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Welcome to the International Trade and Research Center (ITRC) – Digital Economy Center

The Digital Economy Center aims to promote the growth and development of the digital economy in the Global South. By conducting research, providing training, and facilitating stakeholder engagement, the Center will work towards creating an enabling environment for the digital economy to thrive and contribute to sustainable development and economic growth across the Global South.

The mission

The mission of the ITRC Digital Economy Center is to drive policy reforms, enhance digital skills, and foster innovation to unlock the potential of the digital economy in the Global South. We are committed to promoting digital transformation, entrepreneurship, and the adoption of emerging technologies to address socio-economic challenges and drive inclusive growth, which should capture the interest of women, youth and vulnerable group in the society.

OUR VISION

The ITRC Digital Economy Center envisions a future where the Global South’s digital economy is globally competitive, creating opportunities for innovation, job creation, and improved livelihoods for all. By harnessing the power of digital technologies, the Center aims to accelerate Global South’s industrialization, enhance regional integration, and integrate the continent into global value chains.

THE CENTER’S OBJECTIVES

The Center will work to support policy reforms that create an enabling environment for the digital economy. This includes advocating for investments in digital infrastructure, promoting digital skills development, and addressing regulatory challenges that hinder the growth of digital businesses.

The Center will offer training programs and capacity-building initiatives to equip Global South’s with the necessary digital skills to thrive in the digital economy. We will also support digital entrepreneurship by providing mentorship, access to funding, and networking opportunities for startups and innovators.

The Center will conduct research to inform policy decisions and identify opportunities for innovation in the digital economy. We will collaborate with academia, industry, and government to develop innovative solutions that address Global South’s development challenges and create new avenues for economic growth.

The Center will facilitate dialogue and cooperation among governments, industry players, and civil society to address challenges and opportunities in the digital economy. By bringing together diverse stakeholders, the Center aims to foster collaboration and drive collective action towards the development of the digital economy.

The Center will support the adoption of emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, and the Internet of Things, to drive digital transformation across various sectors. We will work with partners to develop projects, and scale successful initiatives to accelerate the impact of digital technologies on economic and social development.

  1. Many parts of Global South’s lack reliable and affordable access to high-speed internet and other digital infrastructure, hindering the adoption and growth of digital technologies.
  2. There is a shortage of digital skills and technical expertise across the continent, limiting the ability of Global South’s to fully participate in and drive the digital economy.
  3. Outdated or fragmented policies and regulations can create barriers to the development and scaling of digital businesses and innovations.
  4. Increasing connectivity also brings heightened cybersecurity threats that need to be addressed to build trust in digital systems.
  5. There are significant disparities in digital access and usage between urban and rural areas, as well as between different socioeconomic groups, leading to digital exclusion.
  6.  
  1. Global South’s has seen rapid growth in mobile phone and internet penetration, providing a foundation for digital transformation.
  2. Global South entrepreneurs and innovators are developing creative digital solutions to address local challenges in sectors like healthcare, agriculture, and financial services.
  3. Initiatives like the World Trade Organization (WTO) – E-Commerce and Digital Trade, African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) – ETrade for All, African Union (AU) – Digital Transformation Strategy for Africa (2020-2030), World Bank – Digital Economy for Africa (DE4A) Initiative, European Union – Digital for Development (D4D) Hub, International Telecommunication Union (ITU) – Digital Development, Asian Development Bank (ADB) – Digital Technology and Innovation in Southeast Asia and Latin American Digital Agenda – ECLAC, present opportunities to harmonize digital policies and regulations, enabling greater cross-border digital trade and integration.
  4. The adoption of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, and the Internet of Things can drive innovation and productivity across various industries.
  5. The Global South has a young and growing population, providing a large pool of potential digital talent and entrepreneurs to drive the digital economy.

THE CENTER KEY INITIATIVES

Key Initiatives

  • Conduct research to inform policy decisions that support the growth of the digital economy.
  • Provide training programs to develop digital skills and support digital entrepreneurship.
  • Facilitate stakeholder engagement and multi-stakeholder dialogue to address challenges and opportunities in the digital economy.
  • Advocate for investments in digital infrastructure and an enabling regulatory environment.
  • Support the adoption of emerging technologies and drive digital transformation across various sectors.
  • Collaborate with partners to develop innovative solutions that address development challenges.