Smart Africa and ESTDEV Strengthen Cooperation to Advance Digital Transformation Across Africa 

Brussels 21st May 2026 – The Estonian Centre for International Development (ESTDEV) and Smart Africa have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen cooperation in digital transformation, innovation, and capacity development across Africa. 

The partnership aims to combine Estonia’s internationally recognised digital expertise with Smart Africa’s continental vision for inclusive and sustainable digital development. Through this collaboration, the parties will work together to support digital public infrastructure, innovation ecosystems, digital skills, and entrepreneurship across Smart Africa’s 42 member states. 

Speaking at the MOU signing event in Brussels, ESTDEV’s Executive Director Andrea Kivi explained that for Estonia, digital transformation is not just a policy priority but something we have built and lived in practice. 

 “Our experience has shown that secure, interoperable, people‑centred digital systems can transform how societies function and how governments serve their citizens. This is the expertise we are honoured to share through this partnership,” said Kivi. “Smart Africa has been a powerful driver of digital cooperation across the continent, shaping a shared vision for an innovative, connected, and digitally empowered Africa. Today’s MoU reflects our shared ambition to turn that vision into implementable action.” 

The cooperation will focus on several strategic areas, including digital trust and identity frameworks, cybersecurity, digital governance, startup ecosystems, women-led innovation, and STEM education for girls. The partnership will also support the adoption of interoperable and reusable digital public infrastructure and digital public goods across Africa.