DCO Expands Global Membership With Eight New Countries
The Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO) Council has approved eight countries as prospective member states. As a result, the organization could expand its membership from 16 to 24 countries.
The candidates include Albania, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Lebanon, Palestine, Syria, and Zambia. Moreover, this expansion would increase the population represented by the DCO to about 980 million.
However, each country must complete the formal accession process before its membership takes effect. These steps include signing the DCO Charter and completing domestic adoption and ratification procedures.
Tajikistan joins as an associate member
Meanwhile, the DCO will welcome Tajikistan as an associate member. This status will allow the country to participate in digital cooperation and public-private partnerships.
Additionally, Tajikistan can support initiatives involving digital innovation, skills, and inclusion. These efforts also align with its National Development Strategy through 2030.
The membership expansion reflects the organization’s development since five countries established it in 2020. Furthermore, the digital economy continues to evolve through data, artificial intelligence, and cross-border trade.
Therefore, international cooperation remains essential for developing effective digital rules and frameworks. The larger membership could also strengthen countries’ influence over their shared digital future.
Expansion strengthens digital cooperation
The proposed accessions would extend the DCO’s reach across Central Asia, the Caucasus, and the Western Balkans. In particular, Kazakhstan and Tajikistan would add a stronger Central Asian dimension to its cooperation efforts.
Moreover, the expanded organization would represent approximately 12 percent of the global population. Consequently, members would gain a broader platform for coordinating digital economy policies and standards.
At the same time, the DCO continues to implement its four-year agenda for 2025–2028. The agenda covers digital policy, public infrastructure, AI governance, digital skills, and startup ecosystems.
In addition, it addresses cross-border data flows and digital economy measurement. Finally, the organization plans to work with governments, businesses, academia, civil society, and international organizations to promote digital development.
