ISLAMIC DEVELOPMENT BANK AND GCEL IDENTIFY THE DIGITAL ECONOMY PLATFORM AS A CATALYST FOR ARAB–AFRICAN TRADE GROWTH
February 11, 2019
On February 11, 2019, Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Vice President Dr. Mansur Muhtar hosted a strategic briefing session with GCEL in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia to discuss the role of the Digital Economy Platform in advancing regional trade and economic development.
GCEL’s delegation was led by Tan Sri Abdul Rahman Mamat, former Secretary General of Malaysia’s Ministry of International Trade and Industry, and Dr. Sergio Arzeni, President of INSME and former OECD Director of SME Entrepreneurship.
Discussions focused on helping mid- and low-income countries achieve greater transparency, efficiency, and reduced business risk through integrated digital services. The Digital Economy Platform provides seamless access to e-commerce, e-finance, e-insurance, and e-logistics solutions delivered through a globally connected digital ecosystem.
The IsDB is leading a regional economic development roadmap aimed at strengthening trade and investment between Arab and Sub-Saharan African economies. The initiative focuses on identifying new business opportunities and enhancing finance and logistics services to support long-term economic growth.
