge, innovation and social justice,” said Ahmadou Lamin Samateh, Minister of Health of Gambia, speaking on behalf of the African group.
Power of partnerships
In his message, Mr. Yang said that no African country could reach a complete digital integration alone; Regional cooperation and multilateral support are essential.
“” [Digital tools] can offer a path to the future … [but] No country can fill these shortcomings alone … Multilateral cooperation with the United Nations of its center has obtained eight decades of unprecedented human progress, “he said.
Ms. Mohammed stressed the possibilities “when we get things correctly”.
“The choice is ours – we can continue business as usual and watch the 2030 agenda Eliminate or we can support systemic transformation. »»
Publicado anteriormente en Almouwatin.
