Connected Africa Summit 2025: Kenya Ramps Up Digital Infrastructure to Boost Regional Trade
Digital trade is rapidly emerging as a strong pillar for Africa’s economic transformation, with Kenya positioning itself as a key player.
Speaking at the Connected Africa Summit 2025, Stanley Kamanguya, CEO of the ICT Authority, outlined Kenya’s bold plans to enhance cross-border data flows, expand broadband infrastructure, and unlock new opportunities through digital trade.
“Digital trade is here to stay,” Kamanguya noted. “We are working to strengthen the foundations needed for a thriving digital economy in Kenya and the wider region.”
Kamanguya revealed that the government is expanding broadband connectivity from 18 to 20 points across the region, including South Sudan, over the next three years. This infrastructure push, he said is is part of a broader strategy to establish Kenya as a digital hub in East Africa.
He said the government is also actively developing policies and regulations to support secure and efficient cross-border data flows. These frameworks aim to foster trust, reduce barriers, and ensure that data is used responsibly to power innovation and commerce.
Speaking at the summit, ICT Cabinet Secretary William Kabogo urged stakeholders to prioritise ethical data practices. “We must use data for good,” Kabogo stated. “Trust must be institutionalised, especially when it comes to cross-border data flows. Misuse of data not only threatens privacy but also undermines regional collaboration.”
Both leaders stressed the need for a regional digital data corridor, an interconnected system that enables safe, efficient exchange of data between African countries. This corridor would help eliminate digital protectionism and promote inclusive participation in the digital economy.
As Kenya moves to position itself as a leader in Africa’s digital future, initiatives like these are expected to catalyse innovation from the youth, support startups, and create new markets for businesses across the continent.
The Connected Africa Summit 2025 is being hosted at the Diamonds Leisure Beach & Golf Resort in Diani.
The annual summit has brought together over 2,000 delegates from across Africa, including leaders in government, business, academia, and development sectors. It’s being hosted by the Ministry of Information, Communications, and the Digital Economy, in partnership with the ICT Authority of Kenya.
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