Kenya moves closer to DCO membership as country targets digital investment
The final formal accession process will now pave the way for Kenya to become a full member of the organisation. The post Kenya moves closer to DCO membership as country targets digital investment appeared first on KBC Digital .
Kenya has advanced toward joining the Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO), with the organization's Council endorsing the country's membership application, leading to the upcoming accession process. This move could provide Kenya with new avenues for digital investment, enhance technology collaborations, and facilitate connections between local startups and global markets.
Kenya's Special Envoy on Technology, Amb. Philip Thigo, explained that the approval resulted from nearly two years of concerted efforts, involving DCO Secretary-General Deemah Al Yahya, Kenya's former Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Amb. Mohamed Ruwange, and other officials under the supervision of Kenya's Ministry of Information, Communications and the Digital Economy (MICDE) Cabinet Secretary William Kabogo.
The DCO membership would grant Kenya access to practical digital tools, investment networks, and partnerships that could expedite the growth of the nation's digital economy. The Digital Economy Navigator, a key tool, evaluates countries based on 145 indicators and will help Kenya gauge its competitiveness, pinpoint improvement areas, and identify sectors capable of attracting more investments.
The DCO's Digital Foreign Direct Investment initiative could also assist Kenya in transforming digital policies and reforms into tangible investments. With $700 million in digital investment commitments facilitated within the DCO's ecosystem in 2025, member countries can capitalize on significant opportunities. For Kenya's thriving startup and innovation community, closer ties with the DCO are anticipated to strengthen connections with investors and markets, potentially unlocking millions in funding for emerging businesses.
Thigo highlighted programs like STRIDE and InvestConnect, platforms that link entrepreneurs with investors, markets, and new prospects. He emphasized that participating startups had already amassed over $21 million in funding. For Kenya's young innovators and tech firms, enhanced access to investors and international markets could be a game-changer as the nation endeavors to broaden its digital economy and generate fresh employment opportunities.
Thigo expressed gratitude to the officials and partners who tirelessly championed Kenya's membership bid over the past two years, stating that their unwavering commitment has propelled the country to the present stage of the process. The approval signifies a pivotal milestone in Kenya's journey to strengthen its involvement in global digital cooperation and harness technology as a catalyst for investment, innovation, and economic expansion.
Kenya will now embark on the final formal accession process to officially become a member of the DCO.
Written by urgent.news from KBC's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
