Digital transformation is reshaping how societies address key developmental challenges, offering innovative solutions that span across sectors. The Joint SDG Fund is at the forefront of this movement, investing in joint programmes that harness the power of technology to drive systemic change.
In Tanzania and Jamaica, these investments are not just about implementing digital tools; they are about creating integrated approaches that tackle issues such as agriculture, education, nutrition, and social protection. By bringing together expertise from across the UN system, these programmes aim to ensure that the benefits of digital technology reach even the most vulnerable populations, fostering inclusive and sustainable development.
Tanzania: Enhancing Agriculture through Digital Innovation
In Tanzania, the Joint SDG Fund is driving a strategic initiative to enhance agricultural efficiency by expanding digital solutions for smallholder farmers. This programme, led by UNCDF, FAO, UNDP, and IFAD, aims to overcome data limitations that hinder agri-tech growth, particularly in rural and underfunded regions. By improving data sharing and opening access to public datasets, the initiative supports a more inclusive digital agricultural ecosystem.
A key component is the creation of a specialized agri-tech accelerator involving ten local Tanzanian companies. The goal is for at least a third of these companies to scale their solutions for smallholder farmers within the first two years. By deploying catalytic funding and fostering partnerships between the private sector and government, the programme aims to impact 500,000 farmers, including 300,000 women and 100,000 youth. This approach not only promotes digital inclusion but also enhances agricultural productivity and economic resilience.
Jamaica: Digitalizing Education and Nutrition
Jamaica’s joint programme focuses on the intersection of digitalization, education, food security, and nutrition. By integrating digital solutions into the education system, the programme seeks to ensure equal access to quality education, supported by nutritious school meals and improved teacher management. This holistic approach addresses the country's dual burden of malnutrition, where undernutrition and obesity coexist among children.
Bringing together UNESCO, UNICEF, WFP, and FAO, the initiative leverages digital technologies to implement standards-based, data-driven approaches. The goal is to positively impact the lives of 240,000 students, 1,000 teachers, and up to 50 schools, creating a framework for sustainable change. By addressing education, nutrition, and social protection in an integrated manner, the programme promotes a healthier, more equitable future for Jamaica's children.
Catalyzing Systems Change through Digital Connectivity
The work in Tanzania and Jamaica underscores the Joint SDG Fund's commitment to fostering digital transformation that is both impactful and sustainable. By addressing systemic challenges and harnessing digital solutions, these programmes are not only enhancing key sectors like agriculture and education but also laying the foundation for long-term resilience.
As digital transformation continues to evolve, the experiences from Tanzania and Jamaica will provide valuable insights, guiding future efforts to leverage technology for sustainable development and ensuring that digital progress benefits all segments of society.
Note:
All joint programs of the Joint SDG Fund are led by UN Resident Coordinators and implemented by the agencies, funds and programmes of the United Nations development system. With sincere appreciation for the contributions from the European Union and Governments of Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Monaco, The Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Korea, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and our private sector funding partners, for a transformative movement towards achieving the SDGs by 2030.
