PRESS RELEASE

For Immediate Release

UNDP and CAICT partner to drive digital transformation across Africa

Beijing, June 18, 2025 — The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the China Academy of Information and Communications Technology (CAICT) have signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to co-design the Africa Digital Empowerment and Innovation Hub, marking a significant step toward accelerating digital transformation across the continent.

Signed on the sidelines of the 4th China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo, the MoU reflects a shared commitment to inclusive, resilient, and sustainable digital development in Africa.

“This partnership with CAICT is a bold step toward realizing Africa’s digital future,” said Ahunna Eziakonwa, Assistant UN Secretary General and Director of UNDP Regional Bureau for Africa . “By combining UNDP’s development expertise with CAICT’s technological leadership, we are laying the foundation for people-centered digital transformation aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals.”

The Africa Digital Empowerment and Innovation Hub will serve as a collaborative platform to co-create digital solutions, build institutional and human capacity, and promote South-South cooperation. It will leverage open-source technologies, digital public goods, and local innovations to modernize Africa’s digital ecosystem.

“We are excited to partner with UNDP to drive digital innovation in Africa. This MoU marks a significant milestone in our efforts to leverage technology for inclusive growth and development,” said Mr. LI Guanyu, Vice President of CAICT.

The Hub will empower governments, youth, and women with advanced digital skills in areas such as AI, cloud computing, cybersecurity, and digital governance. It will support the development of Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) to help startups and entrepreneurs scale impactful solutions. In addition, the Hub will foster cross-border collaboration between African and Chinese firms in key sectors including health, agriculture, education, and green energy through accelerators, mentorship, and investment dialogues.

This collaboration underscores a growing commitment to harnessing technology for sustainable development, with a strong emphasis on inclusive innovation and South-South cooperation.

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About UNDP

UNDP is the leading United Nations agency fighting to end the injustice of poverty, inequality, and climate change. Working with our broad network of experts and partners in 170 countries, we help nations to build integrated, lasting solutions for people and planet. Learn more at undp.org/ http://www.undp.org/africa or follow @UNDP and @UNDPAfrica on social media.

About CAICT:

The China Academy of Information and Communications Technology (CAICT) is a leading research institute and think tank in China, dedicated to advancing information and communications technology (ICT) innovation and development. CAICT plays a pivotal role in shaping China’s digital economy and fostering international cooperation in ICT. Learn more: www.caict.ac.cn/english

For all enquiries, please contact:

UNDP: Praise Nutakor, Partnerships and Communications Specialist, UNDP Africa, New York: praise.nutakor@undp.org

CAICT: International Cooperation Department, CAICT, Beijing, China: ningjia@caict.ac.cn