As part of the Digital Transformation with Africa Initiative, the USTTI partnered with the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) to conduct training for twenty-eight Young and Emerging African Leaders (ages 21-29). The officials represented Benin, Gabon, Ghana, Guinea, Kenya, Mauritania, Nigeria, the Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, Tanzania, Togo, and Tunisia in an intensive week-long program highlighting the positive role of connectivity.

During their time in Washington, the Emerging Leaders engaged in classroom lectures, site visits, and networking events addressing the policymaking process, emerging connectivity strategies, bridging the gender digital divide, leadership to improve individual and organizational effectiveness, and strategies for building and pitching a start-up.

“These impressive emerging leaders immersed themselves in the entire experience. They worked together and asked important questions. I am excited to watch them as they continue their work to make meaningful connectivity a reality”, commented USTTI Chairman and CEO Jim O’Connor

A follow-up program to build on this training will be scheduled for 2024 in Africa. Special thanks to the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) and all USTTI trainers from the US Government, Industry, Civil Society, and Academia who contributed to this important training.

The Emerging Leaders met with industry leaders from USTTI Board Member Verizon to discuss strategies to encourage technology development and deployment.

The delegation met with Don Graves, Deputy Secretary of Commerce, US Department of Commerce, to discuss the growing partnerships between the United States and Africa.

The emerging leaders experimented with technology solutions through site visits and hands-on activities.

The delegation met with Congressional officials on Capitol Hill to learn more about the policy-making process in the United States.

USTTI Board Member AST-SpaceMobile hosted the group for a tour of their NOC and training addressing LEO Satellites, their direct-to-mobile solution, and its impact on connecting the unconnected.