Digital 4 Development

Igniting partnerships

Initiated by the Belgian Development cooperation (DGD), the Digital for Development (D4D) platform was first launched in September 2017. Coordinated by Agoria and Close the Gap, it focuses on bringing together all actors of development by creating and facilitating an eco-system for all stakeholders, existing projects and opportunities using digital in development cooperation. In 2019, the project was renewed for another three years.

The third year in Digital for Development’s three-year programme has not yet been confirmed, therefore all D4D activities are currently on hold. This also includes the D4D-platform, which is inaccessible at the moment. We are looking into all options to pursue the programme and we are in contact with the Directorate-General and the Cabinet of Minister Meryame Kitir to see if dedicated funding can be provided to further support digitalisation in Belgian Development Cooperation.

The goal

The ultimate goal is to build a bridge between the Belgian private sector and the cooperation sector in realizing the Sustainable Development Goals and by creating new partnerships. The Digital for Development program is in continuation of the strategic policy note on Digital for Development (D4D-Be) for the Belgian development cooperation.

In order to create this eco-system and nurture potential partnerships, our programme includes a mix of initiatives detailed below.

 

Discover the D4D initiatives:

2019-2021

Tech for Development Workshops

Workshops for NGOs

As part of the Digital for Development program, ACODEV, NGO Federatie, Close the Gap and Agoria join forces to organize a series of “Tech for Development” workshops.  These are hands-on, free workshops specifically developed to the needs of NGOs and non-profits active in Development Cooperation. (in English)

Private sector actors in the same field are also welcome.

GoGlobal Mission to Rwanda & Uganda

11-16 October 2021

Discover the booming African tech start-up scenes in Kigali & Kampala.

This mission offers you a chance to mingle and collaborate with local business leaders and entrepreneurs who know best what Rwanda and Uganda have to offer for the future of tech development in Africa as well as on a global scale.

Power sessions

More digital solutions for more impact

Bringing together 3 NGOs or non-profits with 3 digital experts during 3-hour sessions, we aim to create more digital solutions that lead to more impact.

Digitalfordevelopment.be

Online collaboration space

Previously called Kindling.be, the online platform was launched in November, 2017 and features best practices, new opportunities, events, and partners (people and organisations) interested in D4D. This password-protected site also allow to be an online collaboration space on specific D4D themes. Don't hesitate to join the online D4D community.

Nigeria Mission 2019

Silicon Lagoon

From 20 - 23 March 2019, Startups.be and Close the Gap joined forces again to organize an exciting economic mission to Lagos in Nigeria, Africa’s most prominent tech hub, with the most vibrant startup scene that attracts developers and investors from all over the world.

2017-2019

Workshop: NEW FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES

Thursday, January 10, 2019

Close the Gap, Agoria and The Shift organised an info session on D4D-related financial instruments for private sector companies interested in Digital for Development or looking to expand in developing or emerging countries.

Funding & Update event

23 April 2018

On Monday April 23, another milestone of the Digital for Development initiative took place. During this event, interested stakeholders gathered to learn more about the new D4D Financing Programme, called Wehubit and managed by Enabel.

Kenya Mission 2018

Silicon Savannah

On March 20-23, 2018, Startups.be & Close the Gap joined forces to organize a unique mission to Kenya, one of the most entrepreneurial countries in Africa, with a start-up scene that attracts developers & investors from all over the world.   

Video

Kick-off Event

Launch of D4D-Be on 20 November 2017

Public authorities, companies, NGOs, civil society organizations, academic institutions and research centers met in Brussels to give the Belgian development cooperation a digital impetus.

Co-Creation Sessions

Explore synergies between Development Cooperation & tech actors

2h sessions to meet & greet and understand the need, motivation, added value and expertise of both parties.

The end goal is to ignite a potential partnership around digitalization in order to increase impact in development cooperation.

Partners

 

For more information, contact Marnick Vanlee: marnick.vanlee@close-the-gap.org or happytohelp@digitalfordevelopment.be