In a significant move to bolster internet access across Africa, Vice President Kamala Harris announced a new partnership on Friday.
Currently, only about 40% of the continent enjoys internet connectivity, a figure that this initiative aims to elevate to 80%. This announcement comes on the heels of Harris's visit to Africa last year and coincides with Kenyan President William Ruto's state visit to Washington.
In her dialogue with President Ruto, Vice President Harris emphasized the need to redefine the U.S.-Africa relationship. She articulated on Friday that the relationship should transition from one of benevolence to a partnership-based approach.
Harris underscored the youthful demographic of Africa, where the median age is 19, indicating the immense potential for economic growth on the continent. She asserted that Africa holds the key to the future.
Despite its potential, Africa has grappled with securing the necessary capital to develop its tech sector. Foreign direct investment experienced a downturn in 2022 after hitting a record high the previous year. According to The Associated Press, Africa represents a mere 3.5% of global foreign investment.
The Vice President unveiled her "digital inclusion" initiative, citing the "great potential" for economic opportunities, social and gender equality advancement, and job creation, as per a White House release.
The Mobilizing Access to the Digital Economy Alliance, formed with the assistance of the African Development Bank Group, Mastercard, and other organizations, will initially provide digital access to 3 million farmers in Kenya, Tanzania, and Nigeria, before extending its reach, as reported by the AP.
The White House lauded the partnership in a press release, highlighting that Africa's ongoing "digital transformation" has opened and will continue to open "new markets for U.S. exports and services," fostering a "deepened partnership among African governments [and] the U.S. private sector." The administration further noted that this transformation would enhance productivity and competitiveness.
While the alliance has been largely welcomed with enthusiasm, some U.S. tech company employees in Kenya are calling for increased accountability and improved working conditions.
A group of workers penned a letter to President Biden, using his meeting with Ruto as a platform to express their concerns. They argue that their content moderation and artificial intelligence work, which is poorly compensated, is causing mental and physical harm, likening it to "modern day slavery."
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