Dedicated to fostering the development of African nations, the African Development Bank (AfDB) is expanding its network of partnerships to empower Africa to fully harness the potential of emerging technologies.

On Monday, November 27, the African Development Bank (AfDB) announced a strategic partnership with the US Commercial Service, a global network of trade experts dedicated to promoting foreign direct investment in the United States. This collaboration, unveiled during the Africa Tech Festival in Cape Town, South Africa, aims to foster a series of dialogues on how US digital innovation can contribute to achieving development goals in Africa.

"We are at a turning point in Africa's technological advancement. By bridging insights from the U.S. private sector with Africa's vibrant markets, we aim to drive innovation and economic growth. This partnership is a testament to that mission," said Ashley Ndir, senior U.S. Commercial Liaison to the African Development Bank.

Under the terms of this partnership, the two parties will explore avenues for African governments to collaborate with US technology companies to advance their economies. Additionally, they will examine how US businesses can capitalize on emerging opportunities in Africa's emerging markets.

Discussions will focus on key themes such as embracing emerging technologies, enhancing internet access, developing digital skills, and establishing a regulatory environment conducive to innovation.

This initiative aligns with the AfDB's digital development strategy, which is designed to support African countries in achieving their digitization goals. As part of this strategy, the AfDB invested $2 billion in digital infrastructure, including “regional and national broadband development, creating favorable policy environments for private sector investments, scaling digital skills, and nurturing innovative enterprises.”

Samira Njoya