\n
In 2024, only 34 per cent of women and 45 per cent of men on the continent used the internet, compared to global averages of 65 and 70 per cent. Meanwhile, 98 per cent of Africans under the age of 18 do not complete school with even basic STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) skills, reflecting long-term underinvestment in education. \u00a0<\/p>\n
This slow progress in digital integration and STEM education is impeding Africa\u2019s ability to reach the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030, the report noted. The \u201cdigital divide\u201d hits marginalised groups hardest, including women and rural communities. \u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cAfrica is a vast and populous continent, rich in natural endowments and talents. Yet much of that potential remains underutilised,\u201d said Phil\u00e9mon Yang, the President of the General Assembly in a message to the meeting. \u00a0<\/p>\n
The potential of youth<\/h2>\n
Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed, told delegates that Africa must \u201cbet on youth.\u201d<\/p>\n
By 2050, there will be over 850 million young people in Africa. \u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is an incredible opportunity. Realising this potential means investing in STEM education now. It means building digital infrastructure that connects talent to<\/p>\n
Opportunity,\u201d Ms. Mohammed said.<\/p>\n
But current systems do not sufficiently support young innovators \u2013 three-fourths of young Africans have insecure employment, lacking basic protections.<\/p>\n
This lack of social protection is part of a wider labour rights gap, the report noted. In 2023, only 19 per cent of people in Africa had access to at least one form of social protection \u2013such as social security or health insurance \u2013 compared to 53 per cent globally.<\/p>\n
\u201cStrong social protection is not just about safety nets. It is about creating the stability that allows societies to take risks, innovate and grow,\u201d Ms. Mohammed said. \u00a0<\/p>\n
People-cantered approaches<\/h2>\n
The report calls on governments and partners to adopt a people-cantered approach that promotes digital and technological innovation while also decent work, rights and intellectual property. \u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cResilience cannot be achieved without governance that places people at the centre of policy design and implementation,\u201d the report said.<\/p>\n
Speakers also stressed that African expertise must guide solutions.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe reaffirm our collective determination to ensure that Africa\u2019s development is led by its own people, grounded in knowledge, innovation and social justice,\u201d said Ahmadou Lamin Sameteh, Minister of Health of the Gambia, speaking for the African Group.<\/p>\n
Power of partnerships<\/h2>\n
In his message, Mr. Yang said no single African country can achieve full digital integration alone; regional cooperation and multilateral support are essential.<\/p>\n
\u201c[Digital tools] can offer a way into the future\u2026 [but] no country can close these gaps alone\u2026multilateral cooperation with the United Nations at its centre has secured eight decades of unprecedented human progress,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Ms. Mohammed emphasised the possibilities \u201cwhen we get this right.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThe choice is ours \u2014 we can continue business-as-usual and watch the 2030 Agenda slip away or we can support systemic transformation.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
\n
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