This initiative, launched on the sidelines of Gitex Africa 2024, is an important step towards the promotion of a collaborative approach in the co-construction, by public authorities and the private sector, and of an inclusive digital ecosystem across the African continent, a press release said.

Through the signing of this memorandum of understanding, the founding members of FAEN commit to promoting universal access to digital technologies, supporting entrepreneurship and local innovation, developing skills and training, developing digital financial inclusion and encouraging appropriate governance and legislation.

They also commit themselves to harmonize digital regulations and facilitate regional telephone communications, cross-border e-commerce and exchanges of digital services across African borders and create an e-commerce platform relating to the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

These missions aim to create a favorable environment where the digital economy can develop in an equitable and inclusive manner, ensuring that the benefits of digital transformation are in line with the African Union's 2063 Agenda, the press release added.

A team was set up to finalize the documents of the formation of FAEN, which will be based in Morocco.