On Friday, February 15, 2019, Honorable Minister Paula Ingabire welcomes Mr. Lacina Koné as the Director General of Smart Africa Alliance Secretariat replacing Dr. Hamadoun Touré, who had held the position since January 2016.

Minister Paula commended the job well done by Dr. Hamadoun Touré who was leading Smart Africa Alliance; since its creation; three years ago. she thanked him for his contribution in putting in place the right flagships for different member states, and also setting the stage in determining the agenda for the continent; on how it is supposed to be in terms of digital agenda.

The Minister added that his contribution is still needed. “When you give birth to a baby and it is time for them to get into marriage, you don’t release your parenting responsibilities. So, you are not going to let this baba, we are still counting on you, to continue to own high the Smart Africa Umbrella; to advocate for us and to bring us all the partners that we need.”

Minister Paula Ingabire who was a guest of honor said to Mr. Koné “I would like to welcome and assure you Mr Koné, Africans mostly the member states of smart Africa are expecting much from you. This is a new chapter that is going to build on some of the achievements that have been registered over the last three years, as we continue to shape and provide leadership in terms of what we need to do to become one single digital economy as a continent”

Dr. Hamadoun Touré said that he’s leaving the organization on a right track, and added that it is a perfect time for the new Director to take it to the next level. “I am very sure to say that Smart Africa is in good hands.” Said Dr. Touré.

The incoming Director General; Mr. Lacina Koné, thanked President Paul Kagame for giving him an opportunity to learn for the upcoming years and said that ICT is critical to take Africans to the next level of economy as its bigger number of population is still poor.

“Our leaders need to take the responsibility; Africa needs to take that responsibility; we are going to write this history together. It is going to be tough, but we will make it.” Added Mr. Koné

Mr. Lacina Koné was appointed as the Director General of Smart Africa Alliance Secretariat on Monday, February 11, 2019, on the sidelines of the 32^nd Ordinary Session of the African Union, in Addis Ababa. The Ivorian Koné replaces Malian Dr. Hamadoun Touré, who has held the position since January 2016.

By now, Smart Africa Alliance counts 24 member states, over 30 private companies and major initiatives have been launched, such as One African Network (AON) project, which aims at phasing out roaming between African counties and reduce internet tariffs.