The Digital for Development (D4D) Hub is a strategic platform that strengthens digital cooperation between the European Union, its Member States (Team Europe), partner regions across Africa, Asia-Pacific, Latin America and the Caribbean, and the EU neighbouring countries. Rooted in the principles of the Global Gateway, the D4D Hub promotes a human-centric approach to digital transformation, ensuring that technology serves people first.
The Global Gateway is the EU’s flagship strategy to reduce the global investment gap and promote sustainable and trusted connectivity that works for people and the planet. Through this initiative, the EU is mobilising significant investments in Africa’s digital transformation. The D4D Hub contributes to this ambition by supporting initiatives that enable secure connectivity, artificial intelligence, earth observation, digital governance, and skills development – aligning with Africa’s priorities and values.
Through multi-stakeholder collaboration, the D4D Hub fosters investments, facilitates policy dialogue, and enhances coordination among public and private sector actors. By leveraging Europe’s expertise in digital innovation, the platform supports partner regions in shaping their digital transitions in a way that prioritises inclusivity, sustainability, and resilience.
A Human-Centric Digital Transformation
At the heart of the D4D Hub’s mission is the commitment to human-centric digital transformation. This means prioritising people’s needs, rights, and aspirations in all digital initiatives. It translates into efforts to build inclusive digital economies and societies where every individual – particularly women, youth, and marginalised communities – can access, use, and benefit from digital technologies.
Team Europe is dedicated to supporting international partnerships that foster digital policies and initiatives aligned with fundamental rights, ethical standards, and sustainable development goals. Whether through regulatory cooperation, capacity-building programmes, or investment facilitation, the D4D Hub ensures that digitalisation contributes to equitable economic growth and social well-being.
A truly human-centric digital transformation must empower people with the skills to actively shape their digital future. Without digital literacy, rights remain out of reach and opportunities untapped.
Empowering People Through Digital Skills
In Africa alone, 230 million jobs will require digital skills by 2030 (World Bank), yet millions risk being left behind. Of the world’s 20 countries with the weakest digital skills, 12 are in Africa (BCG, 2022). The need for inclusive digital skills in Africa is pressing – while the opportunities are promising. As the continent embraces rapid digital transformation, millions of people stand to benefit from better access to education, employment, and civic participation through digital technologies. Yet, this can only happen if the right skills are in place.
The D4D Hub envisions a future where all individuals are empowered to navigate and shape the digital world as informed, confident, and responsible citizens. Digital skills go beyond employability – they are key to strengthening democracy, protecting rights online, and building resilient societies.
To that end, the D4D Hub supports initiatives that foster inclusive access to high-quality digital education and training. From foundational literacy to advanced tech training, and with a strong focus on bridging the digital gender divide, these initiatives help unlock the potential of Africa’s youth and innovators, fuelling the continent’s digital transformation from the ground up.
Africa’s partners – including governments, civil society, academia, and the private sector – play a central role in shaping national strategies for digital skills and ensuring that no one is left behind, including rural communities and those at the last mile. A whole-of-society approach is needed to create lasting impact.
Join Us at eLearning Africa
As part of eLearning Africa 2025, Team Europe will host a public session titled Empowering Digital Citizens – Building Inclusive and Resilient Societies Through Digital Skills. The session will spotlight how digital skills can:
- Foster digital participation in democratic and civic processes
- Address inequalities in digital access and opportunity
- Equip learners for the challenges and opportunities of the AI age
- Strengthen collaboration across sectors and continents
Bringing together African and European voices from government, civil society, education, and the private sector, the session will highlight inspiring initiatives and offer insights into how digital skills can catalyse socio-economic development.
We invite all eLearning Africa participants to join the session on 8 May from 16:30 in the Ruaha room and contribute to shaping an inclusive digital future for Africa and beyond.
The D4D Hub will also have a presence at eLearning Africa 2025 through a dedicated stand, providing a platform for knowledge-sharing, networking, and collaboration opportunities. We look forward to connecting with you!
Looking Ahead
As digital transformation accelerates worldwide, the D4D Hub remains committed to its mission to drive a human-centred, rights-based, and sustainable digital future. Working hand in hand with Team Europe and African partners, it continues to shape an inclusive digital landscape where everyone can seize the opportunities of the digital age.
More information on the Global Gateway strategy is available here.
More information on the D4D Hub is available here.
