Marrakech, 31/05/2024 (MAP) – Technological cooperation in Africa has been strengthened by the signing, Friday in Marrakech on the sidelines of the 2nd edition of Gitex Africa, of partnership agreements between Morocco’s Agency for Digital Development (ADD) and several of its African counterparts that are operating in the sector of information technologies and digital development.

These agreements were signed by major agencies, including Sénégal Numérique S.A, the Information and Digital Systems Agency (ASIN) of Benin, the National Digital Development Agency (ANADEN) of the Comoros, Mauritania’s agency for digital development (AN-ETAT), the Gambian Information and Communication Technology Agency (GICTA), the Digital Development Agency (ADN) of Niger, and the Rwanda Information Society Authority (RISA).

Each of these agencies, bringing unique expertise and strategic vision, positions itself as an essential lever for the advancement of digital innovation in their respective countries, says ADD in a press release.

These partnership agreements, which support Morocco’s ongoing efforts to strengthen South-South cooperation, seek to share expertise in the sector of digital transformation, to promote the interoperability of systems in order to improve the efficiency of public and private services, and to step up digital inclusion, while developing digital platforms and applications.

This collaboration also aims at strengthening training, promoting digital skills and supporting innovation and research.

ADD plays a crucial role in the launch of this initiative, thus reaffirming Morocco’s leadership in the area of digital transformation in Africa, the release points out, noting that this strategic cooperation aims to create an environment conducive to technological innovation and economic growth, in line with the objectives of Smart Africa, of which Morocco is an active member.

Skills development is another crucial pillar of these agreements. The training and capacity building programs will provide local talents with the skills needed to prepare for the ever-changing technology landscape. By supporting innovation and research, this collaboration will also encourage the emergence of innovative technological solutions adapted to the specific needs of African countries.

This partnership also provides for the organization of joint activities and events to raise awareness on the importance of digital transformation and new technologies.

These initiatives will help promote a culture of innovation and encourage the adoption of advanced technologies across the continent.

According to the same source, the active participation of the signatory countries demonstrates the importance of this cooperation for the entire African continent.

Through this cooperation, countries commit to addressing common challenges and taking advantage of the opportunities offered by digital transformation.