In 2024, only 34 percent of women and 45 percent of men in the continent used the Internet, compared to global averages of 65 and 70 percent. Meanwhile, 98 percent of Africans under 18 do not complete school even with basic STEM skills (science, technology, engineering and mathematics), which reflects long -term underestimation in education.
This slow progress in digital integration and STEM education is preventing Africa’s capacity to achieve sustainable development objectives (SDGs) by 2030, the report said. The “digital division” reaches the most difficult marginalized groups, including rural women and communities.
“Africa is a vast and populated continent, rich in natural endowments and talents. However, much of that potential remains underutilized,” said Philémon Yang, president of the General Assembly in a message to the meeting.
The potential of youth
Undersecretary General Amina Mohammed, told delegates that Africa must “bet on youth.”
By 2050, there will be more than 850 million young people in Africa.
“This is an incredible opportunity. Realizing this potential means investing in Stem education now. It means building a digital infrastructure that connects talent with the opportunity,” said Mohammed.
But current systems do not support young innovators sufficiently: three quarters of African young people have an insecure job, which lacks basic protections.
This lack of social protection is part of a broader gap in labor rights, the report said. In 2023, only 19 percent of people in Africa had access to at least one form of social protection, such as social security or health insurance, compared to 53 percent worldwide.
“Strong social protection is not just about security networks. It is about creating the stability that allows societies to take risks, innovate and grow,” said Mohammed.
People -centered approaches
The report calls governments and partners to adopt an approach focused on people who promote digital and technological innovation, while also working, decent intellectual rights and property.
“Resilience cannot be achieved without governance that puts people in the policy design and implementation center,” the report said.
The speakers also emphasized that the African experience must guide solutions.
“We reaffirm our collective determination to ensure that the development of Africa is led by its own people, based on knowledge, innovation and social justice,” said Ahmmou Lamin Samateh, Gambia Health Minister of Health, speaking by the African group.
Power of associations
In his message, Mr. Yang said that no African country can achieve full digital integration alone; Regional cooperation and multilateral support are essential.
“(Digital tools) can offer a path to the future … (but) no country can close these gaps alone … multilateral cooperation with the United Nations in its center has secured eight decades of unprecedented human progress,” he said.
Mrs. Mohammed emphasized the possibilities “when we do this well.”
“The choice is ours: we can continue regularly and see how the 2030 Agenda escapes or we can support the systemic transformation.”