The Commonwealth Businesswomen’s Network (CBWN) and OPEN London CIC, in collaboration with the Commonwealth Secretariat, convened a roundtable entitled Fostering a Unified Digital Future: Pathways for Enhanced Commonwealth Cooperation at Marlborough House on Friday 13 June 2025. This event, held within the first 100 days of the appointment of the first African woman to serve as Commonwealth Secretary General, aimed to bring together key delegates attending London Tech Week. The objective was to unlock opportunities within the Commonwealth’s digital and innovation ecosystems, facilitating relationship building, driving collaboration, and amplifying impact.
About the Commonwealth
The Commonwealth is a voluntary association of 56 independent and equal nations. Among these, 33 are small states, including numerous island nations. Member governments are united by shared aspirations for development, democracy and peace, as outlined in the Commonwealth Charter. Though it originated from the British Empire, today any nation is eligible to join the modern Commonwealth. The most recent additions, Gabon and Togo, became members in 2022.
The Commonwealth is home to 2.7 billion people, with over 60 per cent of its population aged 29 or younger. It encompasses both advanced economies and developing nations. In 2021, the combined GDP of Commonwealth countries stood at US$13.1 trillion, with projections estimating an increase to US$19.5 trillion by 2027, nearly doubling from US$10.4 trillion in 2017.
The digital economy presents an unprecedented opportunity for sustainable growth, innovation and development across the Commonwealth. As member nations navigate this era of digital transformation, the need for deeper cooperation becomes increasingly urgent.
However, a significant digital divide persists, with disparities in access, affordability, skills and infrastructure preventing equitable participation. While some member states lead in digital innovation, many, especially Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and Least Developed Countries (LDCs), face considerable challenges. Overcoming these obstacles will require strategic investment in both physical infrastructure and human capital, alongside the establishment of coherent and inclusive policy frameworks.
Existing initiatives, such as the Commonwealth Connectivity Agenda (CCA) and mandates arising from Commonwealth Heads of Government Meetings (CHOGM), provide a solid basis for collective action. Yet turning these frameworks into widespread and meaningful outcomes demands greater engagement from member states, stronger resource mobilisation and a focus on practical implementation.
To address this, a multi-pillar strategy has been proposed to enhance cooperation. The strategy emphasises:
- Promoting policy coherence and regulatory interoperability
- Increasing investment in inclusive digital infrastructure
- Developing digital talent and nurturing innovation ecosystems
- Strengthening trust through cybersecurity and data protection measures
- Advocating for inclusive digital transformation across all member states
By adopting these strategic priorities, Commonwealth nations can collectively harness the potential of the digital era, building a more connected, prosperous and resilient shared future.
CBWN and OPEN London CIC will compile a short report outlining the key findings and recommendations from the roundtable. This will be presented to Secretary General Shirley Botchwey and shared with all participants. CBWN will also integrate the key messages into upcoming events, including the Commonwealth Trade Ministers Meeting and the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in 2026.