On 3 June, IDOS hosted, in collaboration with the European Think Tanks Group (ETTG), a timely and thought-provoking side event on Digital Transformation in Africa: Gaps, Goals and Opportunities for Cooperation with Europe.
© Mo Ibrahim Foundation
The session took place during the Mo Ibrahim Foundation (MIF)’s Ibrahim Governance Weekend, held this year in Marrakesh from 1–3 June 2025. The event brought together a diverse group of experts and stakeholders to critically explore the evolving digital landscape in Africa and the role the European Union (EU) can play, particularly through its Global Gateway initiative, in supporting an inclusive and effective digital transformation.
Moderated by Dr Niels Keijzer (IDOS), the workshop featured key contributions from Iliana Olivié (ETTG Director), Melis Baydag (IDOS), and Marianna Lunardini (Istituto Affari Internazionali, IAI).
The event revolved around two draft ETTG policy briefs, serving as a springboard for rich discussions on digital access, inequality, innovation, and cooperation, namely: Digital Transformation in Africa: From Gaps to Goals by IDOS and MIF and EU-Africa Digital Partnership: Advancing an Inclusive Digital Future for Shared Prosperity through the Global Gateway and Mattei Plan by IAI.
The conference reaffirmed the value of collective reflection and cooperation in shaping a digitally inclusive and equitable future for Africa and Europe alike. The insights and feedback shared during the workshop will be instrumental in refining the two policy briefs ahead of their final publication.
