The DIGITAL SME Summit 2024 provided a key forum for discussing digital technologies’ potential to shape a more equitable, sustainable, and prosperous future for Europe and beyond. The event underscored the need for decisive action to establish Europe as a leader in digital innovation. The launch of the Digital SME Manifesto 2030 set the tone, calling for a European Digital New Deal to move the continent from a technology user to a global innovator.
During the summit, Mr. Giovanni Zazzerini, Secretary General of INSME, brought significant insights to the discussion by exploring the role of SMEs in the digital transformation of Africa and Europe. His presentation emphasized the transformative potential of digitalization for global economic and social development. For African economies, SMEs represent 90% of businesses, and successful digital transformation promises widespread benefits, from job creation to enhanced social and economic outcomes. Notably, countries like Kenya and Rwanda have demonstrated the potential of digital technologies through initiatives such as mobile payment systems, which have spurred financial inclusion and innovation.
While these advancements are promising, they also hide challenges that extend across continents. Europe is facing increasing competition from global powers like the US and China in technology innovation, yet it continues to lead in digital governance. Indeed, its regulations, designed to protect democratic values and ensure fair competition, set a global standard. In contrast, African nations confront the dual challenge of leveraging digital tools to address development needs while avoiding over-reliance on external technologies, a phenomenon sometimes described as “digital colonialism”.
Collaboration between Europe and Africa emerges as a not-to-be-missed opportunity solution to face challenges and thrive in innovation in manufacturing. For example, by adopting technologies such as IoT, AI, and robotics, industries in North Africa can enhance productivity and competitiveness. Furthermore, their geographic proximity to Europe positions them advantageously to deepen their participation in cross-border value chains, especially as reshoring strategies gain traction in the post-pandemic era.
In conclusion, to fully unlock the potential of digitalization, the importance of targeted investments in data infrastructure, skills development, and innovation ecosystems as key enablers of SME-driven growth was emphasized. Strengthening partnerships between European and African SMEs, Mr. Zazzerini argued, can catalyze progress by fostering mutual knowledge exchange and technological collaboration. These initiatives would not only spur economic development but also contribute to building inclusive and resilient systems capable of addressing global challenges.
Source: INSME Secretariat
