Digital Cooperation Organization reaffirms commitment to inclusive Digital Transformation
Morocco: The Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO) participated in 'GITEX Africa Morocco 2025' for the second consecutive year as part of its unwavering commitment to advancing digital transformation and promoting digital inclusion globally.
The event, hosted in the city of Marrakesh from 14-16th April, featured a record-breaking participation of over 1,400 exhibitors from more than 130 countries, establishing itself as the largest platform for technology and innovation on the African continent.
A bilateral meeting between H.E. Amal El Fallah Seghrouchni, the Minister of Digital Transition and Administration Reform of the Kingdom of Morocco, and Ms. Hajar El Haddaoui, Director-General of the DCO, was held on the sidelines of 'GITEX Africa Morocco 2025', Her Excellency the minister highlighted two significant national projects that exemplify Morocco's forward-looking digital strategy. The 2030 World Cup, which Morocco will co-host, represents not just a sporting event, but a transformative opportunity to accelerate infrastructure development, innovation, and digital services that enhance national pride and global connectivity. Additionally, the 'One Million Jobs' initiative, developed in collaboration with the World Bank, aims to empower youth and stimulate inclusive economic growth through digital upskilling, entrepreneurship, and public-private partnerships.
Also, Ms. Hajar El Haddaoui, Director-General of the DCO, emphasized that the organization's participation in this leading tech event reflects its keenness to support impactful digital initiatives and projects. She noted that challenges related to digital readiness remain significant, particularly in areas concerning future skills and cybersecurity.
"Studies indicate that around 39% of workers are expected to experience significant changes or obsolescence in their skillsets within the next five years. This poses real challenges in accessing job opportunities, financial services, and participating in the digital economy. Meanwhile, one-third of the global population remains offline—a serious digital gap that urgently needs to be addressed," stated Ms. El Haddaoui.
"During our visit to GITEX Africa, we witnessed an impressive level of innovation and entrepreneurship, with more than 200 startups showcasing cutting-edge tech solutions. It is imperative to transfer these successful models to our Member States while focusing on digital infrastructure development and strengthening cybersecurity capabilities to ensure a safe and innovation-friendly environment," she added.
Throughout its participation, the DCO highlighted and discussed a series of digital initiatives aimed at building digital capacities and empowering youth and women in fields such as Artificial Intelligence, cybersecurity and e-commerce. The organization also emphasized support for national digital policies and opening new global market opportunities through cooperation with governments, the private sector, and civil society.
Initiatives highlighted include several cross-border initiatives recently endorsed at its fourth annual General Assembly in Jordan in February 2025: the DCO Entrepreneurship and Innovation Standard of Excellence, the AI Readiness Toolkit, the Framework for Strengthening National Agendas to Combat Online Misinformation, and the E-Waste Management Framework.
Attendance at GITEX Africa aligns with the strategic direction of the organization and its vision to build an inclusive and sustainable digital economy, through expanded international cooperation in supporting digital communities, especially in developing nations—by empowering youth, women, and entrepreneurs and facilitating their access to the digital tools and opportunities needed for growth and prosperity. Ensuring digital transformation remains a driver of economic and social development, at a time when global attention is increasingly turning toward Africa as a rising hub for technological innovation.
The DCO reiterates its commitment to working with international partners to ensure a fair, inclusive, and secure digital transformation that enables all individuals to benefit from the digital economy—and to contribute to building a prosperous and sustainable future for all.
About the Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO)
The Digital Cooperation Organization is the world's first standalone international intergovernmental organization focusing on the acceleration of the growth of an inclusive and sustainable digital economy. It is a global multilateral organization founded in November 2020 that aims to enable digital prosperity for all.
The DCO brings together the Ministries of Communications and Information Technology of its Member States, and is focused on empowering youth, women, and entrepreneurs, leveraging the accelerative power of the digital economy, and leapfrogging with innovation to drive economic growth and increase social prosperity.
The Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO) brings together ministries of communications and information technology in 16 countries: the Kingdom of Bahrain, the People's Republic of Bangladesh, the Republic of Cyprus, the Republic of Djibouti, the Republic of The Gambia, the Republic of Ghana, the Hellenic Republic (Greece), the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, the State of Kuwait, the Kingdom of Morocco, the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Sultanate of Oman, the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, the State of Qatar, the Republic of Rwanda, and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia - collectively representing nearly $3.5 trillion in GDP and a market of nearly 800 million people, more than 70% of whom are under the age of 35.
Through cooperation and strategic dialogue, we drive the facilitation of mutually advantageous cross-border legislation. The DCO seeks to establish within its Member States the optimal infrastructure and policies for the rapid creation of inclusive and equitable digital economies within which all people, businesses, and societies can innovate and thrive. The DCO's vision is to work towards a world in which every nation, business, and person has a fair opportunity to prosper in the digital economy.
In pursuit of the Member States' common interests, the DCO works collaboratively with governments, the private sector, international organizations, NGOs, and civil society to enable more inclusive digital transformation and the growth of the digital economy.
The DCO's key initiatives include programs to enhance cross-border data flows, promote market expansion for SMEs, empower digital entrepreneurs, and advance digital inclusion among women, and the youth, and other underrepresented populations.
More information about the DCO can be found at
www.DCO.org
www.twitter.com/DCOrg
www.linkedin.com/company/DCOrg
For media enquiries, please contact media@DCO.org
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
What's On
an hour ago
- What's On
Get a major beverage upgrade with African+Eastern's online shop
Sponsored: Online shopping never felt better… African+Eastern has launched its brand-new online shopping site, along with a sleek mobile app now available on the App Store and Google Play — and your weekend plans just got easier. The website offers a serious upgrade to your shopping experience, being bigger, better, faster and more convenient and even offers personalised recommendations to shoppers. Whether you're hosting, gifting, or just topping up your home collection, the new African+Eastern UAE app makes browsing and ordering smoother than ever. You can now shop by brand, mood or occasion, across three categories – spirits, beer, and wines -and the best part? Your order can land on your doorstep in 2 hours or less thanks to the express delivery service. Shoppers will also get great deals and offers for a rewarding shopping experience. Not in a rush? Opt for Click & Collect, currently available at 14 neighbourhood stores, with more being added every week — perfect for last-minute pick-ups on your way home. What's On readers get an exclusive deal: use code WD10 on the app or website to get an extra 10 per cent off your order. They also have real-time inventory updates, so you'll know exactly what is available. Need a valid license to buy? No problem. Getting or renewing your FREE license is now easier than ever. Just download the LicenseDXB app or visit — all you need is your Emirates ID if you're a resident, or passport details if you're a tourist. Fast, flexible and totally user-friendly, this is your new go-to for beverage shopping in the UAE. African + Eastern is the Middle East's top beverage distributor, trusted by the region's leading hotels, restaurants, and hospitality chains. With 45 retail stores across the UAE (including 34 in Dubai, 10 in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain, and one in Ras Al Khaimah) and five in Oman, they offer an impressive range of popular and rare beverages. Committed to authenticity and quality, African + Eastern ensures customers receive genuine products at great value. Shoppers can enjoy everyday low prices, monthly deals, and special price drops, making it easy to save while stocking up on favorites or trying something new. available on Apple and Google Play Stores, code: WD10 for 10 per cent off, express delivery, within 2 hours, click and collect available, Images: Supplied
Gulf Today
2 days ago
- Gulf Today
Musk vows to stay Trump's 'friend' in bizarre black-eyed farewell
Billionaire Elon Musk bade farewell to Donald Trump in an extraordinary Oval Office appearance Friday, sporting a black eye, brushing aside drug abuse claims and vowing to stay a "friend and adviser" to the US president. As the world's richest person bowed out of his role as Trump's cost-cutter-in-chief, the Republican hailed Musk's "incredible service" and handed him a golden key to the White House. But Trump insisted that Musk was "really not leaving" after a turbulent four months in which his Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) cut tens of thousands of jobs, shuttered whole agencies and slashed foreign aid. "He's going to be back and forth," said Trump, showering praise on the tech tycoon for what he called the "most sweeping and consequential government reform programme in generations." South-African born Musk, wearing a black T-shirt with the word "Dogefather" in white lettering and a black DOGE baseball cap, said many of the $1 trillion savings he promised would take time to bear fruit. "I look forward to continuing to be a friend and advisor to the president," he said. But many people were more interested in the livid black bruise around Musk's right eye. Speculation about the cause was further fuelled by accusations in the New York Times Friday that Musk used so much of the drug ketamine on the 2024 campaign trail that he developed bladder problems. 'Punch me' The SpaceX and Tesla magnate said that his son was to blame for the injury. "I was just horsing around with lil' X, and I said, 'go ahead punch me in the face,'" 53-year-old Musk said. "And he did. Turns out even a five-year-old punching you in the face actually is..." he added, before tailing off. Musk, however, dodged a question about the drug allegations. The New York Times said Musk, the biggest donor to Trump's 2024 election campaign, also took Ecstasy and psychoactive mushrooms and travelled with a pill box last year. Musk, who has long railed against the news media and championed his X social media platform as an alternative, took aim at the paper instead. "Is that the same publication that got a Pulitzer Prize for false reporting on the Russiagate?" said Musk, referring to claims that Trump's 2016 election campaign colluded with Moscow. "Let's move on. Okay. Next question." Later in the day, when a reporter asked Trump if he was "aware of Elon Musk's regular drug use," Trump simply responded: "I wasn't." Agence France-Presse
Arabian Post
5 days ago
- Arabian Post
Adesina Urges Successor to Champion Africa's Financial Autonomy
Dr Akinwumi Adesina, nearing the conclusion of his decade-long presidency at the African Development Bank , has called upon his successor to prioritise Africa's financial sovereignty and ensure the continent's interests are robustly defended on the global stage. This appeal comes as the AfDB prepares to elect a new leader during its annual meeting in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire, on 29 May. The incoming president will assume office amid significant challenges, notably the proposed $555 million reduction in funding from the United States to the AfDB and its concessional arm, the African Development Fund . This funding shortfall presents a critical test for the new leader, who must navigate the financial gap by potentially persuading the U.S. to restore its support, soliciting contributions from other nations such as China, Saudi Arabia, or the UAE, or increasing funding from African member states. Five candidates are vying for the presidency: Swazi Tshabalala of South Africa, Amadou Hott of Senegal, Samuel Munzele Maimbo of Zambia, Sidi Ould Tah of Mauritania, and Abbas Mahamat Tolli of Chad. Each brings a distinct vision for the bank's future. Tshabalala emphasises internal restructuring to enhance focus on infrastructure and innovation in financial instruments. Hott advocates for African financial self-reliance by improving revenue mobilisation and facilitating private-sector investments. Maimbo focuses on intra-African trade, regulatory streamlining, and a unified development approach across the continent. Ould Tah prioritises economic sovereignty, capital mobilisation, formalising Africa's informal sector, and building climate-resilient infrastructure. Tolli proposes enhanced governance, risk pooling, and digital finance mechanisms to curb resource mismanagement and promote self-sufficiency. ADVERTISEMENT Adesina's tenure has been marked by significant achievements, including increasing the bank's capital base from $93 billion to $318 billion and implementing initiatives that have impacted over 515 million lives across Africa. Under his leadership, the AfDB has invested over $55 billion in infrastructure, making it the largest multilateral financier of African infrastructure. The bank has also prioritised healthcare, committing $3 billion in quality healthcare infrastructure and another $3 billion for pharmaceutical development, including establishing the Africa Pharmaceutical Technology Foundation. As he prepares to step down, Adesina has urged his successor to continue advocating for Africa's interests, particularly in the face of global financial shifts and challenges. He emphasised the importance of including Africa's natural capital—oil, gas, minerals, biodiversity, carbon—into GDP calculations to enhance borrowing power and stressed the need for financial independence amid reduced Western aid. Adesina also highlighted the exploitation of African forests for cheap carbon credits, advocating for fair valuation of Africa's carbon sequestration resources.
