Uniting 16 Nations for Digital Prosperity: The Role of DCO Member States in Shaping the Future of Investment

A closer look at the global alliance powering the digital investment conversation at DFDI Forum 2025.

The Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO) isn’t just a network of countries, it’s a coalition of 16 digital-forward nations shaping the global future of technology, trade, and investment.

Together, these countries are rewriting the narrative of where innovation happens, where talent lives, and where the next wave of digital FDI should go.

The Stage: DFDI Forum 2025 in Islamabad

On April 29–30, 2025, the DCO and Government of Pakistan will host the first-ever Digital Foreign Direct Investment (DFDI) Forum in Islamabad.

This landmark event will:

• Welcome 30+ ministers, 400+ high-level delegates, and 60+ international observers




• Feature dynamic panels, policy sessions, and investment showcases




• Unite DCO member states in a shared push for borderless digital growth

Pakistan, as a founding member of the DCO and host of the forum, brings momentum. With 142 million internet users, 72.99 million smartphone users, and a booming IT sector.

The Power of Partnership: DCO’s Collective Mission

What binds these 16 countries?

At the heart of the DCO’s agenda is a commitment to digital prosperity through shared frameworks, startup support, and investment-friendly ecosystems. The organization’s Digital FDI Initiative, focuses on identifying and removing the biggest barriers to digital investment—from regulatory uncertainty to talent gaps.

Member states collaborate across five pillars:

• Policy harmonization and regulatory alignment




• Digital infrastructure and cloud readiness




• Investment promotion and startup scaling




• Digital skills and workforce transformation




• Cross-border cooperation and innovation hubs

Each country contributes unique strengths to the table. Together, they amplify each other’s potential.

Bahrain

Bahrain has emerged as a data center and fintech hub in the Gulf. As the first Middle Eastern country to host an AWS cloud region, it set a precedent for cloud investment in the region. The Central Bank of Bahrain’s regulatory sandbox continues to attract global fintech startups, while close public-private collaboration has made Bahrain’s ICT ecosystem one of the most agile and business-friendly in the region.

Bangladesh

Under its “Digital Bangladesh” vision, Bangladesh has laid critical groundwork for its digital transformation across human capital, infrastructure, and governance. With a growing ICT workforce and increasing investor interest in startups and e-services, the country is poised to scale its tech sector to support Vision 2041 and beyond.

Cyprus

As the first EU member to join the DCO, Cyprus bridges Europe and the Middle East. With strong gains in AI, cybersecurity, and broadband infrastructure, its National Digital Strategy is helping attract digital firms and boost the integration of tech into education, business, and government.

Djibouti

Strategically located, Djibouti is leveraging its logistics role to become a digital corridor. The World Bank-backed Digital Foundations Project is expanding core connectivity, while new training hubs and support for women entrepreneurs are enabling inclusive digital growth and startup creation.

The Gambia

Though still early in its digital journey, The Gambia is seeing rapid mobile adoption and infrastructure expansion. With fiber rollouts and mobile penetration at 164%, it is laying the foundation for digital entrepreneurship and services access across its population.

Ghana

Since joining the DCO in 2023, Ghana has accelerated its role as West Africa’s digital frontrunner. With thriving mobile money usage, digital government services, and a vibrant tech scene, Ghana is actively enabling sectors from fintech and healthtech to agriculture and e-learning.

Greece

Greece’s “Digital Transformation Bible” outlines over 450 national digital projects, including those in emerging tech, e-services, and business digitization. A key DCO member since 2024, Greece is channeling EU-backed reforms into tangible momentum for investment and innovation.

Jordan

A founding DCO member, Jordan has long been a startup powerhouse. Its Reach 25 National Strategy, rollout of 4G/5G, and a $200M World Bank-funded digital skills program are shaping a globally competitive tech workforce. Major exits and tech fund launches are drawing regional and international investors.

Kuwait

Kuwait has prioritized full-scale digital transformation with initiatives like the Sahel government app, 5G infrastructure across all operators, and a growing base of tech-savvy entrepreneurs. With cloud policies and investment incentives in place, it’s drawing interest from global tech giants and VC funds.

Morocco

A DCO member since 2022, Morocco has implemented 2,700+ digital public services and launched long-term strategies such as Digital Morocco 2020 and Horizon 2025. With 93% internet penetration and a strong innovation ecosystem, it’s become a North African leader in digital inclusion and FDI readiness.

Nigeria

With a booming fintech scene, Nigeria has seen $170M+ funding rounds and high-profile acquisitions like Stripe’s $200M purchase of Paystack. Under its National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy, Nigeria is expanding 5G, digital payments, and regulatory innovation to support one of Africa’s fastest-growing tech ecosystems.

Oman

Guided by Vision 2040, Oman’s National Digital Economy Program supports government transformation, business digitization, and innovation hubs. With a $200M tech fund, high broadband coverage, and a rising number of female STEM graduates, Oman is emerging as a trusted destination for digital investment in the Gulf.

Pakistan

As a founding member of the DCO and host of DFDI Forum 2025, Pakistan is helping shape the future of digital investment across the Global South.

• 142M internet users, 73M smartphones




• $1.864B in IT exports in H1 FY24–25 (+28% YoY)




• 2,000+ tech firms, producing 20,000 IT graduates annually

With national strategies like the Digital Pakistan Policy, National AI Policy, and Fiberization Plan, Pakistan’s digital ecosystem is attracting global investors—supported by pro-investment incentives, growing VC activity, and strategic partnerships with Alibaba, Google, and Amazon.

Qatar

With world-class digital infrastructure and high-speed connectivity, Qatar is investing in AI, cybersecurity, and smart government solutions. Its commitment to digital transformation is positioning it as a top-tier destination for tech ventures and digital partnerships across sectors.

Rwanda

Known for its entrepreneurial spirit, Rwanda is building a digital-first economy through inclusive initiatives and cutting-edge partnerships. From the Rwanda Center for the Fourth Industrial Revolution to widespread device access and startup funding, the country is fast becoming a model for tech-led development in Africa.

Saudi Arabia

As the DCO’s founding chair and headquarters, Saudi Arabia leads on infrastructure, policy, and investment.

• Ranked 2nd in G20 for digital competitiveness




• 3,500+ digitized public services




• World’s largest virtual hospital (Seha)




• PDPL law + 5G in 1M+ homes

Saudi’s Tech Champions program and digital SME support reflect its Vision 2030 ambition to lead the region in innovation, inclusion, and investment.

What to Expect at DFDI 2025

At the forum, DCO member states will take center stage through:

• Ministerial Panels – focused on digital regulation, AI ethics, and data mobility




• Startup Showcases – spotlighting scalable tech from across the globe




• B2B Matchmaking – connecting investors with vetted opportunities




• Policy Labs – designed to produce actionable outcomes

With over 200+ IT and telecom companies and 50+ startups in attendance, this is not just a networking event—it’s where the next generation of deals, ideas, and alliances begins.

Learn more about the DCO’s mission at www.dco.org

Discover the full agenda and register for DFDI 2025 at www.dfdi2025.org