Kenya's telecom sector is experiencing a significant financing shortfall, presenting both challenges and opportunities for private investors to drive digital inclusion and sustainable infrastructure growth, according to CSquared CEO Ian Paterson.

• Ian Paterson emphasized that Africa's digital transformation cannot rely solely on governments or donor funding.
• He identified three key investment areas: shared open-access infrastructure, extending coverage to underserved communities, and innovative financing models like blended finance and public-private partnerships.
• He cited studies from Togo's Equiano subsea cable landing project projecting GDP gains over $200 million (Sh26.3 billion) and almost 37,000 new jobs by 2025, with internet prices expected to drop by 14 percent.
• Paterson suggested that a similar model to CSquared's West Africa superhighway could be replicated in East Africa to link Nairobi, Kampala, and Kigali.