At a high-level side event during the 80th United Nations General Assembly, delegations, UN leaders and experts convened to address Africa’s connectivity challenges and their implications for continental integration. The session, titled “African Connectivity: The Path to Continental Integration,” was organized by the Kingdom of Morocco in collaboration with the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), and the United Nations Office for South-South Cooperation (UNOSSC).
Connectivity as a Catalyst for Integration
This meeting was an opportunity to bring the theme of African connectivity to the center of multilateral discussions and contribute toward international advocacy for a resilient and prosperous Africa.
Participants noted that Africa’s transformation dynamic, particularly through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), is hindered by a connectivity deficit and high transport costs, which limit the potential for integration and growth. They also highlighted that more than 600 million Africans remain without access to electricity, a major obstacle to trade fluidity, especially given that less than 17% of trade in Africa occurs between African countries.
According to the International Telecommunication Union, Africa remains the least connected continent in the world. Only 38% of its population will be online in 2024, far below the global average of 68%. This digital divide hinders digital transformation, deprives youth of opportunities in education, innovation, and jobs, and deepens inequalities and disparities between urban and rural areas within countries and across the continent.
Strategic Importance of Connectivity
Speaking at the opening of the event, H.E. Mr. Nasser Bourita, Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation, and Moroccan Expatriates, pointed out that connectivity is not only an essential driver of African market transformation and integration but also an instrument of sovereignty, peace, and unity for Africa. He noted that despite collective awareness, the current state of African connectivity falls far short of continental ambitions and objectives, underlining the urgent need to strengthen regional integration through road, electricity, port, and fiber optic infrastructure. He noted that, Morocco has invested in strategic infrastructure projects, from high-speed rail and ports to regional energy and digital links, and stressed the importance of equitable partnerships to unlock Africa’s potential.
“Connectivity, whether physical, digital, or human, is increasingly recognized as the essential driver of competitiveness, resilience, and shared prosperity,” said Claver Gatete, Executive Secretary of UNECA. “Connectivity is a bridge between what Africa used to be and what it can become. It is the link between potential and prosperity, between fragmentation and unity… If we act together, decisively and without delay, the future of Africa’s infrastructure will not just be imagined, it will be achieved.”
UNECA is supporting initiatives such as regional transport corridor management systems, the Single African Air Transport Market, and private investment mobilization to turn opportunities into concrete results. Key priorities include accelerating strategic infrastructure investments, harmonizing trade regulations for seamless movement of goods and people, and placing digital and green connectivity at the heart of Africa’s development strategy. Connectivity, Mr. Gatete noted, is the bridge between the continent’s potential and its prosperity, requiring decisive collective action.
Africa requires equitable and ambitious partnerships, grounded in national ownership, mutual accountability, and alignment with African strategies, to unlock its considerable potential,” said Dima Al-Khatib, Director of the United Nations Office for South-South Cooperation. “As the UN system’s focal point for promoting South-South and triangular cooperation, UNOSSC is committed to showcasing best practices on regional connectivity and integration, facilitating peer learning, and helping broker strategic partnerships to help address some of the challenges related to connectivity.”
Driving Connectivity: Partnerships and Initiatives
The session featured a distinguished group of speakers. ESCWA Executive Secretary Rola Dashti highlighted that connectivity underpins trade, competitiveness, and resilience, noting that Africa and the Arab region remain more connected to distant partners than to each other. Reducing trade costs, developing cross-border infrastructure, and harmonizing regulations are critical to realizing the full potential of the African Continental Free Trade Area, she said.
Ms. Dashti also emphasized the importance of digital and green connectivity. Strengthening digital networks, establishing interoperable systems, and creating energy corridors can enhance Africa’s participation in the global economy. Aligning carbon standards and investing in green infrastructure will help the continent leverage emerging technologies, support sustainable growth, and increase its influence in global negotiations.
UN-DESA’s Li Junhua highlighted that bridging gaps in infrastructure, energy, and digital access is essential to unlocking Africa’s potential and advancing Agenda 2063. Connectivity requires not only physical networks but also investments in human capital, skills development, and inclusive policies to ensure broad-based benefits. UN-DESA is supporting integrated strategies through multi-stakeholder partnerships, knowledge sharing, and policy advice, helping countries translate global frameworks into actionable national and regional plans. This holistic approach positions connectivity as a prerequisite for sustainable development, resilience, and shared prosperity across Africa.
Babacar Ba, Director of the African Integration and Pan-Africanism at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Senegal, highlighted strong commitment to advancing regional integration and connectivity. He reaffirmed willingness to work with partners to translate continental ambitions into concrete outcomes, emphasizing that collaboration is essential for reinforcing unity, cooperation, and sustainable development across Africa. By prioritizing infrastructure, digital networks, and institutional partnerships, Senegal aims to ensure that connectivity translates into tangible benefits for trade, economic growth, and regional integration. The country’s proactive approach reflects its dedication to Pan-Africanism and collective continental progress.
H.E. Mr. Bakary Yaou Sangaré, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Cooperation, African Integration and Nigeriens Abroad of Niger, stressed that connectivity is central to the country’s development and integration into regional and global markets. Limited access to electricity, transport infrastructure, and digital networks continues to constrain productivity, industrialization, and trade opportunities, including in sectors such as agriculture and pharmaceuticals where the country holds untapped potential. To overcome these challenges, Niger is focusing on strengthening transport corridors, expanding digital networks, and enhancing electricity access, while engaging in partnerships with coastal countries and regional frameworks. Improved connectivity is viewed as a foundation for trade facilitation, economic diversification, and sustainable development across the country.
Amb. Mariam Fofana, Director of Multilateral Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Burkina Faso, emphasized that Africa cannot remain at the margins of global developments and that both physical and digital connectivity are now indispensable for trade, integration, and growth. Technological innovation is shaping economies, and equitable access to infrastructure, energy, and technology is essential for inclusive development. The country has invested in renewable energy, particularly solar power, and cross-border cooperation agreements to address energy and connectivity gaps. Burkina Faso’s approach highlights the importance of combining national efforts with support from international financial institutions, private sector partners, and local communities to overcome structural vulnerabilities.
Pedro Moreno, Deputy Secretary-General, UNCTAD, underscored that limited connectivity remains one of Africa’s most significant vulnerabilities, increasing trade costs and constraining the African Continental Free Trade Area’s potential. Infrastructure gaps in transport, energy, and ICT make intra-African trade up to 50 percent more expensive than the global average, limiting the continent’s $3.4 trillion market potential.
To address these challenges, UNCTAD is supporting digital trade solutions, including customs automation, electronic single windows, e-payment systems, transit monitoring, and trade information portals. These tools have already improved efficiency and revenues in several countries, particularly benefiting SMEs, women traders, and landlocked nations.
Jason Slater, Chief AI, Innovation and Digital Officer, UNIDO, emphasized that connectivity in its broadest sense – including transport, energy, digital platforms, artificial intelligence, and human capital – is critical to Africa’s industrial transformation. Integrated industrial ecosystems strengthen value chains, promote competitiveness, and create jobs across national, regional, and continental levels. Through initiatives such as agro-industrial parks, industrial zones, and cross-border economic corridors, UNIDO is helping integrate landlocked economies into regional markets and promote sustainable growth. The organization works with the African Union to translate frameworks such as Agenda 2063 and the AfCFTA into actionable, bankable industrial projects that advance inclusive growth.
Gary Fowlie, Senior Advisor, International Telecommunication Union (ITU), highlighted the ongoing challenges of electrification and digital skills development, which remain essential for Africa’s digital transformation. Investment in infrastructure, human capacity, and enabling regulations is needed to attract private sector participation and close the digital divide, he said. The innovative role of African youth in overcoming connectivity barriers, was noted. The continent’s young population will be key to driving growth in digital innovation.
Abdoul Salam Bello, Chief, UNOHRLLS, highlighted the unique connectivity challenges facing Africa’s landlocked and geographically disadvantaged countries. Geographic constraints affect trade, mobility, and development prospects, requiring targeted investments, policy coherence, and innovative financing mechanisms. Knowledge sharing, peer learning, and replication of successful programs in renewable energy and electrification are crucial to overcoming connectivity gaps and supporting long-term development and integration, he said.
The event concluded with a call to action for all stakeholders to prioritize connectivity as a fundamental pillar of Africa’s development agenda. By addressing connectivity challenges and leveraging collaborative partnerships, Africa can pave the way for a more integrated, resilient, and prosperous future.
