On November 17, Administrator Power launched the Future Technologies Activity, the next generation of USAID’s support for digital innovation in Moldova, while visiting Digital Park in Chisinau.
The new program of up to $32.8 million, subject to the availability of funds, is a landmark USAID investment in Moldova that will enhance the competitiveness of Moldova’s growing technology and digital sectors including information and communications technology (ICT), engineering, light manufacturing, creative industries, and digital media. These industries have the potential to transform Moldova’s economy by attracting significant investment, creating new jobs and opportunities for young Moldovans, and fueling business creation and growth.
The Future Technologies Activity builds on five years of USAID’s foundational work to foster technological and digital innovation in Moldova, including the establishment of Tekwill, Moldova’s first ICT Center of Excellence. Throughout the life of the activity, USAID will be seeking opportunities to partner with the local and international private sector to ensure the work is sustainable, takes advantage of opportunities in Western markets, and meets the needs of the Moldovan private sector.
The activity will bolster USAID’s existing efforts to stimulate economic growth in Moldova. The United States will continue to work with Moldova to strengthen its cyber security posture to ensure successful digital transformation. USAID also continues to partner with the Swedish International Development Cooperation (SIDA), which has been supporting Moldovan competitiveness alongside USAID for more than six years and has committed to co-funding the Future Technologies Activity with approximately $6 million over the next five years.
The objectives of the Future Technology Activity include:
- Establishing sustainable partnerships among Moldovan business associations, centers of excellence, local companies, and regional and international business associations and investors;
- Helping local companies to compete on the European and global market;
- Enhancing local companies’ access to affordable finance;
- Equipping young Moldovans with the skills and knowledge they need to take advantage of new opportunities in Moldova’s increasingly digital economy.