DCO and BADEA sign strategic MoU to promote inclusive and sustainable digital economies

By:  Kanto Kai Okanta

The Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO) and the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen cooperation in advancing inclusive and sustainable digital economies across member states.

The agreement establishes a framework for collaboration in capacity building, digital trade, and infrastructure investment. Both organizations aim to accelerate digital transformation and foster economic growth through co-financing and joint investment initiatives.

Speaking on the significance of the partnership, H.E. Deemah AlYahya, Secretary-General of the DCO, described the MoU as a milestone in the organization’s mission to drive inclusive digital progress. She noted that the collaboration would “empower communities, bridge the digital divide, and drive innovation that benefits all.”

H.E. Abdullah KH Almusaibeeh, President of BADEA, emphasized the role of the partnership in promoting entrepreneurship and financial inclusion in Africa. “Through our collaboration with the Digital Cooperation Organization, we aim to empower African entrepreneurs, enhance digital infrastructure, and accelerate financial inclusion,” he said.

The signing follows a high-level roundtable co-hosted by DCO and BADEA during the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA80) in New York. The session explored how Development Finance Institutions can mobilize investment to expand digital infrastructure, entrepreneurship, and cross-border trade across DCO Member States.

The event also highlighted the expansion of DCO’s WE-Elevate initiative, a program that supports women-led micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in transitioning to online operations. Following a successful pilot in Rwanda, the initiative is being launched in Morocco and Nigeria to provide digital, financial, and entrepreneurial training to female entrepreneurs.

The MoU underscores both organizations’ commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 5 on gender equality and SDG 8 on decent work and economic growth. Through this partnership, DCO and BADEA aim to enhance access to digital skills and financial resources, enabling greater participation in the global digital economy.