The World Bank Signs Onto the MADE Initiative With the AfDB and Mastercard

The World Bank Group has signed on as co-chair of the Mobilizing Access to the Digital Economy (MADE) Alliance: Africa with the African Development Bank Group and Mastercard, the existing co-chairs of the initiative.

The MADE Alliance: Africa is a common interest area of the three major institutions, as it aims to accelerate digitalization. This would be achieved by expanding access to secure, affordable, high-quality broadband and data connectivity, and ensuring different digital services work together seamlessly to benefit users. 

The alliance aims to provide digital access to critical services for 100 million individuals and businesses across Africa by 2034. It initiative focuses on expanding access to affordable, secure, and high-quality broadband and data connectivity, ensuring seamless integration of digital services.

“The World Bank Group is deeply committed to expanding inclusive digital access across Africa, and joining the MADE Alliance will help accelerate efforts to improve livelihoods, empower communities and drive economic growth across the continent,” said Sangbu Kim, Vice President for Digital at the World Bank. “By bringing together our digital expertise, global knowledge, and local experience, we can help scale lasting, transformational impact.” 

The World Bank will bring its expertise, data-driven insights, and experience in sustainable digital transformation to the alliance.

A special focus is on the agriculture sector, where digital technologies can drive productivity, markets access, financing, and incomes for smallholder farmers.

The African Development Bank has committed $300 million over the first five years to support the alliance’s programming, including country-specific “Digital Agriculture Roadmaps.”

MADE Alliance

Since launching in May 2024, the MADE Alliance has rolled out projects in countries like Tanzania and Kenya, such as payment tools for farmers and digital skills training. Other key members include international organizations (United Nations International Fund for Agricultural Development), banks, tech companies (Microsoft), and agricultural foundations active in Nigeria and other African countries.

This partnership is important for accelerating Africa’s digital transformation, supporting economic growth, improving livelihoods, and fostering inclusive access to digital economies. More so, it benefits agriculture, which is vital for many African nations, including Nigeria.