President William Ruto, during his keynote address at the Connected Africa Summit held at Uhuru Gardens, spotlighted the significant strides Kenya has made in leveraging digital technology to enhance agricultural productivity and broaden digital connectivity across the country. He cited the distribution of 2.5 million bags of fertilizer via an e-voucher system as a prime example of this progress, which has notably improved efficiency and boosted crop production by 50% over the past year.
According to President Ruto, nearly half a million Kenyan farmers have benefited from the e-voucher system, which streamlined the distribution process by removing intermediaries and logistical hurdles that previously hindered the availability of essential agricultural inputs. “The e-voucher system has eradicated traditional roadblocks and cartels, dramatically increasing the efficiency of our fertilizer distribution efforts,” Ruto explained. This reform has resulted in a substantial half-year increase in agricultural output.
Further elaborating on the tech-driven achievements, Ruto shared insights on the broader impacts of digital connectivity. For example, in Embu, enhanced internet accessibility has empowered local women in marketplaces to optimize their business operations by maintaining seamless communication with suppliers. This is a reflection of the broader gains in internet connectivity across Africa, which Ruto highlighted with impressive statistics: “Over 160 million Africans gained broadband access between 2019 and 2022, with internet users surging by 115% from 2016 to 2021.”
The President also emphasized the burgeoning sector of local manufacturing and assembly of digital devices, such as smartphones and computers, which not only fosters job creation but also stimulates commercial activities and industrial growth. He noted the pivotal role of these advancements in setting the stage for a robust digital economy in Africa.
Ruto called on international investors and financial institutions to recognize the lucrative opportunities presented by Africa’s rapidly expanding digital landscape. “Investing in Africa’s digital economy now offers immediate and long-term benefits that are unprecedented, making it a compelling choice for global investors,” he asserted.
In closing, President Ruto acknowledged the essential support of international and regional partners in facilitating this digital transformation, underscoring their role in the ongoing growth and success of Africa’s digital economy. The summit concluded with a positive outlook towards continuing to harness digital innovations for economic growth across the continent.
