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AfriLabs, the largest network of innovation hubs across Africa, and the African Telecommunications Union (ATU) have signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to drive digital transformation, empower local innovators, and strengthen Africa’s innovation ecosystem. This strategic partnership connects ATU’s 52 member states with AfriLabs’ 500+ innovation hubs across 53 countries, uniting regulatory influence with grassroots tech solutions.
Bridging Africa’s Digital Divide
Despite projections that Africa’s internet economy could reach $712 billion by 2050, just 38% of the population was online in 2024—ranking the continent lowest in global internet penetration according to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). The MoU seeks to close this gap by fostering regulatory harmonization, boosting access to digital tools, and enabling entrepreneurs to scale solutions without bureaucratic delays.
“Our entrepreneurs have the ideas and resilience. but they face fragmented regulations and limited visibility. This partnership offers a practical framework to overcome those challenges,” said John Omo, Secretary General of ATU,
Unlocking Africa’s Mobile-Driven Future
With Sub-Saharan Africa expected to account for nearly 25% of all new global mobile internet users by 2030 and an estimated 247 million 5G connections projected on the continent, the AfriLabs-ATU partnership focuses on turning connectivity growth into tangible innovation and inclusive digital opportunity.
By aligning innovation with infrastructure, the alliance aims to help African startups develop market-ready solutions that address local challenges while scaling globally.
Joint Programmes for Innovation and Intellectual Property Protection
The partnership includes coordinated efforts to promote innovation through initiatives like:
- The ATU Africa Innovation Challenge
- AfriLabs’ capacity-building programmes for mentorship and skills development
- Establishment of a joint Intellectual Property (IP) protection and commercialization programme for African innovators
“This is a defining moment in Africa’s digital journey,” said Anna Ekeledo, Executive Director of AfriLabs. “By combining our networks with ATU’s regulatory power, we are building an inclusive innovation ecosystem that is scalable, competitive, and globally relevant.”
Policy Advocacy for a Conducive Digital Environment
The two organizations also plan to engage policymakers and stakeholders across Africa to influence innovation-friendly regulatory reforms. Their advocacy efforts are aligned with the African Union’s Digital Transformation Strategy for Africa 2020–2030, which targets 80% internet penetration by 2030.
The MoU was officially signed at the ATU Headquarters in Nairobi and represents a critical step toward building a digitally inclusive and economically empowered Africa.
