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  • Publication | 2017

Digital4Development: mainstreaming digital technologies and services into EU Development Policy

Global Food and Nutrition Security

As follow up to the conclusions of the Foreign Affairs Council (Development formation) of 28 November 2016 on 'mainstreaming digital solutions and technologies in EU development policy', the objective of this Staff Working Document (SWD) is to outline the Commission's approach to mainstreaming digital technologies into EU development policy. The need to further mainstream digitalisation in EU interventions for sustainable development and economic growth has been strongly highlighted in the Commission Communication concerning a proposal for a new European Consensus on Development.

Digital technologies (alias information and communication technologies -ICT) and services are proven enablers of sustainable development and inclusive growth. They can be key to improving lives even in the poorest countries, in particular by empowering women and girls, enhancing democratic governance and transparency, and boosting productivity and job creation. Nevertheless, connectivity and affordability remain a problem both across and within regions, since there are large variations between high and lower income countries and between cities and rural areas.