We strengthen the capacities of government institutions, civil society organisations and other partners worldwide to make digital governance and regulation fair, inclusive and sustainable and thus promote the responsible use of digital technologies. We are guided by the EU’s human rights-based approach and the digital principles for sustainable development.
Making digital transformation fair
Digitalisation is changing the relationship between state and society. We support partner countries of German international cooperation in making digital transformation fair, secure and inclusive – in the interests of good governance, democratic participation and people-centred development.
We support:
- Legal, regulatory and political framework conditions for digital transformation
- The development of digital skills in governments and civil society
- The development of inclusive digital services and solutions.
Developing political strategies together
A successful digital policy needs participation. We support our partner countries in ensuring that their political strategies and processes take everyone’s interests into account and are as inclusive as possible. At the same time, we develop the necessary knowledge to make digital strategies effective.
Digital policy should be shaped in the interests of society as a whole. We therefore involve a wide range of stakeholders, including
- Policy-makers
- The private sector
- Civil society
- The scientific and academic community
- Disadvantaged groups.
Example of AI strategy: Rwanda and Ghana
In Rwanda and Ghana, we supported the national digitalisation ministries and regulatory authorities in developing national AI strategies. The strategies are tailored to the specific challenges and opportunities of the two countries and are based on global AI governance principles. This makes Rwanda and Ghana among the first African countries with their own AI strategy.
Digital participation for all
Digital transformation will only succeed if everyone is involved.
We are committed to ensuring that all population groups, including people with disabilities, women and rural population groups, have equal access to digital government services – for example in education, health care and the financial sector.
Example of inclusive digital transformation: Rwanda
In Rwanda, we supported the government in developing a chatbot during the COVID-19 pandemic. It distributed reliable information about the virus, worked without an internet connection and could therefore also be used by citizens in rural areas.
Digital participation and democracy
Social interaction is taking place online more and more. We are facing new challenges such as disinformation, which is jeopardising democratic processes.
We advise partner countries on how to develop digital participation platforms – with a focus on data protection, digital inclusion and digital skills. We also support civil society so that it can actively shape democratic discourse on digital transformation.
Example of digital participation: African Union
We support the African Union in setting up an interactive platform to improve dialogue between citizens and politicians. Digital formats such as social networks, crowdsourcing and mapping technologies are designed to promote transparency, participation and evidence-based policy.
Strengthening digital sovereignty
Digital sovereignty is the ability of states to shape and regulate their digital systems in line with democratic and development policy objectives. We support partner countries in building and consolidating local digital ecosystems, promoting capacities in data management and developing human rights-based rules for technologies such as artificial intelligence.
Digital rules can only succeed through joint action by policy-makers, the private sector, the scientific and academic community and civil society.
We promote this dialogue systematically – regionally and internationally – for fair digital solutions that are appropriate to the context.
This project focuses on the following GIZ work priorities:
The project contributes to these Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations: