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This scale-up will leverage on the existing SADA implementation and AReg4DT programme to establish a new generation of policymakers and regulators across Africa , who are individually knowledgeable on how to harness the potential of green and inclusive Digital Transformation through new approaches to policy and regulation , and who collectively contribute to the establishment of a Single Digital Market in Africa .

With this aim , the scale-up will reach 30,000 unique policymakers and decision-makers from all countries in Africa , with a targeted participation level of females at 40 %.

Given the World Bank ’ s commitment to Digital Transformation in Africa , the grant will significantly contribute to regional integration and rapid adoption of the Single Digital Market for Africa .

Launched by the Smart Africa Alliance from a seed money of about US $ 30,000 which saw the first implementation of an online training for policy and decision-makers in August 2020 , the SADA has made significant strides in advancing digital skills and fostering a dynamic learning ecosystem across Africa with initial grant support from Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation ( NORAD ), the German Federal Ministry for Corporation and Development and Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit ( GIZ ) GmbH ( BMZ / GIZ ).

SADA aims to bridge the digital skills gap in African countries , improving employability and meeting the emerging talent needs of African citizens . Since its inception , SADA has trained over 7,000 beneficiaries across 35 countries in Africa on various Digital Transformation topics .

CEO of Smart Africa , Lacina Koné , said : “ At the heart of the Digital Transformation lies the need to bridge the digital skills gap of our continent ’ s future and present workforce . Today , I am pleased to announce that SADA , our capacity building vehicle , is geared to reach a new milestone thanks to our key development partner , The World Bank .”

“ DTfA / WARDIP is a crucial step toward an interconnected , innovative and inclusive future for West Africa . Beyond shaping a digital landscape , it aims to foster regional integration through collaboration and strategic investments ,” said Boutheina Guermazi , World Bank Director for Regional Integration for Africa and the Middle East . “ It will break down barriers , cultivate a dynamic digital ecosystem and empower local communities and businesses to thrive in the digital age .”

As the implementation progresses , SADA will focus on competency-based skills training that allows a pipeline of talents to be created for the job market in Africa and beyond . Additionally , the COVID-19 pandemic advocated the need to mainstream ICT and digital into Africa ’ s educational system , and this will be achieved through the training portfolio for teachers and children . �