African Union Deputy Chairperson pushes digital jobs agenda at World Bank Meetings in Washington
Date: 2026-04-17
By: Nana Appiah Acquaye
The
Deputy Chairperson of the African Union Commission, H.E. Amb. Selma Malika
Haddadi, has underscored the importance of linking Africa’s digital
transformation agenda to job creation and inclusive economic growth during
engagements at the 2026 World Bank Group Spring Meetings.
Arriving in Washington, D.C. for the high-level
discussions, she highlighted Africa’s priorities within the AU–World Bank
partnership, with a focus on ensuring that digital progress translates into
tangible employment opportunities for citizens across the continent.
Speaking on digital transformation
and jobs, she emphasized that success should not be measured solely by expanded
connectivity, but also by its impact on labour markets and economic inclusion.
She called for stronger alignment between digital skills development and market
demand to ensure young people are better positioned for emerging opportunities.
She also stressed the importance of
advancing digital identity systems to promote inclusion, particularly for
underserved populations, and ensuring that connectivity extends beyond urban
centres to reach rural and remote communities.
According to her, the development of
a Digital Single Market must be designed to deliver shared prosperity across
all African countries, ensuring that no region is left behind in the
continent’s digital transition.
The
engagements form part of broader discussions between African and global
partners on leveraging digital transformation to accelerate sustainable
development and job creation.
