Accelerating Africa’s Digital Economy

Context

Africa’s growing digital economy holds significant potential for economic progress and technological innovation. While sub-Saharan Africa has the fastest-growing internet usage rate in the world, only 25 per cent of the continent’s population is currently online. This is mainly due to a lack of digital infrastructure, which drives up internet costs. Improved internet access promotes business development, boosts competitiveness, facilitates access to knowledge, and enables broader participation in economic and social development. For this reason, Germany is investing in cooperation with Smart Africa, an alliance of 40 African countries. The goal is to facilitate access to new markets, encourage trade and investment with Africa, and stimulate local economic growth.

Objective

An African digital single market is facilitating cross-border trade, promoting investment in the digital economy, improving access to technology, boosting economic growth and driving social participation.

Approach

The project works with Smart Africa on the implementation of digital strategies and technologies, shapes organisational development, and connects stakeholders to form new partnerships. This results, for example, in national data strategies in Senegal and cross-border cooperation. Furthermore, the project strengthens Africa’s voice in global debates on digital transformation and artificial intelligence, thereby promoting geopolitical cooperation with the European Union and Germany.

The aim is to promote human-rights-based and independent technologies in Africa and, while also establishing close cooperation with European partners and businesses. The project operates at continental, national and regional levels, with Smart Africa’s headquarters in Kigali, Rwanda, serving as the central coordinating hub.

Last update: March 2025