For the first time in COP history, the Presidency has acknowledged the role of digitalisation in climate talks, designating a Digitalisation Day. The 2024 UN Climate Change Conference in Baku, Azerbaijan, will feature the Green Digital Action track, emphasising the role of digitalisation in climate resilience. Digital technology offers immense potential to enhance food production and supply efficiency in Africa, promising significant economic, social, and environmental benefits.

Driving transformative climate action

On November 16, 2024, two key events will occur: a high-level meeting and the Declaration on Green Digital Action launch, both focusing on how digital technologies can drive transformative climate action.
The High-Level Roundtable on Digital Action Path 4 Green World will explore how technology can advance climate goals. Key speakers include H.E. Ms. Nigar Arpadarai, Climate Change High-Level Champion for COP29; H.E. Mr. Rashad Nabiyev, Minister of Digital Development and Transport of Azerbaijan; and H.E. Ms. Doreen Bogdan Martin, Secretary-General of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).
The roundtable, moderated by Mr. Tomas Lamanauskas, Deputy Secretary-General of the ITU, will feature insights from government representatives from Bahrain, Brazil, China, Egypt, Estonia, Japan, Kazakhstan, and more.
The event will also bring together partners like the IAEA, UNECE, UNCTAD, UNDP, UNEP, UNESCO, UNIDO, World Bank, and private sector leaders from companies like Alibaba, Cisco, Google, and Nokia.

COP29 Declaration on Green Digital Action

The high-level meeting will conclude with adopting the Declaration on Green Digital Action, a global commitment to promote climate-positive digitalisation, reduce ICT emissions, and expand access to green technologies.
The Declaration calls for collaboration among governments, the private sector, and international organisations to advance sustainable digitalisation, especially in developing regions. It encourages regulatory frameworks that support eco-friendly digital practices, positioning digitalisation as a key element in global climate action. Governments and stakeholders are invited to endorse the Declaration, joining a unified effort to leverage digital innovation for a sustainable future.

The 22nd Annual Meeting of the French-speaking network for telecommunications regulation (Fratel) will take place in Libreville, Gabon, from November 26 to 27, 2024. Hosted by Gabon's Electronic Communications and Postal Regulation Authority (ARCEP), this year’s gathering will focus on the theme: “Future Business Models and Strategies for Telecom Operators.”Fratel, the French-speaking telecommunications regulation network created in 2003, aims to contribute to training and collaboration between its members.

This convention will feature dedicated sessions for those engaged in improving telecommunications services and regulations. Two additional meetings for Fratel members and authority leaders will also address " What are the regulations for investments and innovations?"

This event will serve as an appropriate platform for regulators and other key telecom sector stakeholders to share their views about the regulatory structure for the future.

Get more information about this event here.

The ICT sector in Zambia continues to serve as a powerful catalyst for economic and social transformation. As highlighted in the 2024 Mid-Year Market Report, significant advancements in telecommunications have driven widespread digital access, with mobile network subscriptions reaching 21.9 million by mid-2024, reflecting a penetration rate of 109.2%​. This surge underscores the critical role telecommunications play in fostering connectivity, innovation, and sustainable development across the country.

According to the United Nations Sustainable Development Group, "Zambia has embarked on a transformative journey towards a digital future, making significant strides in recent years. Internet access has been steadily increasing, with approximately 11.4 million active internet subscribers as of 2024, reflecting the country’s commitment to expanding digital connectivity and bridging the digital divide."

Investments in projects like the Universal Access and Service Fund (UASF), which saw the construction of 51 new telecommunication towers, are helping to bridge the digital divide and extend essential services to underserved communities​.

The Government's forward-thinking policies are further encouraging growth. For instance, introducing a national Artificial Intelligence (AI) Strategy and the Start-Up Bill is poised to drive innovation and entrepreneurship in the ICT sector​. As Zambia looks toward its digital future, telecommunications will be pivotal in supporting emerging technologies like AI, 5G, and the Internet of Things (IoT).

Read the full report here.