The Estonian Centre for International Development (ESTDEV) and GIZ, the German development agency, have signed a joint Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This MoU provides a framework to deepen and foster the already existing cooperation between ESTDEV, GIZ Global Program for Digital Transformation, and GIZ Digital Transformation in Africa in a further effort to support human-centered digital transformation in partner countries.
“This MoU is a commitment for future cooperation in Digital4Development on the African continent and in the Eastern partnership and the European Union (EU) candidate countries. It is also a recognition of what we have already achieved together in the past year,” said Karin Maasel, Head of the Africa and Emerging Markets Department in ESTDEV.
“Together with GIZ, other EU member states, and African partners, we are focusing on specific areas where digital tools and services can advance efficiency, transparency, and socio-economic development, and for which there is a clear demand and ownership from our partner countries. Examples include supporting data-driven decision making, digital education, e-health, strengthening digital business and start-up ecosystems, and advancing twin transitions at the intersection of green and digital,” commented Maasel.
“We are delighted to further strengthen our cooperation with ESTDEV to work towards our joint goal: to bring forward a human-centered digital transformation. For this global undertaking, it is crucial that we join forces and collaboratively work with our ‘Team Europe’ partners and our partner countries,” states Björn Richter, Head of Global Programme for Digital Transformation at GIZ.
Dr Jan Schwaab, Head of GIZ’s Digital Transformation in Africa Unit added that the MoU should form a starting point to regularly exchange ideas, discuss trends, and jointly develop initiatives in order to continue to grow both organizations’ digital portfolio in the future.
ESTDEV and GIZ are jointly implementing the Digital4Development (D4D) Initiative for Digital Government and Cybersecurity, in close cooperation with GovStack.
In 2022, GIZ and ESTDEV will expand their cooperation to support Human-Centred Digitalisation in Kenya and Data Governance across the African continent, in the framework of Team Europe.
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ESTDEV is a state foundation that organizes and coordinates Estonia’s participation in international development cooperation and humanitarian aid programs with the aim of increasing Estonia’s contribution to global security and sustainable development.
