ADDIS ABABA, Feb. 17 (Xinhua) -- African countries need to harness opportunities presented through digitization to improve citizens' quality of life and enable economic diversification, African Union (AU) Commissioner for Infrastructure and Energy Amani Abou-Zeid has said.

Despite challenges, digital technologies are transforming Africa's economy and society, and more needs to be done to fully exploit advancements in digital technologies, Abou-Zeid told reporters on Friday on the margins of the ongoing AU Summit at the AU headquarters in Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia.

"Leveraging digitalization for an inclusive digital economy and society in Africa can improve citizens' quality of life, strengthen existing sectors, enable economic diversification and development, and ensure continental ownership with Africa as a producer rather than just being a consumer in the global digital economy," she said.

Abou-Zeid highlighted the AU's Digital Transformation Strategy for Africa (2020-30), which provides a comprehensive continental master plan toward building an inclusive digital society and economy, while also facilitating the realization of the AU's 50-year continental development blueprint, Agenda 2063.

The continental digital transformation strategy, among other things, aspires to ensure universal broadband access and a single digital market in Africa by 2030.

The AU Summit, taking place from Feb. 14 to 18, is held under the theme "Educate an African fit for the 21st Century: Building resilient education systems for increased access to inclusive, lifelong, quality and relevant learning in Africa."

Meanwhile, the AU official underscored the need to put in place strong regulatory mechanisms to contain major risk factors with the expansion of internet and digital connectivity in Africa. She said such efforts should focus on the protection of children from online abuse.

"Child online empowerment and protection is a top priority of all stakeholders involved in children's education and well-being. The COVID-19 global pandemic saw a surge in the number of children joining the online world for the first time to support their studies and maintain social interaction," she said.

"To safeguard children against online vulnerabilities, risks, and harm, governments and organizations must establish and deliver a coordinated national framework to protect children from online exploitation and abuse," Abou-Zeid added. Enditem

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