Riyadh: The Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO) announced that the Republic of Lebanon has signed the DCO Charter, becoming a "signatory state" as part of the process of completing its accession as a DCO member state. The signing opens a new phase of cooperation to support Lebanon's priorities in developing its digital economy.
According to Saudi Press Agency, Lebanon's Minister of Displaced and Minister of State for Technology and Artificial Intelligence Kamal Shehadeh signed the DCO Charter and formally handed it to DCO Secretary-General Deemah AlYahya during a ceremony held at the General Secretariat's headquarters.
Alongside the signing, Lebanon and the DCO announced the launch of the Digital Prosperity Plan (DPP) for Lebanon. The plan aims to translate national digital priorities into practical initiatives and measurable outcomes while strengthening cooperation with DCO member states and partners in digital policies, infrastructure and connectivity, artificial intelligence and emerging technologies, skills, entrepreneurship, innovation, and investment.
Developed jointly by Lebanon and the DCO, the DPP serves as a partnership framework for advancing the country's digital transformation priorities. It translates these priorities into coordinated action across key digital sectors, drawing on the DCO's expertise and international partnerships to support Lebanon's digital transformation and achieve measurable outcomes.
Lebanon's digital economy provides a strong foundation for this cooperation, with internet penetration reaching around 91% in 2024. The country is also home to around 550 companies operating in the information and communications technology (ICT) sector, alongside a strong pool of technical, entrepreneurial, and creative talent.
The move follows the DCO's announcement that its council had approved the nomination of eight new countries for full membership. Upon completion of the accession procedures, the DCO's membership would expand from 16 to 24 countries, collectively representing around 980 million people.
