The African Telecommunications Union (ATU), in collaboration with the China Academy of ICT (CAICT) and other partners, has launched a new Digital Transformation initiative targeting Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) across Africa. The initiative was announced during a session at the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS), with a focus on advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through inclusive innovation.
ATU Secretary-General John Omo unveiled the program at a WSIS session centred on building collaborative innovation ecosystems. The effort, he said, reflects a shared commitment within the global ICT community to empower small businesses with the digital tools they need to thrive.
The initiative is specifically designed to strengthen the digital capabilities of SMEs, which the ATU views as key drivers of inclusive economic growth. According to the Union, the program aims to convert practical digital concepts into measurable development outcomes by enhancing how small enterprises engage with technology.
The ATU has identified the digital empowerment of SMEs as a critical pillar of its broader mission to promote equitable access to digital services. The Union stated it is fully committed to the initiative, which it expects to contribute meaningfully to sustainable development efforts across the continent.
The program is one of several emerging partnerships intended to close Africa’s digital divide, with a focus on capacity-building, innovation, and economic resilience for small businesses.
