Digital Transformation in Africa: The Role of International Cooperation and the Mattei Plan

Digital transformation is playing a growing role in development cooperation. Africa, expected to have 25 per cent of the world’s population by 2050, should be at the centre of the global digital transformation. Digitalisation could boost innovation and youth entrepreneurship on the continent, helping to create more jobs. Nevertheless, infrastructure gaps, regulatory fragmentation and social impact must be considered by digital cooperation together with unequal balance between the so-called Global North and South. Italy’s flagship initiative towards Africa, the Mattei Plan, has put a strong emphasis on digital cooperation. The success of the Mattei Plan will depend on its ability to foster effective privatesector partnerships and build a more coordinated approach with international and national actors, including civil society