A few days ago, I had the privilege of attending sessions at the Africa Internet Governance Forum (AfIGF) 2025, and I found myself drawn most deeply to one cross-cutting theme: Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI).
As someone working at the intersection of digital policy, transformation, and inclusion, I believe DPI represents more than just a technical solution — it is the foundation for digital sovereignty, inclusive governance, and sustainable development in Africa. And if this year’s AfIGF is any indicator, Africa is not just catching up; it’s stepping into a leadership role.
DPI: More Than Just Technology
Digital Public Infrastructure refers to the foundational systems that enable essential digital services in a society — such as digital identity, payments, and data exchange platforms. These systems are meant to be open, interoperable, secure, and inclusive. Think of them as the digital roads and bridges needed for citizens to fully participate in the modern economy, governance, and public service delivery.
However, what came out clearly during AfIGF 2025 is that DPI is more than technology. It is about trust, governance, inclusion, and the public good. The conversations reminded us that if we are not intentional, DPI can exclude, surveil, or entrench inequalities instead of solving them.
Securing Digital Sovereignty Through DPI
One of the most thought-provoking sessions I attended was titled “Securing African Sovereignty through Digital Public Infrastructure in the Era of Trade Barriers.” Panelists explored how digital sovereignty — the ability of countries to control their digital destiny — begins with control over infrastructure. They emphasized that Africa must reduce its dependency on foreign platforms and cloud services.
One panelist put it succinctly: “We cannot claim independence when our data, our identities, and our financial transactions are processed elsewhere.” That line stuck with me. It underscored that true sovereignty is not just political or economic — it’s also digital.
Participatory Policy-Making: Centering the People
Another compelling session was “Promoting People-Driven Policy Through Participatory Processes.” This panel examined how digital infrastructure should be co-designed with the communities it serves. Presenters gave practical examples of grassroots consultations, citizen engagement, and inclusive design processes used in policy development in countries like Kenya and Ghana.
I was deeply moved by this discussion because it aligns with my belief that public infrastructure must be built with the public. If we are not involving the people most affected by digital transformation — especially women, youth, and marginalized communities — then we are not truly building public infrastructure.
A Pan-African Data Space: From Aspiration to Action
The session titled “Toward a Trusted Pan-African Data Space” addressed the need for harmonized data governance across the continent. It explored how African nations could build interoperable systems for data exchange while maintaining privacy and sovereignty. This includes mutual legal recognition of digital credentials, shared trust frameworks, and harmonized regulatory approaches.
This session painted a picture of a future where African citizens can move, trade, and access services across borders without digital friction. The dream of a seamless, trusted, pan-African digital ecosystem is bold—but increasingly within reach.
Borderless Connectivity: Lessons from the Mano River Union
In a lightning talk, “Digital Public Infrastructure for Borderless Connectivity in the MRU Region,” speakers shared progress made by the Mano River Union (MRU) in developing cross-border digital infrastructure. From identity verification systems to shared payment frameworks, the MRU is emerging as a case study for regional integration through DPI.
This was a reminder that regional collaboration isn’t just a continental goal—it’s already underway in places where political will, technical expertise, and shared vision align.
Hands-On Learning: The ADLI Data Governance Simulation
The Day Zero ADLI Data Governance Simulation was one of the most engaging learning experiences. Participants were divided into stakeholder groups—government, civil society, regulators, and citizens—to role-play responses to data governance scenarios. These included data breaches, national consultations, and infrastructure decisions.
It was a powerful way to demystify the complexity of data governance and policy-making. For me, it reinforced the need to build capacity across all levels—especially among youth and community actors who are often excluded from these conversations.
Aligning National Policies with the African Union Framework
Another session, “Aligning National Data Policies with the AU Digital Policy Framework,” focused on harmonizing national laws with regional frameworks. Panelists shared challenges and successes from their respective countries, highlighting the importance of coordination, technical alignment, and institutional capacity.
Building DPI is not enough. Without coherent policy alignment across borders, we risk creating digital silos that fragment Africa’s digital future. The session emphasized that governance needs to move as fast as technology.
DPI and the Future of African Digital Finance
The panel “Infrastructure of Trust: Digital Public Goods, Open Platforms & the Future of African Digital Finance” offered a visionary look at how DPI can drive financial inclusion. By developing open-source payment systems, identity platforms, and data registries, African nations can build digital economies rooted in equity and trust.
Speakers stressed that finance must not be privatized or extractive. Instead, public digital goods should power local entrepreneurship, community lending groups, and innovative financial models that reflect African realities.
Reflections: What DPI Means for Africa’s Future
What emerged clearly for me across these sessions is that Digital Public Infrastructure is a development multiplier. When done right, it improves access to services, enhances citizen trust, empowers innovation, and fuels economic growth. It enables better public services, fosters financial inclusion, and promotes cross-border cooperation.
But DPI is also fragile. Without the right governance, it can reproduce the same exclusions it aims to eliminate. Without transparency and participation, it can become an instrument of control rather than empowerment.
That’s why I believe the real challenge of DPI is not just building it—it’s governing it. This means:
- Involving citizens in its design and oversight
- Making it open, secure, and adaptable
- Aligning policies across countries and regions
- Supporting local innovation and entrepreneurship
- Building digital capacity at every level
Closing Thoughts: DPI as the Foundation of a Digital Africa
AfIGF 2025 has reaffirmed that Digital Public Infrastructure must be a cornerstone of Africa’s digital future. It is the scaffolding on which inclusive development, democratic governance, and economic prosperity can be built.
But DPI cannot be an afterthought. It must be an intentional priority—supported by strong institutions, multi-stakeholder collaboration, and continental cooperation.
As we look to the future, I am hopeful. The ideas shared at AfIGF, the energy in the rooms, and the commitment of African technologists, policymakers, and advocates are signs that we are on the right path. Now we must move from dialogue to implementation.
The road ahead will require courage, creativity, and cooperation. But if we build DPI that reflects the values of openness, inclusion, and equity—we can shape a digital future that works for everyone.