Africa took a commanding role at the WSIS+20 High-Level Event in Geneva, where four African nations were honored among the world’s most innovative in using technology to promote inclusive and sustainable development. The forum, marking 20 years of the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS), gathered delegates from over 150 countries to spotlight transformative digital solutions.
Hosted by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the Swiss Confederation, the 2025 summit celebrated two decades of global collaboration in building people-focused digital societies. As part of the event, the prestigious WSIS Prizes were awarded to 19 standout projects that address real-world challenges through technology.
Among the winners, Nigeria, South Africa, Tanzania, and Zimbabwe stood out for their impactful digital initiatives. 
Nigeria was honored in the Access to Information and Knowledge category for its Digital Awareness Program, led by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC). The initiative has equipped thousands of students and educators across the country with ICT tools and training, narrowing the digital divide and enhancing learning opportunities.
South Africa earned top recognition in the Enabling Environment category for Digitech, a program run by the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies. Digitech promotes homegrown tech by providing a platform for local developers and boosting the visibility of South African innovations both locally and globally. The initiative is being hailed as a model for fostering digital inclusion and entrepreneurship.
Zimbabwe’s Usawa Institute won in the Media category for its Girls Speak Out project, a grassroots initiative empowering girls in underserved communities with coding and digital literacy. Led by Anoziva Marindire, the programme is creating new pathways for young women to enter the digital economy and advocate for social change using technology.
Tanzania was celebrated in the E-health category for A New Era in Zanzibar’s Healthcare, a project by PharmAccess that introduced digital unique health IDs to improve healthcare access, service quality, and transparency. “Digital IDs are helping us reimagine healthcare delivery,” said Dr. Heri Marwa, reflecting on how digital transformation is reshaping patient outcomes.
The achievements of Nigeria, South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Tanzania reaffirm Africa’s rising influence in shaping the global digital agenda. As innovation continues to flourish across the continent, the WSIS+20 awards serve as a reminder that technology, when placed in the hands of the people, can be a force for transformation and equity.
