The African Development Bank and The US Commercial Service, the trade promotion arm of the US Department of Commerce’s International Trade Administration (ITA), have announced what they describe as a new strategic collaboration in a move to drive digital transformation across Africa.
The partners say this collaboration paves the way for a series of dialogues on how US digital innovation can support development goals across Africa.
The discussions will focus on key themes such as embracing new technologies, improving internet access, enhancing skills and creating a regulatory environment conducive to innovation.
While there are no specific undertakings yet, both parties say they will explore how African governments can collaborate with American technology firms to grow their economies and how US businesses can tap into new opportunities in Africa's emerging markets.
The initiative, says the African Development Bank, builds on its $2 billion investment in digital infrastructure, which includes regional and national broadband development, creating favourable policy environments for private sector investments, scaling digital skills, and nurturing innovative enterprises.
The Bank adds that its efforts have reduced the cost of internet access, enhanced digital literacy, and fostered a conducive business and policy environment. It will also benefit from the US Commercial Service's experience in fostering international trade.
The agreement was unveiled on the sidelines of the Africa Tech Festival recently held in Cape Town, South Africa.
