Introduction
The United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), through the Technology, Innovation, Connectivity and Infrastructure Development Division (TICID), hosted a special farewell lecture in honour of Mactar Seck, Chief Emerging and Frontier Technologies, Innovation and Digital Transformation Section, marking the conclusion of more than two decades of distinguished service advancing Africa’s digital transformation agenda.
The lecture brought together senior policymakers, diplomats, academics, private sector leaders, and digital development experts to celebrate Dr. Seck’s remarkable contributions while engaging in a forward-looking dialogue on Africa’s technological future.
Held under the theme “From Opportunity to Risk: Are We Prepared for Africa’s Technological Revolution?”, the event provided a timely platform to reflect on Africa’s digital progress, confront persistent risks, and identify strategic pathways for the decade ahead.
About the Lecture
The lecture explored Africa’s digital transformation journey over the last twenty years, highlighting significant gains in connectivity, digital policy development, innovation ecosystems, and regional digital cooperation.
Mr. Seck presented a compelling assessment of the continent’s readiness for the next wave of technological change, focusing on:
- Africa’s digital opportunity and growth trajectory
- ECA’s role in shaping continental digital development
- Seven major risks confronting Africa’s technological future
- The implementation gap between policy ambition and practical delivery
- Strategic commitments required for sustainable digital transformation
- Priority areas where ECA can drive continental leadership in the next decade
About Mr. Mactar Seck
Mr. Seck is a leading African expert in digital transformation, ICT policy, innovation ecosystems, and emerging technologies.
As Chief of the Emerging and Frontier Technologies, Innovation and Digital Transformation Section at ECA, he has played a central role in shaping Africa’s digital agenda through pioneering work on:
- Africa’s contribution to global digital governance processes
- Cybersecurity governance and Digital Trust
- Connectivity and Inclusion
- Data governance, Fintech, and Artificial Intelligence governance policy and frameworks
- Digital public infrastructure blueprint
- Digital identity systems
- Digital Skills and Capacity Development
- Digital trade and interoperable payment systems
- E-Governance and Public service delivery
- Regional digital policy harmonization and Interoperability
- STI advancements
A recipient of the Africa ICT Champion Award, Mr. Seck has been instrumental in positioning Africa as an active voice in international digital policy discussions and in advancing inclusive, innovation-driven development across the continent.
Objectives of the Lecture
The farewell lecture aimed to:
- Celebrate Mr. Seck’s Legacy: Recognize his exceptional contributions to Africa’s digital transformation and his leadership within ECA.
- Reflect on Africa’s Digital Progress: Take stock of the continent’s achievements over two decades of digital advancement.
- Examine Emerging Risks: Identify structural and strategic risks that could undermine Africa’s technological progress.
- Stimulate Strategic Dialogue: Bring together diverse stakeholders to exchange perspectives on Africa’s preparedness.
- Chart Future Priorities: Outline practical commitments and strategic directions for Africa’s digital future and ECA’s evolving role.
The lecture served as both a celebration of an extraordinary professional legacy and a strategic call to action for Africa’s digital future.
It reaffirmed that the next decade represents a defining moment for the continent, a generational and existential crossroads that will determine whether Africa leads, adapts, or lags in the global technological revolution.
The question now belongs to all of us: What are we going to build?
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