Interview: Deemah Al Yahya, Secretary-General, Digital Cooperation Organisation
How does multilateral cooperation address the digital divide between and within countries?
DEEMAH AL YAHYA: An estimated 2.6bn people around the world still lack internet access. This gap restricts opportunities and economic growth, with the IMF estimating that a 10% increase in digital penetration could boost per capita GDP by up to 4%. Establishing global standards for cross-border trade, data flows and communication can help bridge this divide. The DCO is fostering efforts among its 16 member countries to standardise data governance, create guidelines for data sharing and promote innovation. International frameworks for interoperability and security will be instrumental to building trust and facilitating global integration through seamless cross-border transactions.
In what ways are advancements in cross-border data flows influencing the growth of the ICT sector?
AL YAHYA: Streamlined data exchange enables businesses to operate efficiently across borders, which in turn boosts innovation and competitiveness. The integration of global supply chains and the expansion of digital services like cloud computing and e-commerce are essential for sustained economic growth. Saudi Arabia’s ICT market size was estimated at SR166bn ($44bn) at the end of 2023, after growing by a compound annual growth rate of 8% from 2018 to 2023.
This expansion is resulting in a more inclusive digital economy, aligning with Vision 2030 and strengthening the Kingdom’s global digital presence. Tech diplomacy, such as Saudi Arabia’s 2023 regulations facilitating data flows with non-GCC countries, has played a key role in boosting digital trade and economic diversification. With cross-border e-commerce projected to reach $7.9trn by 2030, Saudi Arabia and its regional partners are well-positioned to benefit from this growth. The country’s strong infrastructure, access to top-tier tech expertise, strategic location and diverse talent ecosystem present a favourable environment for innovation.
What steps can the private sector take to promote digital inclusion in Saudi Arabia?
AL YAHYA: Investment in infrastructure, accessible services and digital literacy training are ways the private sector can support increased digital inclusion. While the private sector drives growth in digital transformation, the public sector acts as a key enabler. In Saudi Arabia, the government integrates private entities into digital inclusion initiatives from the outset. This approach fuels innovation, closes communication gaps and ensures that policies are aligned with industry needs. For example, the DCO grants observer status to tech companies and other digital economy stakeholders in the private sector, allowing them to engage in initiatives beyond national borders. As a result, Saudi Arabia has made substantial progress in boosting digital inclusion, with over 40,000 individuals trained in artificial intelligence and cybersecurity and 20,000 digital jobs created in 2022. Programmes like the Future Skills Training Initiative have further advanced digital literacy.
Where do you identify opportunities for ICT companies to collaborate with international partners?
AL YAHYA: Partnerships between Saudi firms and international companies – including joint ventures, knowledge exchange programmes and collaborations with educational institutions – help to improve the digital competencies of the local workforce through comprehensive training, digital learning platforms and internationally recognised certifications. Notable initiatives include Amazon Academy, which aims to train 30,000 Saudis by 2025 in partnership with the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology; and Apple Developer Academy, which focuses on training 600 female participants annually. The government has also allocated $1.4bn to support local digital entrepreneurship through projects like The Garage, an innovation centre in Riyadh that hosts training programmes and business accelerators, and offers technical support.
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