The Biden administration launched an initiative that will provide Africa with $350 million to expand digital access and literacy and strengthen digital environments across the continent. 

In a statement, the White House said it will work with Congress to provide the sum, as well as an additional $450 million in loan financing. 

As the African Union stated in the document entitled ‘THE DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION STRATEGY FOR AFRICA (2020-2030)‘ that “Digital Transformation is a driving force for innovative, inclusive and sustainable growth. Innovations and digitalization are stimulating job creation and contributing to addressing poverty, reducing inequality, facilitating the delivery of goods and services, and contributing to the achievement of Agenda 2063 and the Sustainable Development Goals.” AU Documents 

The American initiative comes as an enhanced contribution to the African Digital Transformation Strategy. The American initiative is based on three pillars: supporting the digital economy and infrastructure, developing human capital and supporting a digital enabling environment. While the initiative is being led by a number of federal agencies, including the State Department, USAID, the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation and the Department of Commerce. 

Africa’s digital ecosystem offers massive potential to spur economic recovery, promote opportunity, advance social equality and gender equality, and create jobs.  Africa’s digital transformation has opened new markets for U.S. exports and services; deepened partnership among African governments, the U.S. private sector, educational institutions, and the African diaspora; and increased productivity, competitiveness, and e-government service delivery. According to the White House statement.