The United Nations on September 22 marked a milestone with the launch of the first-ever Digital Cooperation Day on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly High-Level Week in New York, drawing several African leaders to the global dialogue.
Convened by the UN Office for Digital and Emerging Technologies (ODET), the event seeks to bridge digital divides and empower Africa’s youth-driven digital economy. It comes exactly one year after the adoption of the Global Digital Compact, a landmark framework for building an inclusive and secure digital future.
The day-long programme brought together leaders from government, business, academia, and civil society to focus on issues including AI governance, digital public infrastructure, and inclusive digital economies. Amandeep Singh Gill, the UN secretary-general’s envoy on technology, underscored the importance of Africa’s participation.
“For Africa, where rapid digitalisation is reshaping societies, the event recognises that the continent is central to the global digital agenda,” he said.
Panels and roundtables will also examine inclusive digital economies, localisation of digital cooperation, and the development of digital public infrastructure as the basis for “open, safe, and accountable digital futures,” Gill added.
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ODET noted that sessions would further address privacy and human rights in data governance, the role of AI in arts and innovation, and the use of digital tools to advance sustainable development and climate action.
“By combining reflection on progress with forward-looking initiatives, Digital Cooperation Day 2025 offers a platform for stakeholders to examine how digital technologies can be harnessed responsibly to drive inclusion, equity, and shared prosperity worldwide,” ODET stated.
African countries are increasingly shaping digital policy and innovation on the continent. Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa, and Rwanda are among the leaders, with investments in digital IDs, fintech, and AI research.
Nigeria’s Abisoye Coker-Odusote, director-general of the National Identity Management Commission and a featured speaker, was expected to highlight Africa’s growing influence in setting global norms. Kenya’s ambassador to Belgium and digital policy expert, Dr. Bitange Ndemo, has long argued that the stakes for Africa are high.
“This is a chance to put Africa’s priorities, affordability, youth empowerment, and inclusive growth at the heart of global digital governance,” said Ndemo.
According to the International Telecommunication Union, more than 300 million Africans have come online in the past five years. Still, challenges in affordable access and digital infrastructure persist. Initiatives under the Global Digital Compact, such as universal internet connectivity and AI capacity-building, are intended to close these gaps.
The UN stressed that the Compact is designed to translate principles into action. With a young population and thriving tech hubs, Africa is positioned not only to benefit but also to lead in shaping an open, safe, and innovative digital future.
The proceedings were livestreamed from New York, giving audiences in Africa direct access to what could become a defining moment for the next decade of global digital cooperation.
