Digital Foundations Project in Ethiopia

The Digital Foundations project in Ethiopia aims to lay the groundwork for a competitive and inclusive digital economy by simultaneously improving the regulatory framework, connectivity infrastructure, digital government services, and the digital entrepreneurship ecosystem. The intervention strategy combines market reforms (controlled opening of the telecom sector and strengthening of the regulator), investments in public networks and data centers, deployment of digital services for government, and targeted support for the creation of digital jobs and businesses, with a focus on the inclusion of women and populations currently excluded from the digital world.

💡 Increase digital inclusion:
Increase access to and use of affordable digital services for households, businesses, and public institutions, reducing urban-rural and gender disparities.

📶 Improve the quality and accessibility of connectivity:
Upgrade broadband infrastructure, data centers, and interconnections to provide better access to the internet and digital services for government, schools, and the private sector.

️ Modernize digital government:
Digitize public services and processes to improve efficiency, transparency, and quality for citizens and businesses.

🚀 Boost entrepreneurship and digital jobs:
Support the ecosystem of digital startups and SMEs (hubs, bootcamps, digital business models), with a particular focus on women entrepreneurs.