Accra, Ghana (14 November 2024) – The Government of Italy and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) have launched the Italian Government’s Digital Flagship with Africa initiative, which focuses on supporting four countries in their digital transformation journeys. Developed by UNDP for Italy’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI) as part of the Italy–Africa Mattei Plan, this project aims to design bankable, multi-year initiatives focused on digital connectivity, public infrastructure and digital solutions for key sectors in Côte d'Ivoire, Ghana, Mozambique and Senegal.  

The African continent faces an estimated US$1.6 trillion financing gap to meet the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030. According to research by UNDP, the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and partners in the SDG Acceleration Agenda, more than two thirds of the SDG targets could benefit from digital technologies. The Digital Flagship with Africa initiative aims to close the sustainable financing gap by addressing the digital divide, improving digital public services and promoting sustainable economic growth.  

Unlocking affordable investment to accelerate digital transformation across the continent is one of the initiative’s primary goals. It will also foster innovation across key sectors of the Italy–Africa Mattei Plan, such as agriculture, education, climate, health and governance towards creating a resilient, reliable and inclusive digital ecosystem.  

Commenting on the initiative, the Italian Ambassador in Ghana, Daniela d’Orlandi, said: “This project reflects Italy's renewed commitment to our African partners. Education, agribusiness and health are key areas that align with both Ghana's development strategy and its growing digital economy. By focusing on these shared priorities, we can create synergy among our programmes and engage Italy’s diverse expertise to drive transformative impact.”  

Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, Minister for Communications at Ghana’s Ministry of Communications and Digitalisation added, “The Flagship initiative in Ghana aligns with our Digital Transformation Agenda and will foster a more inclusive society that benefits all citizens. It will catalyse digital solutions in agriculture, health and education, while bridging the urban–rural divide.”  

Stefano Losavio, Counsellor at the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation highlighted, “The expertise of Italian stakeholders and institutions, together with Ghanian partners, will provide the basis for a resilient digital ecosystem. The Digital Flagship showcases the power of multilateral engagement to address complex development challenges.” 

A panel discussion on ‘Accelerating Ghana’s Digital Transformation’ also took place during the launch, with representatives from the Digital Transformation Delivery Unit from the Ghana Ministry of Communications and Digitalisation, the Tony Blair Institute (TBI), the Ghana Investment Fund for Electronic Communications (GIFEC), as well as from the private sector and the UNDP project team.  

UNDP’s Digital Readiness Assessment—a multistakeholder survey that gathers comprehensive insights into a country’s digital preparedness—was also introduced as a tool to help inform the design and implementation of digital strategies in the country.  

UNDP Deputy Resident Representative, Sukhrob Khoshmukhamedov noted that, “This initiative underscores the crucial role of international cooperation in bridging Africa’s financing gap and accelerating progress towards the SDGs through digitalization. The Flagship will advance Ghana’s digital transformation through enhanced connectivity, resilient public digital infrastructure, and the deployment of digital solutions tailored to the needs of Ghanaian communities.” 

UNDP will work closely with the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, the Italian Agency for International Development and Cooperation (AICS) and the Ghana Ministry of Communications and Digitalisation to implement the initial phase of the project. 

For further information, please contact: 

UNDP Ghana

Email: ernestina.ocansey@undp.org

Tel: +233 50 132 3566 

About UNDP 

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is the United Nations global development network, advocating for change and connecting countries to knowledge, experience, and resources to help people build a better life. UNDP works in approximately 170 countries and territories to help nations achieve the SDGs. 

About MAECI and AICS 

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI) is Italy’s key body for formulating foreign policy. The Italian Agency for International Development Cooperation (AICS) is responsible for Italy’s development cooperation, working to reduce poverty and promote sustainable development globally.