If African nations want to become significant powers in the emerging global digital economy, they have to take the cue from other regulators and governments. Alex Salter, CEO of SamKnows, is recently supporting this argument to illustrate various aspects that are influencing African digital market development. Deloitte reports that 160 million people living below the poverty line could see their status changed by simply providing them with internet access. Online connection would allow people to benefit from a great variety of resources from education to healthcare and business-related support which, if executed properly, would automatically result into a social boost. Several companies have stepped up launching supporting campaigns and in a recent article, Forbes legitimately questions if these initiatives are purely noble or internet companies have just found a new channel to promote their business. Whatever the answer, it is important to bind these large corporations to social responsibilities while pushing governments and internet providers to develop policies and services able to grant affordable internet access. An emblematic case showing these dynamics is the successful Facebook’s Internet.org, rapidly expanding in more and more countries. Taking Kenya as an example, investments in ICT sector have allow national GDP to increase at an impressive rate, reaching 63% of broadband penetration that goes up to 76% if we include mobile connection. Africa will enormously benefit from connecting its people. Beyond encouraging entrepreneurship and education, internet could help Africa’s sustainable development conveying the values of democracy, transparency, political accountability and minorities’ protection. If during their path African nations are able to monitor and learn from foreign telecom regulators and governments, they will surely play a fundamental role in driving global digital economy. gLAWcal Team LIBEAC project Wednesday, 26 November 2014 (Source: HumanIPO)