In an effort to bridge the gap between the African Diaspora and partners in Africa, the UN ICT Task Force convened a meeting, The Digital Bridge to Africa, of leading members of the African Diaspora - influential individuals from technology corporations, foundations, and non-profit organisations. Held at the United Nations complex in New York City on July 12,2002, over 130 leaders attended this daylong meeting to explore ways in which the combined knowledge, experiences and resources of the public and private sectors could be harnessed to effect positive and sustainable change in Africa.

The meeting served as the official launch of the Digital Diaspora Network – Africa (DDN-A), a nonprofit organisation that seeks to promote development in Africa and the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals by mobilising the technological, entrepreneurial, and professional expertise and resources of the African Diaspora.