African Union and European Union step up digital cooperation for sustainable development in Africa following EU-AU Summit

During the first Africa-Europe Digital for Development (D4D) Hub Multi-Stakeholder Forum that took place on 18 March 2022, representatives from the European Union (EU) and the African Union (AU) underscored digital cooperation as a cornerstone of the AU-EU strategic partnership. The forum, which was convened under the theme ‘Digital Transformation for Sustainable Development in Africa,’ aimed at promoting exchanges and collaboration with the private sector, enterprises, civil society organisations, and experts in the digital field from both continents. ‘The COVID-19 pandemic has brought to the fore the importance of digital technologies, data, and innovation to keep our businesses, healthcare, education, and public services running among others. These exceptional times have also shown the urgency to invest in secure and affordable Africa’s digital infrastructure, digital skills, digital identity, data management and build on Africa’s innovation potential and entrepreneurship,’ noted AU Commissioner for Infrastructure and Energy Dr Amani Abou-Zeid.