29 May 2025

Safaricom is making a significant move into artificial intelligence (AI), announcing a $500 million investment over the next three years to build AI infrastructure across East Africa.

Chief Enterprise Business Officer Cynthia Kropac stated that the initiative aims to go beyond traditional connectivity, fostering advanced digital services, innovation, and regional productivity.

28 May 2025

Caroline Mbugua HSC. Senior Director, Public Policy & Communications, GSMA

An African proverb says, "He who does not seize opportunity today will be unable to seize tomorrow’s opportunity." This means the time to act and close the digital divide is now. Universal Service Funds have the potential to drive digital inclusion in Africa, but this will not be achieved without the necessary reforms to improve their effectiveness. Political goodwill is essential to facilitate these reforms, ensuring we can unlock this potential.

Universal broadband access is fundamental to Africa's socio-economic transformation - yet a significant digital divide continues to hold the continent back. While most African countries have established Universal Service Funds (USFs) to help close this gap, a recent GSMA report highlights a troubling disconnect between the funds collected and the real-world impact on broadband expansion. Between 2018 and 2022, more than $1.5 billion was accumulated through USFs across Africa, yet much of this remains unspent. Dormancy, poor transparency, and political interference continue to hamper the effectiveness of these funds.