Digital transformation is now a strategic priority for African countries aspiring to
aspiring to inclusive and sustainable development. With the support of international initiatives, innovative projects are underway to widen access to technologies.

The Italian government, in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Senegal and the Senegalese Ministry of Communication,
Telecommunications and Digital Economy (MCTN) launched a major initiative on Thursday 28 November aimed at reducing the digital divide and promoting inclusive
inclusive growth in Africa. This flagship project, part of the Italy-Africa Mattei Plan, targets four countries : Senegal, Côte d'Ivoire, Ghana and Mozambique.

‘The UNDP is honoured to support the Italian government in making strategic investments to advance digital development in Africa. This initiative highlights
the importance of international collaboration to reduce Africa's financing
Africa's financing gap and accelerate progress towards the MDGs through digital
innovation’, said Catherine Phuong, UNDP Deputy Resident Representative in Senegal.

The current initiative comes at a time when Africa is facing a financing estimated 1,600 billion dollars to achieve the Sustainable Development goals (SDGs) by 2030, according to a joint report by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and the African Union (AU), entitled ‘African Development Dynamics 2023‘. By harnessing digital technologies, the initiative aims to boost key sectors such as health, education, agriculture and governance, while improving public services.

For Senegal, this project responds to clear national ambitions set out in the country's
the country's digital strategy, which is currently being drawn up. These priorities include modernising infrastructures, broadening access to digital tools and creating an
and creating an inclusive digital ecosystem.

Once implemented, the project should enable Senegal to accelerate its digital
economic competitiveness and promote sustainable growth. By improving its citizens quality of life, it should also help to position the country as a model for digital
transformation in Africa.

Source : We are tech in Africa