Imagine a world where every citizen can access government services with ease, small businesses can expand into new markets, and women have equal access to financial opportunities. Digital public infrastructure (DPI) is key to making this a reality.

DPI is a digital network that crisscrosses the economy, connecting people, data, and money in the same way that roads connect people and goods. More than a set of digital tools, DPI enables shared, interoperable systems that improve service delivery, enhance trade, and expand economic participation.

As South Africa assumes the G20 presidency, African leaders have an opportunity to drive a new approach to digital transformation, laying the foundation for a secure, efficient, and interconnected economy.

A Smarter Approach to Public Services
Social programs intended to support vulnerable populations are often plagued by inefficiencies, including fraud, misallocation of resources, fragmented data systems, and bureaucratic bottlenecks. DPI can eliminate many of these issues by integrating digital identity systems, payments, and data-sharing mechanisms.

India’s Andhra Pradesh state, for example, linked biometric IDs to welfare payments, reducing fraud in a rural employment program by 40% and saving the government nine times its investment. Similarly, during the COVID-19 pandemic, Brazil leveraged digital ID and payments to deliver emergency aid to 70 million people, ensuring funds reached those who needed them most. African nations can adopt similar strategies to build more resilient social protection systems.

https://guardian.ng/technology/tech/bridging-borders-boosting-business-why-africa-must-prioritize-digital-public-infrastructure/