Prime Business Africa
The Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO), the world’s first standalone international intergovernmental organization dedicated to accelerating inclusive and sustainable digital economies, and the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA) Friday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) as part of an ongoing commitment to foster cooperation.
The MoU sets out a framework for cooperation on advancing inclusive and sustainable digital economies, paving the way for joint working on capacity building, digital trade, and infrastructure investment. Both organizations aim to accelerate digital transformation and economic growth in DCO Member States through the creation of pathways for future co-financing and investment partnerships.
Highlighting the importance of the partnership, H.E. Deemah AlYahya, Secretary-General of the DCO, stated: “Today marks a pivotal moment in our commitment to fostering inclusive and sustainable digital economies. Through this memorandum of understanding with BADEA, we are not only establishing a framework for collaboration but also setting the stage for transformative investment partnerships.
Join our WhatsApp Channel“By focusing on co-financing and directed growth initiatives, we can accelerate capacity building and enhance infrastructure across our member states. Together, we will empower communities, bridge the digital divide, and drive innovation that benefits all. I am excited about the potential of this partnership to create lasting change in the digital landscape.”
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President of the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa, H.E. Mr. Abdullah KH Almusaibeeh said: “Through our collaboration with the Digital Cooperation Organization, we aim to empower African entrepreneurs, enhance digital infrastructure, and accelerate financial inclusion. Together, we will build bridges of innovation that connect our nations and create lasting opportunities for the people of Africa.
“This Memorandum of Understanding symbolizes a shared vision for a digitally connected future—one where innovation, cooperation. This partnership marks an important milestone in our shared vision to harness the power of digital transformation for sustainable development across Africa.”
The signing this week follows a successful high level round table co-hosted by the DCO and BADEA on the sidelines of the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA80) in New York, where guests explored how Development Finance Institutions can mobilize financing to expand digital infrastructure, entrepreneurship, and cross-border trade across DCO Member States.
The event also spotlighted the scaling of WE-Elevate, DCO’s key initiative empowering women-led businesses to move from offline to online, and the launch of WE-Elevate in Morocco and Nigeria, following a successful pilot in Rwanda. The session strengthened trust-building and partnerships to accelerate digital inclusion and resilience.
Developed by the DCO, WE-Elevate is a transformative capacity-building initiative designed to support female-led micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in transitioning from offline to online operations. The program equips entrepreneurs with digital, financial and entrepreneurial skills through online learning modules, mentorship, and access to global e-commerce platforms.
The MoU between the DCO and BADEA reinforces a shared commitment to advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 5 (Gender Equality) and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth). Through this collaboration, both organizations aim to expand access to digital skills and financial tools that empower everyone to participate fully in the global digital economy.
