Eurasia Foundation, USAID, and UK Dev Partner to Support Digital Transformation in Ukraine

Eurasia Foundation is proud to announce the Ukraine Digital Transformation Activity (DTA), a five-year $150 million award by USAID and UK Dev dedicated to enhancing Ukraine’s digital capabilities and building resilient systems for a secure, prosperous future. DTA bolsters the digital transformation of Ukraine to promote three core objectives: economic revitalization, transparency in reconstruction, and democratic governance during the ongoing war and beyond. 

Today’s announcement builds off Eurasia Foundation’s long-standing partnership with USAID, UK Dev, and the Government of Ukraine to advance the nation’s digital transformation.

U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine Bridget Brink announced the investment on December 19 at the Diia Summit in Kyiv.

“The next generation of U.S.-Ukraine partnership in digital transformation […] will build on all the great work done so far to create even more services for citizens and businesses that are transparent and efficient,” said Ambassador Brink. “The program we are launching today is so important. It demonstrates that harnessing the power of digital tools and [Ukrainians’] innovation is helping Ukraine win the war and win the future.”

Ukraine, a nation at the epicenter of a transformative geopolitical shift, has emerged as a global leader in leveraging digital technologies for sustainable growth and development. Indeed, since 2014’s Revolution of Dignity, Ukraine has employed far-reaching digital reforms to improve people-centered governance.

“Many of these gov-tech innovations were introduced to increase transparency and efficiency and to combat corruption,” says Robert O’Donovan, Jr., Eurasia Foundation Vice President of Programs and Digital Governance Lead. “But when Russia invaded in February of last year, they also proved vital to the country’s war effort.”

Since Russia launched its brutal war against Ukraine, the challenges facing the country have continued to grow. The human cost has been enormous, and the impact of the war on Ukraine’s economy has been no less dramatic. The country has suffered a significant loss of production potential: millions of jobs have evaporated, logistical routes for businesses are snarled, and labor resources continue to dwindle as working-age individuals emigrate or leave for the frontlines. Ukraine faces a formidable reconstruction effort with over $150 billion in direct infrastructure damage caused by the conflict.

“In the face of these daunting complexities, Eurasia Foundation is proud to partner with USAID and UK Dev to launch the Digital Transformation Activity in Ukraine,” says Lisa Coll, Eurasia Foundation President. “This is a comprehensive, multi-faceted program dedicated to championing a free and prosperous Ukraine.”

“We will be working closely with the Ministry of Digital Transformation, the Ministry of Communities, Territories and Infrastructure Development, and the Ministry of Economy to make this vision a reality,” says Danylo Molchanov, DTA Chief of Party. “The program will engage with businesses, tech companies, local governments, civil society organizations, educational institutions, and most of all the people of Ukraine.”

To drive economic revitalization, DTA champions investments in digital economic infrastructure. The program will help to simplify and digitize export-related processes, support small- and medium-sized enterprise development, and foster a favorable business environment in Ukraine.

To ensure transparent reconstruction of wartime and post-war Ukraine, DTA promotes the digital management of recovery and reconstruction projects. The program will strengthen the e-procurement ecosystem to enhance oversight of funds and ensure fairness and accountability.

To foster a culture of transparency, accountability, and democratic governance, DTA enhances the availability and usability of open data in anti-corruption efforts. DTA will support the Diia ecosystem to speed the roll-out of new e-services for both people and businesses. The program will also improve digital literacy, ensure equitable access, and foster civic engagement in the digital transformation process.

Together, these reforms aim to create an inclusive, transparent, and efficient digital ecosystem, stimulate economic growth, enhance administrative efficiency, and nurture the citizen-government relationship in Ukraine.

Learn more about the Ukraine Digital Transformation Activity here.

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Eurasia Foundation is a nonprofit international development organization committed to the idea that societies function best when people take responsibility for their own civic and economic prosperity. We envision a future where all people have the opportunity to realize their potential and transform their societies. Since 1992, Eurasia Foundation has equipped forward-thinking people across Europe, Eurasia, Asia, the Middle East, and North Africa with the tools, knowledge, and resources needed to address issues of concern in their communities. Our success showcases the power of a vibrant civil society to drive real and lasting change. Follow us on X, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.