Context
Africa’s growing digital economy holds significant potential for economic progress and technological innovation. Although internet use is rising faster in sub-Saharan Africa than anywhere else 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. As a result, business development, competitiveness, access to knowledge, and participation in economic and social development remain limited. In response, Germany is working with Smart Africa, an alliance of 42 African countries, to improve digital access, open new markets, encourage trade and investment with Africa, and support local economic growth.
Objective
An African digital single market improves conditions for cross-border trade, investment in the digital economy, access to technology and broader social and economic participation.
Approach
On behalf of Germany, the project works with Smart Africa to
- Support the implementation of digital strategies and technologies, improve organisational development, and connect stakeholders to form new partnerships
- Increase Africa’s contribution to international debates on digital transformation and artificial intelligence (AI) by supporting the development of responsible AI Policies and public-private consortia that expand AI use cases in member states
- Deepen cooperation with European Union (EU) partners and supporting expanded investment opportunities for EU and African businesses.
Serving the African continent, the project is coordinated from Smart Africa’s headquarters in Kigali, Rwanda.
Last update: July 2026
