Smart Africa and the African Federation of Digital Businesses (FADB) signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding aimed at strengthening cooperation to accelerate digital transformation across the African continent.
The deal was signed on October 4 on the sidelines of the Francotech event in Paris, France.
The signing ceremony took place in the presence of Lacina Koné, Director General and CEO of Smart Africa, and Redouane El Haloui, Interim President of FADB, who expressed their determination to work together to create a dynamic and inclusive digital ecosystem in Africa.
The partnership aims to lay the foundation for sustainable collaboration with the goal of establishing a single digital market across the African continent, creating economic opportunities, and improving the living conditions the African citizens.
FADB, launched during the Marrakech Declaration at GITEX Africa 2024 under the aegis of the Kingdom of Morocco, is the result of a joint initiative by entrepreneurs and policymakers who share a common vision for Africa’s digital future.
By joining forces, Smart Africa and FADB are committed to promoting inclusive digital policies and supporting digital businesses, telecommunications companies, startups, innovative companies, and infrastructure operators.
According to Lacina Koné, “Our partnership with FADB is crucial for advancing Africa’s digital transformation. Together, we can build a robust ecosystem that drives innovation, creates sustainable jobs, and propels economic growth across the continent.”
He also emphasized the importance of harmonizing regulatory frameworks to create a conducive environment for the growth of digital businesses and innovation.
The collaboration between Smart Africa and FADB will implement several key initiatives.
These include optimizing business climates to encourage investment in the digital sector, supporting the free movement of people, goods, and services in line with the African Union Protocol, promote digital skills development particularly among youth, women, and rural population and ensuring universal access to digital technologies, including high-speed internet for all African citizens.
Parallel efforts will be made to promote entrepreneurship by establishing incubators and accelerators to support the startup ecosystem.
Redouane El Haloui, Interim President of FADB, stated, “Digital technology is at the heart of Africa’s economic transformation. Our mission, in partnership with Smart Africa, is to bring together digital stakeholders and create a thriving ecosystem where businesses of all sizes can not only survive but prosper.”
“This Memorandum of Understanding represents an important step towards building an integrated and resilient digital economy capable of competing on the international stage,” said Redouane.
The agreement signed last week between Smart Africa and FADB embodies a mutual long-term commitment to promote economic integration across the continent by leveraging technology to improve the quality of life of African populations.
In addition to boosting cross-border e-commerce, this partnership also aims to harmonize regulations on data protection and cybersecurity, thereby creating an environment conducive to cross-border digital exchanges.
This ambitious partnership, which builds on the Marrakech Declaration during GITEX Africa 2024, directly addresses the challenges Africa faces on its journey towards digital transformation.
It reaffirms the need to build an environment conducive to innovation, placing digital skills and access to technology at the forefront, so that every African citizen can fully participate in the economy of tomorrow.
