Digital transformation is one of the key levers for accelerating the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals and reducing global inequalities. The Italian Cooperation has progressively integrated digital technologies into its interventions, with an approach that encompasses the entire value chain, ranging from connectivity infrastructure to technology transfer, from digital skills training to the development of innovative solutions. This approach aims to ensure that digitalization generates inclusive and sustainable benefits, paying specific attention to reducing the gender and regional digital divides.
The Mattei Plan and Digital Initiatives
Within the framework of the Mattei Plan for Africa, digital technology plays a strategic role as an enabler of economic and social development. In this context, the “Digital Flagship” programme is one of Italy’s most ambitious initiatives in the field of digital transformation for development. The initiative, developed in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and coordinated by the Directorate-General for Development Cooperation, aims to implement integrated digital transformation projects in four pilot African countries: Senegal, Ghana, Ivory Coast, and Mozambique.
The interventions currently being structured encompass multiple dimensions ranging from the development of connectivity infrastructure to the digitalisation of public services, from the creation of e-governance networks to the support of ecosystems for innovation and digital entrepreneurship.
The Initiative “AI Hub for Sustainable Development”
The programme “AI Hub for Sustainable Development”, launched by Italy during its G7 Presidency in 2024 and implemented in collaboration with UNDP, as part of the Mattei Plan, aims to foster the responsible and inclusive adoption of artificial intelligence technologies in partner countries, promoting its innovative applications in the sectors of health, agriculture, education, natural resource management, and climate resilience.
The initiative involves the implementation of capacity-building activities targeted to public institutions, universities, research centres, and local businesses, with a specific focus on the ethical dimension and governance of artificial intelligence. Through the AI Hub, Italy promotes the use of artificial intelligence for sustainable development and the reduction of inequalities.
Related Links
Accelerare la trasformazione digitale per una Costa d’Avorio inclusiva e connessa – AICS (Accelerating Digital Transformation for an Inclusive and Connected Ivory Coast – AICS)
Participation in Multilateral Processes Dedicated to the Digital Dimension
The Italian Cooperation System proactively participates in the main multilateral processes dedicated to digital transformation for development, helping to define standards, strategies, and operational methods at the global and regional levels.
At the European level, Italy supports the Team Europe initiative “Digital for Development Hub” (D4D Hub), a coordination platform that brings together the European Commission and the EU Member States to promote a coherent and coordinated European approach to digital transformation in partner countries. Through the D4D Hub, Italy contributes to leveraging its national skills and expertise, promoting the implementation of joint initiatives that maximize the impact of European action. This collective working model, based on the Team Europe approach, enhances the visibility and effectiveness of interventions, overcoming the fragmentation that previously characterized the action of individual Member States.
Furthermore, at the global level, Italy participates in the G7 AI for Prosperity (AI4E), an initiative promoted within the G7 to promote the use of artificial intelligence as a tool for economic prosperity and sustainable development. Launched in 2023 under the Japanese Presidency and strengthened during the Italian G7 Presidency in 2024, this working group promotes coordination in the cooperation with emerging economies and developing countries on the topic of artificial intelligence.
Related Links
Join the Digital for Development (D4D) Hub
G7 Leaders’ Statement on AI for Prosperity
National and International Collaborations
The effectiveness of Italy’s digital development efforts is based on a complex network of collaborations.
At the national level, the Italian Cooperation works in coordination with the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS), the Agency for Digital Italy (AGID), and the Department for Digital Transformation of the Presidency of the Council of Ministers, ensuring that interventions benefit from the best technical expertise available in the Italian system.
At the international level, the partnership with UNDP is the cornerstone of digital initiatives, guided by the Organization’s tried and tested experience in implementing digital transformation projects and its widespread presence in developing countries.