Baltic States and Africa: a new dimension of digital cooperation as a soft power tool

ENThe aim of this article is to review the strategies and analyze the approach of the Baltic states to strengthening their digital ties with Africa. The African continent is perceived as a dynamic environment for innovation and digital development, stemming from its young and increasingly urbanized demographic structure, the growing availability of mobile technologies, and the need to find local solutions. These factors foster the development of startups, particularly in sectors such as finance, healthcare, and agriculture. It is estimated that by 2020, half a billion Africans had already gained access to mobile internet, and the information and communication technology (ICT) sector is projected to generate at least 8.6 % of the continent’s total GDP. This analysis leads to the conclusion that the Baltic countries, seeking to compensate for their limited demographic, military, and economic resources, are actively engaging in innovative areas - particularly in the field of digitalization. In doing so, they aim to increase their significance in the international arena and build their ‘soft power’ based on the image of modern, digital, and secure states. Keywords: Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Africa, strategy, digitalization.