DotConnectAfrica Group Congratulates Mr. Richard Kirby on Receiving the International Leadership Award at the 2025 Arab Digital Economy Awards

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DUBAI, UAE, 2025

DotConnectAfrica Group Congratulates Advisory Board Member Richard Kirby on Receiving the International Leadership Award at the 2025 Arab Digital Economy Awards

The Global Advisory Board of the DotConnectAfrica (DCA) Group is delighted to recognize and celebrate Mr. Richard Kirby, former United Nations Senior Expert and distinguished member of the DCA Advisory Board, for being awarded the International Leadership Award at the 2025 Arab Digital Economy Awards. This prestigious honor acknowledges his exceptional contributions to advancing national digital transformation strategies across more than 40 countries and his pioneering work in shaping digital performance indicators throughout the Arab region.

The recognition was presented during the 2025 Arab Digital Economy Award ceremony on May 20, 2025, in Dubai, held as part of the Seamless Middle East 2025 Digital Economy Technology Conference and Exhibition at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre. The ceremony, officiated by H.E. Ahmed Aboul Gheit, Secretary-General of the League of Arab States, highlighted leading figures and high-impact initiatives advancing development, innovation, and digital excellence across the Arab world. This year’s edition drew exceptional participation, signaling the region’s intensifying focus on building a dynamic and competitive digital economy.

In its official announcement, the organizing body underscored the significance of Mr. Kirby’s work:

 “This distinguished recognition celebrates Mr. Kirby’s outstanding leadership and his substantial contributions to advancing digital transformation initiatives across more than 40 countries. His pioneering work in developing and implementing digital performance indicators throughout the Arab region has been instrumental in helping governments accelerate innovation, enhance digital capabilities, and strengthen public sector effectiveness.”
 The official announcement is available here:

Across the digital transformation community, leaders echoed this sentiment.  Dr. Abdulla Al Hams, Managing Partner at Intermid, shared on LinkedIn:

“Honoring a legacy of true digital leadership. The Arab Digital Economy Award 2025 celebrates the pioneers who helped shape national and regional digital transformation, strengthened institutional readiness, and opened new opportunities for the Arab world and beyond. Among them is Richard Kerby, recognized for his decades of service advancing e-government and digital innovation through the United Nations and supporting more than 40 nations in their digital journeys. His work continues to inspire governments, institutions, and digital economy leaders across the GCC, the wider Arab region, the United States, Europe, and Central Asia including Kazakhstan. A well-deserved recognition for a visionary who helped elevate global digital governance.”
Award video avail here:

Sophia Bekele, Chair of the DCA Advisory Board and CEO of the DotConnectAfrica Group, added a personal tribute on LinkedIn:

 “Richard, congratulations. I’m deeply proud to be your friend and colleague. Your tireless effort across the African continent—country by country—was unmatched as you pioneered digital transformation. You shone light where there was darkness in tech, and I remain grateful for the opportunity to work alongside you. You mentored and supported many of us as young entrepreneurs, and your legacy continues to inspire. With much love and respect.”

About DotConnectAfrica Group
DotConnectAfrica Group is committed to advancing inclusive digital development, strengthening global collaboration, and supporting the creation of resilient, sustainable digital economies across emerging regions.

About the Arab Digital Economy Award
The Arab Digital Economy Award is a flagship initiative of the Arab Federation for Digital Economy, rooted in the Arab Vision for the Digital Economy adopted by Arab Leaders in 2022. The award honors outstanding digital models and high-impact initiatives that accelerate sustainable development and the region’s transition toward a smart, knowledge-driven economy. Nominees undergo rigorous evaluation by an independent panel of regional and international experts.