Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, 19 December 2023 –The Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) and Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT) convened in Riyadh to explore potential collaboration on financing digital transformation projects, with a particular emphasis on developing the digital economy.

Talks in Riyadh between IsDB President, H.E. Dr. Muhammad Al Jasser, and Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Communications and Information Technology in Saudi Arabia, H.E. Eng. Abdullah Al Swaha discussed potential involvement in the recently launched "Empowering Africa" initiative, led by Saudi ministries. The project aims to improve lives and advance sustainable development through clean energy, connectivity, e-health, and e-learning solutions across the continent.

Dr. Al Jasser noted the positive developments at IsDB that create opportunities for collaboration, highlighting the approval of the IsDB Digital Inclusion Operational Strategy 2024-27, focusing on regional and country levels to achieve universal and meaningful digital connectivity.

Both sides acknowledged the importance of enhancing digital reskilling and upskilling as crucial elements of digital transformation. They also discussed leveraging MCIT's expertise to assist other IsDB member countries in their digitalization efforts and capacity building.

Dr. Al Jasser proposed joint ventures with MCIT to improve connectivity, e-government, e-social, and e-public services across the IsDB's 57 member countries, emphasizing the need to connect the unconnected for economic and social growth.

The meeting concluded with an agreement on the importance of identifying quick wins and involving technical teams in further discussions to explore specific joint opportunities.