President Paul Kagame, on Sunday, July 6, called for deliberate efforts to drive connectivity, stating that bridging the remaining gaps in access to digital technology will require innovation in both policy and financing.

The President said this while addressing a virtual meeting on the occasion to mark 15th anniversary of the United Nations Broadband Commission of driving the universal broadband connectivity agenda. President Kagame co-chairs the Commission alongside Carlos Slim.

Kagame expressed his and Slim’s commitment of continued contribution to the mission, whether as the leaders of the commission or outside of the commission altogether.

The Head of State told the leaders that they have to address affordability, digital skills, local content and gender gaps with the same urgency given to other infrastructure. The Broadband Commission defines the internet as being affordable if 1.5 gigabyte of mobile data is priced at no more than 2 percent of average income.

“Fifteen years ago, we began with the simple conviction that broadband must reach everyone everywhere because it is an essential driver of sustainable development. At the time, connectivity was out of reach for many people, especially in Africa,” he said.

Today, he said, broadband powers economies, expands access to knowledge in rural as well as urban areas, and brings communities closer.

Among the achievements, he cited the lowered cost of access, increased reach and opened digital pathways for millions of people.

However, Kagame pointed to connectivity gaps in coverage and usage.