From 40 to 80: Harris’ Ambitious Plan to Boost Internet Access in Africa

Vice President Kamala Harris is making waves once again, this time on an international scale. In a bid to bridge the digital divide and boost economic growth in Africa, Harris has announced the formation of a new partnership aimed at providing internet access to 80% of the continent by 2030. This ambitious initiative marks a significant step forward in Harris’ commitment to promoting digital innovation and economic development in Africa, following her visit to Ghana, Tanzania, and Zambia last year.

The lack of internet access has long been a barrier to Africa’s economic progress, with only around 40% of the continent’s population currently having access to the internet. Harris’ announcement of the Partnership for Digital Access in Africa seeks to address this disparity by leveraging public-private partnerships to expand internet connectivity. The initiative not only aims to increase internet access but also to empower African businesses and individuals to participate more actively in the digital economy.

In addition to the Partnership for Digital Access, Harris is launching the Mobilizing Access to the Digital Economy Alliance (MADE), in collaboration with the African Development Bank Group, Mastercard, and other organizations. This alliance will focus on providing digital access to 100 million African people and businesses in the agricultural sector, with an initial pilot program targeting 3 million farmers in Kenya, Tanzania, and Nigeria. By expanding access to the digital economy, MADE aims to drive innovation, increase productivity, and create new opportunities for economic growth in Africa.

One of the key highlights of Harris’ efforts is the Women in the Digital Economy initiative, which aims to address the gender gap in technology access. This initiative has already generated more than $1 billion in public and private commitments, underscoring the importance of empowering women in the digital space. Harris’ focus on gender equality and inclusion in the digital economy reflects her commitment to creating a more equitable and prosperous future for all Africans.

As Harris continues to champion digital innovation and economic development in Africa, her initiatives signal a new era of collaboration and partnership between the United States and the continent. By leveraging the power of technology and public-private partnerships, Harris is paving the way for a more connected, empowered, and prosperous Africa. With the launch of these groundbreaking initiatives, Harris is not only fulfilling her commitments to the continent but also laying the foundation for a more inclusive and sustainable future for all Africans.