STI Support to Member Countries

The Bank supports the deployment of affordable and practical technologies that will have an impact on the development of its Member Countries and Muslim Communities in Non-Member countries. Particular emphasis is given on mainstreaming proven innovative technologies for addressing development challenges in our operations. 

Since inception of the STI program, the Bank has been promoting STI by fostering cooperation among its Member Countries (MCs). This includes contributing to national STI policies development, capacity development, knowledge sharing and networking through South-South cooperation.

Strategic Alignment

Aligned with the Bank’s 10-Year Strategic Framework, technology adoption including the integration of Artificial Intelligence has been designated as a cross-cutting priority that is essential for delivering scalable, high-impact solutions. The Framework prioritizes universal digital access, capacity building, and technology diffusion to drive broad-based productivity and sustained growth across Member Countries and Muslim Communities in Non-Member Countries.

Furthermore, the strategy champions South–South cooperation as a vehicle for knowledge and technology transfer. It mandates comprehensive digital transformation initiatives designed to bridge the digital divide in rural and underserved areas, expand financial inclusion, and accelerate economic empowerment. 

Priority focus areas include:

• Food Security and Systems: Transform Agriculture practices to improve food and water productivity, resilience to climate change, and sustainable resource use.
• Human Development: Improve the quality and accessibility of basic social services such as public education (including STEM) and ensure equitable access to affordable, technology-enabled healthcare services.
• Better Living Environment: Promote sustainable and inclusive living environments for improved quality of life through facilitating access to affordable, smart, and green infrastructure technologies; accelerating the use of clean and renewable energy.
• Empowering of the Poor, MSMEs and Startups: Empower marginalized groups (including women and youth), small enterprises, and innovators by generating employment, expanding access to financing, markets, and digital tools that enhance productivity, competitiveness, and income opportunities.