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Better digital connectivity for small businesses to trade

The International Trade Centre (ITC) has launched a new corporate initiative dubbed: Switch ON. Focusing on digital connectivity, ITC calls on partners to prioritize investments in connectivity and on policymakers to create the right conditions for small businesses in developing and transition countries to profit from digital trade and entrepreneurship.

The initiative is integral to ITC's 2022-2025 Strategic Plan, which prioritizes digital connectivity as a key enabler to an inclusive, sustainable, and prosperous world.

Switch ON focuses on delivering affordable networks and unlocking access through education and digital literacy. Partnerships with local and international companies play an important role in the initiative’s success.

Switch ON’s cross-cutting delivery model combines the expertise of teams across ITC to address three layers.

1. Ecosystem layer: looks at how business support organizations can digitalize their clients and advocate for more affordable connectivity Strategy and policy layer: disseminates evidence-based innovations in policy and thought leadership

2. Enterprise layer: raises the profile of MSMEs to attract investment to new models in connectivity, enabling them to trade digitally
3. Partnerships with local and international companies are expected to play a key role, and will require the contribution of partners beyond those traditionally engaged in "Aid for Trade".

These partners may have a far more specific and technical role in delivering connectivity and infrastructure and services. ITC will ensure that MSMEs receive appropriate attention and support to meet their potential. We welcome discussions on how we can best work together toward this outcome.

- Enable institutions to implement policy and initiatives so MSMEs can access and use the internet;

- Affordable and reliable connectivity, in towns of all sizes;

- Easy, affordable access to online payments;

- Vibrant e-commerce services, including local marketplaces and other service providers;

- Digital entrepreneurialism, built on the development and uptake of local solutions.