The International Trade Centre (ITC) and GSMA have announced a new memorandum of understanding (MoU) to enhance their strategic partnership.
This collaboration builds on their previous work under the UN Broadband Commission, where they co-led the ‘Making Connectivity Work for MSMEs’ initiative in 2023.
The primary aim of this partnership is to unlock digital trade and business opportunities for marginalized groups, including women, youth, refugees, and low-income communities.
Despite the widespread presence of digital networks, many developing regions remain disconnected due to barriers like high device costs, limited digital skills, and safety concerns.
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The ITC-GSMA alliance will address these challenges by promoting digital entrepreneurship, providing digital skills training, and offering technical support to policymakers. Key areas of focus include supporting youth, refugees, and agritech, as well as delivering essential training in digital skills, financial literacy, and e-commerce.
Pamela Coke-Hamilton of ITC emphasized the need to close the digital gap to enable vulnerable communities to benefit from trade and economic opportunities. GSMA’s Mats Granryd highlighted the role of mobile connectivity in driving inclusive growth.
The partnership will target impactful projects in Ethiopia, Kenya, Nigeria, Pakistan, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, Uganda, and other nations in Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa, aiming for sustainable development and inclusive economic advancement.
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