In a major stride for South-South cooperation, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the China Academy of Information and Communications Technology (CAICT) have signed a landmark agreement to fast-track digital transformation across Africa.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), sealed at the 4th China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo in Changsha on Wednesday, launches the Africa Digital Empowerment and Innovation Hub.
This ambitious initiative aims to expand digital inclusion, foster innovation, and build the skills needed to shape a more connected, resilient continent.
“This partnership with CAICT is a bold step toward realizing Africa’s digital future,” said Ahunna Eziakonwa, UN Assistant Secretary-General and Director of UNDP’s Regional Bureau for Africa. “We are laying the foundation for people-centered digital transformation aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals.”
The Innovation Hub will provide training opportunities for African youth, women, and entrepreneurs in areas such as artificial intelligence, cloud computing, digital governance, and cybersecurity.
The platform will also support the development of Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) to scale homegrown solutions in critical sectors, including health, agriculture, education, and clean energy.
“Digital transformation must be inclusive and sustainable. This hub will help local startups thrive while creating space for policy dialogue, mentorship, and real investment,” said Winnie Ladu, a South Sudanese tech entrepreneur and founder of Nile Code Lab.
The partnership promotes collaboration between African and Chinese tech ecosystems through accelerators, knowledge exchange, and investment channels.
CAICT will play a key role by offering technical expertise and research support to inform Africa’s digital policymaking.
“We are excited to partner with UNDP to drive digital innovation in Africa,” said Li Guanyu, Vice President of CAICT. “This MoU marks a significant milestone in our joint efforts to leverage technology for inclusive growth.”
As China’s leading ICT think tank, CAICT has shaped domestic and international digital standards. UNDP contributes its global development experience and reach across more than 170 countries.
With over 60 percent of its population under the age of 25, Africa stands at the forefront of global digital potential. Leaders and advocates say the agreement marks a turning point.
“Africa is not waiting. From Juba to Lagos to Kigali, young people are already building the digital future,” said Joshua Biar Ayuen, a digital rights advocate in South Sudan. “This partnership gives them the tools to go even further.”
