Johannesburg: AfricUpdate – News Desk
On the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York this week, GSMA reinforced its commitment to Africa’s digital transformation by signing three Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) during the Forward Africa Leaders Symposium. The agreements highlight the growing importance of African-led research, policy, and innovation in shaping the continent’s future.
The first agreement was signed with the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) and the African Population and Health Research Center (APHRC). This collaboration will support the development of the Africa Governance Atlas, a landmark initiative designed to improve the way governance data is acquired, validated, stored, protected, and processed. By strengthening data reliability, accessibility, and timeliness, the Atlas will serve as a critical tool for decision-makers and researchers across the continent.
The second MoU was concluded with the Pan-African Parliament (PAP). Through this partnership, GSMA and PAP will focus on joint initiatives to promote good governance, democratic values, and digital transformation. The collaboration recognizes the pivotal role of technology in fostering transparency, accountability, and citizen engagement in Africa’s political and social systems.
The third agreement was signed with the African Population and Health Research Center (APHRC). This partnership seeks to advance research, knowledge sharing, and programmatic initiatives that harness mobile and digital technologies to improve health and development outcomes, especially in underserved communities. By leveraging digital innovation, the collaboration aims to bridge gaps in healthcare access and accelerate progress toward sustainable development goals.
The MoUs come at a critical time when Africa is experiencing rapid digital growth, yet still faces significant challenges around inclusion, governance, and equitable access to services. By aligning with continental institutions, GSMA is positioning itself as a key partner in supporting African leaders to build frameworks that enable both social and economic transformation.
