Digital Cooperation Organization admits eight new member states in major expansion

The Digital Cooperation Organization announced on Thursday that its council has approved the nomination of eight new countries for full membership, expanding the organization from 16 to 24 member states upon completion of accession procedures. Together, these countries will represent nearly 980 million people.

The organization stated that Albania, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Lebanon, Palestine, Syria, and Zambia will join as full members once they sign and ratify the organization's charter according to their national procedures.

The organization is also preparing to welcome Tajikistan as an associate member, offering new opportunities to strengthen digital cooperation, develop partnerships with both public and private sectors, and contribute to initiatives related to digital innovation, skills, and inclusion in line with Tajikistan's national development strategy through 2030.

Geographic expansion and growing international confidence

In this context, Secretary-General Deemah AlYahya noted that the organization was launched in 2020 as an initiative by five countries and has proven the effectiveness of its model over five years. The number of member states will reach 24 after the new candidates complete their accession.

AlYahya explained that the expansion is driven by practical reasons related to shaping the global digital economy. She emphasized that the new members will be able to influence the future of the digital economy and support the concept of digital sovereignty through broad-based membership.

She added that the next phase will see an expanded impact, as 24 countries will support policies, platforms, and partnerships, turning consensus into infrastructure, investments, and solid frameworks that help shape the shared future of member states.

Increasing role in shaping the digital economy's future

This expansion reflects growing international confidence in the Digital Cooperation Organization's vision and strengthens its position as a leading platform for international digital cooperation. The inclusion of new countries will expand the organization's represented population to nearly 12% of the world's people, giving them a significant role in shaping digital economy rules.

The announcement marks a new geographic expansion for the organization, which now extends its membership for the first time to Central Asia, as well as the Caucasus and Western Balkans—regions home to some of the fastest-growing digital economies in Eurasia.

The organization continues to implement its 2025–2028 strategy through key initiatives, including developing digital policies and infrastructure, AI governance, enhancing digital skills, supporting startup ecosystems, cross-border data flows, and measuring the digital economy, while maintaining support for partnerships between governments, the private sector, and international organizations.