Helping small and medium-sized enterprises in Least Developed Countries build digital skills, adopt technology and access new opportunities.

TechBridge is an initiative of the United Nations Technology Bank for the Least Developed Countries (UNTB) that supports small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in strengthening their digital capabilities and preparing for the digital economy.

Through structured online training, interactive workshops, expert mentorship and peer learning, the project helps SMEs explore practical digital solutions, develop business-specific digital transformation plans and strengthen their resilience.

1. What the project aims to achieve?

TechBridge has five main objectives:

1. Strengthen digital skills

Build foundational and advanced digital skills among SMEs and relevant SME ecosystem stakeholders through accessible online training modules and interactive workshops.

2. Develop digital transformation plans

Support SMEs in designing and implementing scalable digital strategies tailored to their business needs. The project aims for at least 70% of participants to submit a tailored digital transformation plan by the end of the project.

3. Encourage digital technology adoption

Help participating businesses identify and integrate relevant digital solutions, such as e-commerce systems, cloud services and digital marketing techniques. The project aims to support active adoption within three months of completing the training.

4. Promote digital entrepreneurship and peer learning

Encourage a culture of digital entrepreneurship and strengthen knowledge-sharing and collaboration among SMEs across participating countries and regions.

5. Contribute to the inclusive and sustainable economic transformation of LDCs
The project's overall goal is to contribute to the inclusive and sustainable economic transformation of Least Developed Countries by strengthening the digital readiness and resilience of their SME sectors. By advancing digital capabilities, the initiative seeks to help SMEs become drivers of innovation, job creation and cross-border trade in the digital economy.

2. What the programme offers

TechBridge combines practical learning with guidance to help businesses translate new knowledge into action.

• Online training: Structured modules covering foundational and advanced digital skills.
• Interactive workshops: Opportunities to explore digital tools, business applications and practical solutions.
• Expert mentorship: Guidance to help SMEs identify their needs and plan their digital development.
• Peer learning: Exchange of experiences, knowledge and good practices among participating businesses.
• Digital transformation planning: Support for developing business-specific strategies or roadmaps to guide technology adoption.

From training to action

Throughout the course, participants will identify the digital tools their businesses need and learn how to use them effectively.

By the end of the programme, they will develop a digital transformation strategy or roadmap, setting priorities for adopting technologies such as e-commerce platforms, cloud services and digital marketing tools to improve operations and reach new markets.
 

3. Who can participate?

TechBridge is designed for registered small and medium-sized enterprises based in the 44 Least Developed Countries.

The initiative is intended for businesses seeking to strengthen their digital capabilities and explore how technology can support their operations and future development.

Eligibility and selection are subject to the requirements specified in the relevant call for applications.

Eligible countries

Afghanistan, Angola, Bangladesh, Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cambodia, Central African Republic, Chad, Comoros, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, The Gambia, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Haiti, Kiribati, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Lesotho, Liberia, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Mauritania, Mozambique, Myanmar, Nepal, Niger, Rwanda, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Solomon Islands, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Timor-Leste, Togo, Tuvalu, Uganda, United Republic of Tanzania, Yemen and Zambia.

4. Partners and funding

TechBridge is led by the United Nations Technology Bank for the Least Developed Countries (UNTB), with financial support from the Government of Türkiye, and technical and academic support of Middle East Technical University (METU).

The project brings together expertise in digital transformation, entrepreneurship and SME development to strengthen the digital capabilities of SMEs in Least Developed Countries. It also aims to foster South-South cooperation and knowledge exchange.

Project lead: United Nations Technology Bank for the Least Developed Countries (UNTB)

Funding: Government of Türkiye

Technical Partner: Middle East Technical University (METU)

The project also seeks opportunities to engage institutions with relevant expertise in SME development, digitalisation and innovation. Additional experts, institutions and organisations may be engaged in accordance with agreed arrangements and applicable UN rules and procedures.

An advisory committee is envisaged to provide strategic direction and quality assurance, bringing together representatives of core partners, national focal points and international experts.

5. Interested in joining TechBridge?

Registered SMEs in eligible Least Developed Countries are invited to apply to strengthen their digital capabilities and develop a practical roadmap for digital transformation.

Application deadline: 6 November 2026
Details and application form: Here.

For further details about the programme, you can check the concept note Download PDF, or email [email protected].