During the Francotec event in Paris, Smart Africa and the African Federation for Digital Business (FADB) signed a strategic memorandum of understanding aimed at strengthening cooperation to accelerate digital transformation across the continent. This partnership is an important milestone in the development of Africa’s digital economy and demonstrates a strong commitment to creating value, improving the business environment and promoting technological inclusion across Africa.
The signing ceremony was witnessed by Rashina Kone, Executive Director and CEO of Smart Africa, and Redouan El Haroui, Interim Chairman of FADB, who are committed to building a dynamic and inclusive portfolio in Africa. expressed their determination to work together to build a global digital ecosystem. Africa. This strategic partnership aims to establish a single digital market across the African continent, creating economic opportunities and laying the foundations for sustainable cooperation aimed at improving living conditions for Africans. I am.
FADB was launched during the Marrakesh Declaration of GITEX Africa 2024 under the auspices of the Kingdom of Morocco and 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, telcos, start-ups, innovative companies and infrastructure operators.
Our partnership with FADB is critical to advancing Africa’s digital transformation. Together, we can build a strong ecosystem that drives innovation, creates sustainable jobs and drives economic growth across the continent.
Ms. Lasina Kone, Executive Director and CEO of Smart Africa
The collaboration between Smart Africa and FADB will implement several important initiatives. These include optimizing the business environment to foster investment in the digital sector, supporting the free movement of people, goods and services in line with the African Union Protocol, especially among young people, women and people in rural areas. This includes promoting the development of digital skills and ensuring universal access. Digital technology, including high-speed internet for all Africans. Efforts will also be made to foster entrepreneurship by establishing incubators and accelerators to support the startup ecosystem.
Digital technology is at the heart of Africa’s economic transformation. Our mission, in partnership with Smart Africa, is to bring together digital stakeholders to build a thriving ecosystem where businesses of all sizes can not only survive, but thrive. This MoU represents an important step towards building an integrated and resilient digital economy that can compete in the international arena.
Mr. Redouan El Haroui, Interim Chairman of FADB
The agreement signed today between Smart Africa and FADB embodies a mutual long-term commitment to foster economic integration across the continent by leveraging technology to improve the quality of life of African populations. It is something. In addition to promoting cross-border e-commerce, the partnership also aims to harmonize regulations on data protection and cybersecurity, thereby creating an environment that facilitates cross-border digital exchange.
This ambitious partnership builds on the Marrakech Declaration at GITEX Africa 2024 and directly addresses the challenges that Africa faces on its path to digital transformation. We reaffirm the need to put digital skills and access to technology at the forefront and create an environment that fosters innovation so that all Africans can fully participate in tomorrow’s economy.
