The United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) has announced a strategic partnership with Russia’s Higher School of Economics (HSE) University, marking a significant step toward advancing Africa’s digital agenda and leveraging its demographic potential.
The collaboration aims to address key developmental challenges across the continent through technology and innovation.
Dr. Mactar Seck, Chief of the Technology and Innovation Section at United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), emphasized the transformative role of digital technology in Africa’s development landscape.
“Digital technology is very important for African development,” Dr. Seck told Sputnik Africa. “The continent faces various challenges, and this collaboration provides a valuable opportunity to support African countries in multiple sectors, enabling them to benefit from Africa’s demographic dividend.”
The partnership was formalized during the First Ministerial Conference of the Russia-Africa Partnership Forum, held in Sochi, Russia.
This alliance aims to deliver digital expertise and support to accelerate Africa’s digital transformation—an essential pathway to achieving sustainable development, Dr. Seck explained.
Highlighting the growing interest among African nations to work with Russia in digital technology, he added, “There is a genuine focus from African countries to collaborate with Russia on digital initiatives.”
Dr. Seck also acknowledged the impact of Russian government scholarships, which have offered African students access to specialized training in fields such as medicine, information and communication technology (ICT), and engineering.
“Currently, 62% of our population is under 25,” he noted. “We must educate this young population, providing them with skills in medicine, agriculture, technology, and energy. This will have a profound impact on Africa’s educational landscape and future workforce.”
This partnership with HSE University signals a shared commitment to equip Africa’s youthful population with the skills and resources needed for a technology-driven future.
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