Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) requires more than strategic investments—it requires creating strong partnerships that bring together diverse resources, expertise, and innovation to drive systemic change. Digital transformation plays a key role in this process by providing new ways to enhance economic opportunities, build resilience, and support inclusive growth.
The Joint SDG Fund’s initiatives in Rwanda and Kenya showcase how digital technologies can be harnessed through integrated partnerships to foster sustainable development and catalyze broad-based impact.
Rwanda: Empowering Cross-Border Traders through Digitalization
In Rwanda, the Joint SDG Fund is advancing the livelihoods and economic opportunities of Small-Scale Cross-Border Traders (SSCBTs), particularly women who trade with the Democratic Republic of Congo. This joint programme leverages digital technology to increase access to resources, new markets, and digital services for these traders, who often face barriers in the formal economy. By integrating digital tools into their trading activities, the initiative aims to build the capacity of SSCBTs to thrive in a rapidly changing digital landscape, thereby enhancing their economic resilience and expanding their market reach.
The programme is strongly supported by Rwanda’s President, Paul Kagame, and aligns with the European Union’s Multiannual Indicative Programme and other strategic national and regional initiatives. By strengthening partnerships and building a robust digital infrastructure, the initiative is creating new pathways for economic empowerment and regional integration. With targeted training in digital literacy, market access, and financial inclusion, the programme equips SSCBTs with the necessary skills to navigate the digital economy. This focus on cross-border trade not only empowers women traders but also contributes to broader regional economic development.
Kenya: Transforming the Digital Economy through Strategic Alliances
In Kenya, the Joint SDG Fund is collaborating with the European Union and other international partners to create a thriving digital ecosystem that promotes sustainable development. The joint programme is part of the European Union’s Digital Economy Package, which aims to establish a green digital innovation hub, bringing together resources and expertise from Germany, Estonia, and the private sector. The initiative focuses on building a comprehensive digital infrastructure to support e-governance, data protection, and digital innovation, setting a strong foundation for Kenya’s digital transformation journey.
This strategic investment has the potential to mobilize an additional US $55 million, leveraging both public and private sector contributions to create a lasting impact. By enhancing e-government services and digital literacy, the programme is improving access to public services and fostering a more inclusive digital environment. Through collaborations with the private sector, the programme is also nurturing local innovation and entrepreneurship, which are critical for sustainable economic growth. The joint programme positions Kenya as a leader in digital transformation in the region, creating a model for how digital technologies can be harnessed to support governance, protect data, and drive economic development.
Creating a Blueprint for Sustainable Digital Transformation
The initiatives in Rwanda and Kenya demonstrate the potential of strategic partnerships and integrated financing to drive digital transformation for sustainable development. By leveraging resources and expertise from international partners, governments, and the private sector, these programmes are creating comprehensive digital ecosystems that enhance economic opportunities, improve service delivery, and promote regional integration.
Note:
All joint programs of the Joint SDG Fund are led by UN Resident Coordinators and implemented by the agencies, funds and programmes of the United Nations development system. With sincere appreciation for the contributions from the European Union and Governments of Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Monaco, The Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Korea, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and our private sector funding partners, for a transformative movement towards achieving the SDGs by 2030.