Lebanon Signs DCO Charter to Boost Digital Economy

Riyadh, September 14, 2026 — The Republic of Lebanon has signed the Charter of the Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO), formally becoming a signatory state and opening a new chapter of collaboration to advance its digital economy, the DCO announced in a statement carried by the Saudi Press Agency (SPA). The signing ceremony, held at the DCO General Secretariat headquarters in Riyadh, was attended by Lebanon’s Minister of the Displaced and Minister of State for Technology and Artificial Intelligence, Kamal Shehadeh, and DCO Secretary-General Deemah AlYahya.

Context and Background

The DCO is a Riyadh-based international organization dedicated to fostering digital prosperity through cross-border cooperation. Its membership is expanding, reflecting growing global recognition of the need for coordinated digital policies. According to the SPA report, the DCO council recently approved eight new countries for full membership, which would raise the organization’s total from 16 to 24 member states, representing approximately 980 million people once accession procedures are complete.

Lebanon’s decision to sign the Charter aligns with its national priorities to modernize its economy and leverage technology for growth. The country boasts a robust digital foundation: internet penetration reached about 91% in 2024, and roughly 550 companies operate in the information and communications technology (ICT) sector. Its skilled workforce and entrepreneurial talent provide a solid base for expanded cooperation.

Key Details

Alongside the Charter signing, Lebanon and the DCO launched the Digital Prosperity Plan (DPP) for Lebanon. Developed jointly, the DPP translates Lebanon’s digital priorities into actionable initiatives with measurable outcomes. It focuses on digital policies, infrastructure and connectivity, artificial intelligence and emerging technologies, skills development, entrepreneurship, innovation, and investment. The plan serves as a partnership framework, drawing on the DCO’s expertise and international partnerships to support Lebanon’s digital transformation.

Minister Shehadeh formally handed the signed Charter to Secretary-General AlYahya during the ceremony. The DCO emphasized that the DPP will strengthen cooperation with member states and partners, ensuring that Lebanon’s digital ambitions are met with coordinated support.

Implications and Impact

Lebanon’s accession to the DCO signals a strategic step toward deeper integration into regional and global digital networks. By joining the DCO, Lebanon gains access to a platform for knowledge exchange, capacity building, and joint projects that can accelerate its digital economy. The DPP is expected to attract investment, foster innovation, and create opportunities for Lebanese tech talent.

For the DCO, Lebanon’s membership reinforces its mission to bridge digital divides and promote inclusive growth. The organization’s expansion to 24 countries would amplify its collective voice on digital governance, AI ethics, and digital infrastructure—areas critical to the global economy. This development also highlights Saudi Arabia’s leadership in fostering international cooperation, as the DCO is headquartered in Riyadh and operates under the Kingdom’s vision of a connected, prosperous digital future.

Vision 2030 Alignment

The DCO’s growth and Lebanon’s participation resonate with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which seeks to diversify the economy, empower youth, and position the Kingdom as a global hub for technology and innovation. By supporting digital cooperation across borders, the DCO contributes to a more integrated and resilient regional economy, aligning with Vision 2030’s goals of economic diversification and international partnership. As the DCO continues to expand, Saudi Arabia’s role in shaping a collaborative digital landscape will only strengthen, driving prosperity for the region and beyond.

20 Questions

Q1. What is the Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO)?

A1. The DCO is an international organization headquartered in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, dedicated to promoting digital prosperity through cross-border cooperation, policy coordination, and knowledge sharing among member states.

Q2. Which country recently signed the DCO Charter?

A2. The Republic of Lebanon signed the DCO Charter, becoming a signatory state as part of its accession process to become a full member of the organization.

Q3. Who signed the Charter on behalf of Lebanon?

A3. Lebanon’s Minister of the Displaced and Minister of State for Technology and Artificial Intelligence, Kamal Shehadeh, signed the Charter during a ceremony in Riyadh.

Q4. Where was the signing ceremony held?

A4. The ceremony took place at the DCO General Secretariat headquarters in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, with DCO Secretary-General Deemah AlYahya in attendance.

Q5. What is the Digital Prosperity Plan (DPP) for Lebanon?

A5. The DPP is a joint initiative between Lebanon and the DCO that translates Lebanon’s digital priorities into practical projects with measurable outcomes across various digital sectors.

Q6. What areas does the DPP focus on?

A6. The DPP focuses on digital policies, infrastructure and connectivity, artificial intelligence and emerging technologies, skills development, entrepreneurship, innovation, and investment.

Q7. How many companies operate in Lebanon’s ICT sector?

A7. Approximately 550 companies operate in Lebanon’s information and communications technology sector, reflecting a vibrant tech ecosystem.

Q8. What is Lebanon’s internet penetration rate?

A8. Lebanon’s internet penetration rate reached around 91% in 2024, providing a strong foundation for digital economy development.

Q9. How many countries are currently DCO members?

A9. The DCO currently has 16 member states, but with the approval of eight new countries, membership is set to expand to 24 upon completion of accession procedures.

Q10. What is the combined population of the expanded DCO membership?

A10. The expanded membership of 24 countries would collectively represent around 980 million people, significantly increasing the organization’s global reach.

Q11. What does Lebanon’s accession mean for its digital economy?

A11. It opens new opportunities for cooperation, investment, and knowledge exchange, helping Lebanon accelerate its digital transformation and integrate into regional digital networks.

Q12. How does the DCO support Lebanon’s digital priorities?

A12. The DCO provides expertise, international partnerships, and a platform for coordinated action to help Lebanon achieve its digital goals through the DPP.

Q13. Who is the DCO Secretary-General?

A13. Deemah AlYahya serves as the Secretary-General of the Digital Cooperation Organization, leading its efforts to foster global digital cooperation.

Q14. What are the benefits of joining the DCO for Lebanon?

A14. Benefits include access to best practices, joint initiatives, capacity building, and enhanced collaboration with other member states on digital policies and innovation.

Q15. How does the DCO’s expansion align with Saudi Vision 2030?

A15. The DCO’s growth supports Vision 2030’s goals of economic diversification and international partnership, positioning Saudi Arabia as a leader in global digital cooperation.

Q16. What role does Saudi Arabia play in the DCO?

A16. Saudi Arabia hosts the DCO headquarters in Riyadh and plays a pivotal role in guiding its mission to promote digital prosperity worldwide.

Q17. What is the significance of the DPP for Lebanon’s tech talent?

A17. The DPP aims to harness Lebanon’s skilled workforce and entrepreneurial talent, creating opportunities for innovation, job creation, and investment in the digital sector.

Q18. When was the DCO Charter signed by Lebanon?

A18. The signing took place on September 14, 2026, as announced by the Saudi Press Agency, marking a new phase of cooperation.

Q19. What are the next steps after Lebanon signs the Charter?

A19. Lebanon will complete its accession procedures to become a full member, while implementing the DPP in collaboration with the DCO and its partners.

Q20. How does Lebanon’s membership impact the region?

A20. It strengthens regional digital integration, fosters collaboration, and contributes to a more connected and prosperous Middle East, aligning with broader economic development goals.

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