Gabon's Minister of Digital Economy, Marc-Alexandre Doumba, recently participated in the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. As a member of the Gabonese delegation, he attended several technical sessions, presenting Gabon's vision on global digital governance. The minister's participation was part of a sequence dedicated to cooperation, digital transformation, artificial intelligence, development, and global technological governance. This engagement highlights Gabon's commitment to leveraging technology for economic growth.
At the Digital@UNGA session of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the Foreign Policy Technology and AI Forum, and a roundtable on "Digital Embassies and AI Sovereignty," Doumba highlighted Gabon's achievements in digital sovereignty and intelligent governance. He stressed the importance of adapting technologies to local economic, social, and cultural contexts. This approach aims to maximize the benefits of digitalization for African economies, promoting value creation and productivity gains.
Doumba also participated in a panel discussion on large-scale artificial intelligence, focusing on connectivity, digital sovereignty, and AI deployment in Africa. He cautioned against the risks of technological dependence for the continent and emphasized the need to transform digital adoption into tangible productivity gains. The minister's intervention highlighted the necessity for African countries to harness AI for economic development, ensuring that technological advancements benefit local populations.
In a discussion on digital skills and innovation, Doumba reiterated Gabon's commitment to developing digital competencies, particularly among young people. He emphasized the importance of including youth in emerging jobs in the digital sector, fostering an environment conducive to innovation and entrepreneurship. By investing in human capital, Gabon aims to create a robust digital economy that drives growth and employment opportunities.
To achieve its digital ambitions, Gabon plans to strengthen its digital infrastructure, consolidate data, and develop local technologies. The country seeks to promote value creation and reduce dependence on imported innovations. By adapting technologies to local realities, Gabon aims to ensure that digitalization contributes to sustainable economic growth and improves living standards.
Gabon's initiative to promote AI for African economies aligns with the country's broader strategy to become a digital hub in Central Africa. By advocating for a more inclusive and equitable digital landscape, Gabon aims to bridge the digital divide and unlock the potential of AI for sustainable development. The country's efforts have been recognized internationally, reflecting its growing influence in global digital governance.
Key points
- Gabon advocates for AI to boost African economies at the UN General Assembly.
- The country emphasizes the need for digital sovereignty and intelligent governance.
- Gabon aims to strengthen its digital infrastructure and develop local technologies to drive economic growth.
