Digital transformation is a powerful tool for accelerating sustainable development, fostering inclusive economic growth, and improving access to essential services.
The Joint SDG Fund’s initiatives in Ghana and Kyrgyzstan exemplify how targeted investments in digital technologies can address specific local challenges while creating scalable models for broader impact. By integrating digital solutions into key sectors like e-commerce and healthcare, these programmes are paving the way for systemic change and long-term resilience.

Ghana: Boosting Economic Growth through Digital Transformation
In Ghana, the Joint SDG Fund is spearheading a new model for inclusive digital growth that aims to support 110,000 youth and women, engage with 260 districts, and provide direct e-commerce services to over 5,000 businesses. This initiative is designed to harness the power of digital technologies to promote economic empowerment and build sustainable businesses across the country. By providing access to digital platforms, the programme enables small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to expand their market reach, enhance their competitiveness, and integrate into the digital economy.
The programme also leverages additional investments to scale its impact, including a US $2 million investment from The Build Fund, US $1 million through Digital Financial Services (DFS) providers, and US $4 million for a complementary initiative to support private sector development. By aligning with the Mastercard Foundation’s BixBox Project, the initiative seeks to secure an additional US $2 million, and anticipates generating US $4.5 million in revenue flows through the Digital Gateway e-commerce platform. This comprehensive approach positions Ghana as a leader in digital economic development, creating a replicable model for other countries in the region to follow. Through strategic partnerships and ecosystem development, the programme fosters a robust digital environment that enhances business growth and drives inclusive economic development.

Kyrgyzstan: Transforming Healthcare through Digital Innovation
In Kyrgyzstan, the Joint SDG Fund is investing in digital transformation to improve healthcare services for 7.1 million citizens. The initiative introduces a comprehensive approach to digitalizing healthcare, aiming to enhance health outcomes and establish new standards for inclusive and equitable healthcare delivery. By integrating digital solutions into healthcare systems, the programme addresses long-standing barriers to service access and quality, particularly in remote and underserved areas.
The programme is aligned with significant financing initiatives, including a total of US $83 million in World Bank investments and US $35 million from the Asian Development Bank. These funds will support the development of a digital health infrastructure that integrates patient data management, telehealth services, and digital health records. The focus on digital healthcare solutions not only improves service efficiency and patient outcomes but also creates a more resilient health system capable of responding to future health challenges. By leveraging digital technologies, the programme aims to ensure that healthcare services are accessible, equitable, and of high quality, laying the foundation for a healthier and more resilient Kyrgyzstan.
Creating a Blueprint for Digital Transformation in Key Sectors
The joint programmes in Ghana and Kyrgyzstan showcase the potential of digital transformation to drive progress in both economic and social sectors. By focusing on the unique needs of local communities, these initiatives are building models that can be adapted and scaled for broader impact.
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.