Four African nations won big at the ongoing WSIS+20 high-level event 2025 in Geneva yesterday, clinching top honours in a global showcase of digital innovation for sustainable development.
Nigeria, South Africa, Tanzania, and Zimbabwe were named among the 19 global winners at the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and Swiss Confederation co-hosted summit that started yesterday and ends on Friday.
ITU secretary-general Doreen Bogdan-Martin praised the awards for celebrating modern projects that leverage technology to promote inclusive development and bridge the global digital divide.
“These are clear examples of how inclusive, locally-driven digital solutions can accelerate sustainable development worldwide,” she said.
The high-level WSIS+20 event marks two decades of progress since the World Summit on the Information Society was launched.
The 2025 edition brings together over 150 countries and will shape key priorities ahead of the United Nations General Assembly review of WSIS in December.
Dr Aminu Maida, Nigerian Communications Commission, vice chairman lauded the West African country shortly after it earned recognition in the Access to Information and Knowledge category for its Digital Awareness.
“This award is an affirmation of Nigeria’s resolve to empower youth with the digital tools necessary to thrive in the 21st century. We are committed to closing the digital literacy gap across all regions,” he said.
Bring further glory to the continent, South Africa’s Department of Communications and Digital Technologies scooped top honours in Enabling Environment category for its Digitech programme, which supports the development and visibility of local tech solutions. Digitech has been a catalyst for innovation has showcased South African ingenuity on the global stage.
Not to be outdone, Zimbabwe’s Usawa Institute took the award in the Media category for Girls Speak Out, a project founded by Anoziva Marindire that equips young women in underserved communities with coding and technology skillsto become active participants in the digital economy.
Tanzania concluded Africa’s powerful showing by winning the E-health category with A New Era in Zanzibar’s Healthcare, a digital ID initiative by PharmAccess.
“Digital Unique IDs are transforming patient care and health service delivery. This is a game-changer for equitable healthcare access,” said Dr. Heri Marwa of PharmAccess Tanzania.
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