John Omo, secretary-general of the African Telecommunications Union, delivers a speech during the 2026 China-Africa Digital Capacity Building and Cooperation Conference. [Photo/Hangzhou News]

The 2026 China-Africa Digital Capacity Building and Cooperation Conference took place on Aug 28 in Hangzhou, capital of Zhejiang province, bringing together government officials, businesses, and think tanks, and witnessing the launch of the China-Africa Digital Technology Cooperation Center, which will provide services covering technology showcases, overseas business support, industry matchmaking, training, and research.

John Omo, secretary-general of the African Telecommunications Union, said only 36 percent of Africa's population uses the internet, as mobile technologies and services contribute about $240 billion to the continent's GDP. He said China's strong technology sector, combined with Africa's expanding market and young population, provides a solid foundation for cooperation.

Omo called for technology transfers to bring digital benefits to African communities and educational institutions, while helping African countries develop technologies for their own use and eventually export them.

Representatives from Sudan and South Sudan also called for deeper cooperation in digital infrastructure, investment, and technology, with the former pursuing digital transformation in areas including digital identity, e-government services, and payment systems.

A China-Africa digital cooperation matchmaking session was also held, where companies discussed cooperation in digital infrastructure, AI applications, cybersecurity, and digital talent training, resulting in several cooperation initiatives.