Context:
In Africa, Kenya is considered a pioneer of digital transformation. Already many people use smartphones and the internet. An active start-up ecosystem and the growing field of IT services are creating new opportunities. Business process outsourcing (BPO) encourages innovation and employment. Nonetheless, many people lack digital skills and there is a need for clear rules governing data protection, competition and inclusion.
Objective:
Kenya has a sustainable and human-centred digital economy and society.
Approach:
The project expands the capacities of Kenyan public authorities and businesses to enable inclusive digital development. In addition, it promotes more dialogue between the state, the private sector and civil society.
At the same time, it supports the establishment of digital public infrastructures (DPI) that facilitate access to digital services and help people to use them with confidence. The project focuses on promoting the BPO sector as a key motor for creating high-quality, formal jobs, in particular for young people and women, and as a driver of export-oriented digital services.
The close cooperation between Kenyan and German technology and service companies opens up opportunities for both sides: Kenya benefits from knowledge transfer, investments and new jobs; Germany gains reliable partners for digital services, more stable supply chains and impulses for innovation from East Africa.
The project is co-financed by the European Union (EU). This enhances the regional and international cooperation, and promotes partnerships between Europe and Africa. The target groups are political decision-makers, businesses and civil-society organisations, including Organisations of Persons with Disabilities (OPD).