Putting Citizens at the Heart of Africa’s Digital Revolution!April 27, Federal Civil Service Commission, Addis Ababa“Digital transformation is no longer a technical choice; it is a strategic imperative that will shape the future direction of institutions and governments,” stated H.E. Almaz Mesele, Deputy Commissioner of the Federal Civil Service Commission, during the opening of the Policy Dialogue on Advancing Citizen-Centered Digital Government. Held on April 27, 2026, at the Skylight Hotel in Addis Ababa, this vital event was organized by the Federal Civil Service Commission in partnership with the OECD (the Organization for Economic Co-operation Development) and ACBF (the African Capacity Building Foundation), with the financial support of Italy. The opening session was graced by the presence of H.E. Sem Fabrizi, Ambassador of Italy to Ethiopia, who joined other global leaders to underscore the importance of this collaborative initiative.The dialogue facilitated a truly global exchange of knowledge, bringing together government officials, experts, and stakeholders from various parts of the world. Designed to foster collaborative learning, the event utilized a hybrid format, allowing participants to join both in-person and virtually, ensuring that diverse regional experiences and insights were shared to enrich the discussion. Throughout the day, various institutions provided detailed presentations that highlighted both successful case studies and the common challenges faced by public administrations.The discussions were centered on three key pillars. Regarding Designing and Implementing Digital Government Strategies, the dialogue analyzed how governments can transition from fragmented, uneven initiatives toward cohesive institutional frameworks that effectively steer digital transformation and streamline service delivery. The sessions on Governing with Artificial Intelligence explored the path from pilot projects to trustworthy, strategically governed AI adoption in the public sector, emphasizing the need for robust institutional capacities, accountability mechanisms, and alignment with the African Union’s Continental AI Strategy. Finally, the dialogue addressed Promoting Policy Coherence for Sustainable Development, examining how governance settings and coordination mechanisms can ensure that digital reforms are consistently aligned with the UN 2030 Agenda and the AU Agenda 2063, helping to "future-proof" policy development.A major milestone of the event was the official kick-off of the Africa Public Administration Reform Community of Practice (PAR CoP). This dynamic network will serve as a platform for practitioners, experts, and development partners to foster peer learning and scale up innovations across the continent. As we continue to share knowledge across borders, we are collectively building a more transparent, accountable, and prosperous Africa.The event concluded with discussions raised by the participants, reflecting the intense engagement and commitment toward these critical reforms. As we continue to share knowledge across borders, we are collectively building a more transparent, accountable, and prosperous Africa.