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ESTDEV in Africa

Estonia’s cooperation with African nations aims to strengthen bilateral and multilateral relations based on shared values, interests and equal partnership. The role of ESTDEV is to empower and inspire our partner countries to set goals and find creative and inclusive solutions for carrying out their development plans.

ESTDEV’s thematic and regional priorities in Africa are set by the Estonian Foreign Policy Strategy 2030, the Development Cooperation and Humanitarian Aid Program 2024–2030, and the Estonia’s strategy for Africa. ESTDEV’s engagement with Africa also aligns with the EU’s vision for future EU-Africa partnership, theAfrican Union Agenda 2063 and the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.

Objectives in Africa
  • Harness the power of digitisation to develop open and inclusive societies and empower good governance.
  • Improve the quality of and access to education by empowering teachers and supporting systemic changes.
  • Stimulate economic growth by empowering youth and supporting the green transition through innovation and entrepreneurship.

Estonia is uniquely positioned to share its experience with our partners in Africa and support their economic development as they transform their societies. ESTDEV harnesses the collaboration of public, private and civil society organisations to ensure no one is left behind. - Katrin Winter, ESTDEV’s regional head for Africa

Priorities by Country

ESTDEV has priorities in thematic areas where Estonia has unique experiences to share: digital transformation, education, entrepreneurship and innovation.

  • Kenya – digital development and e-government;
  • Uganda – digitalisation of the education system and support for innovation and entrepreneurship;
  • Namibia – e-government and entrepreneurship;
  • Botswana – digital development and adoption of e-solutions and a data-driven business environment.
Estonia’s role in international initiatives

ESTDEV is increasingly active in regional and pan-African programmes where we work withother EU member states and donors.

As one of the founding members of the Digital for Development (D4D) Hub, Estonia is at the forefront of promoting new international partnerships and project delivery methods in Africa's digital transformation space. Digital cooperation has been formalised with the African Union, Smart Africa, EASTECO and several African countries.

Estonia regularly supports the work of United Nations agencies, the Red Cross/Red Crescent Family and Estonian civil society organisations with African partners through the humanitarian-development nexus.

ESTDEV's project portfolio in Africa

As of September 1, 2022, ESTDEV’s project portfolio in Africa and new markets includes 20 projects, totaling 3.2 million euros, which are implemented by Estonian implementing partners.