Goal 2: Local innovations

Local digital solutions to local challenges create sustainable development processes. We are already seeing the development of important digital innovations in a number of developing and emerging countries. Africa has the youngest population in the world, with huge innovation potential. We want to help Africans realise their visions for economic and social development.

How will this be supported?

We will strengthen the environment for the local IT industry in our partner countries by, among other things, establishing digital centres and the “Make-IT” tech entrepreneurship initiative to provide funding for technology start-ups. This will create the necessary scope in which start-ups and inventors in Asia, Africa, Latin America and Eastern Europe can advance sustainable development with their business ideas.

We want to encourage the use of innovative key technologies, such as blockchain, 3D printing, artificial intelligence, Internet of Things and other technologies for sustainable development. For instance, blockchain could help improve the transparency of supply chains and administration processes, reduce corruption and make it easier to track the allocation of funds.