Kenya has moved closer to joining the Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO) after the organisation’s Council approved the country’s membership candidature, paving the way for the final accession process.
The development could open new opportunities for Kenya to attract digital investment, strengthen technology partnerships and connect local startups and innovators with global markets.
Kenya’s Special Envoy on Technology, Amb. Philip Thigo, said the approval followed nearly two years of sustained efforts involving DCO Secretary-General Deemah Al Yahya, Kenya’s former Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Amb. Mohamed Ruwange, and other officials under the leadership of Ministry of Information, Communications and the Digital Economy (MICDE) Cabinet Secretary William Kabogo.
“After a process spanning nearly two years, the DCO Council has now approved Kenya’s candidature for membership, marking the beginning of the final formal accession process,” Thigo said.
What DCO membership means for Kenya
Thigo said membership would give Kenya access to practical digital tools, investment networks and partnerships that could accelerate the growth of the country’s digital economy.
One of the key tools is the Digital Economy Navigator, which benchmarks countries against 145 indicators.
The platform will enable Kenya to assess its competitiveness, identify areas requiring improvement and pinpoint sectors where the country can attract additional investment.
Thigo said the DCO’s Digital Foreign Direct Investment work could also help Kenya turn digital policies and reforms into actual investments.
The DCO reported $700 million in digital investment commitments facilitated across its ecosystem in 2025, highlighting the potential opportunities available to member countries.
Startups set to benefit
Kenya’s growing startup and innovation ecosystem is also expected to benefit from stronger links with the DCO.
Thigo pointed to programmes such as STRIDE and InvestConnect, which connect entrepreneurs with investors, markets and new opportunities.
“Participating startups have already raised more than $21 million,” he said.
For Kenya’s young entrepreneurs and technology companies, greater access to investors and international markets could provide an important boost as the country seeks to expand its digital economy and create new employment opportunities.
Thigo credited the officials and partners who worked on Kenya’s membership bid over the past two years, saying their sustained efforts had brought the country to the latest stage of the process.
The approval marks an important step in Kenya’s efforts to deepen its participation in global digital cooperation and position technology as a driver of investment, innovation and economic growth.
Kenya will now proceed with the final formal accession process before becoming a member of the DCO.
