Digital Impact Alliance

Across Africa, over 600 million people lack access to basic medical services. With the #HealthTech Marketplace, we’re working to fill these gaps. ?? In partnership with Africa CDC, we launched the HealthTech marketplace to provide a space for local innovators to showcase effective, trusted digital health solutions. This platform makes it easier for governments, healthcare providers, and development actors to find - implement - lifesaving health tech solutions. Learn more about the HealthTech Marketplace here ?? ?? https://lnkd.in/dpkT2wTZ

Honoured to have been selected to join the United Nations Working Group on Data Governance at all levels, established under the UN Commission on Science and Technology for Development in response to UN General Assembly Resolution A/RES/79/1 as part of the #GlobalDigitalCompact initiative. Our work will contribute to the 81st session of the UN General Assembly and will focus on: 1?? Developing fundamental principles of data governance at all levels (national, regional, and global) as relevant for development. 2?? Proposing frameworks to support interoperability between national, regional, and international data systems. 3?? Examining mechanisms to address emerging challenges such as data sovereignty, data ethics, and AI-related data governance to promote fair sharing of the benefits of data, particularly for developing countries and marginalized communities. 4?? Providing options for secure, trusted, data flows including cross-border data flows, balancing sovereignty, privacy, and security while advancing global development goals. An honour to represent the Digital Impact Alliance in this working group and to collaborate with experts from member states, academia, the technical community, intergovernmental and international organizations, and civil society, including Claire Melamed, Natalia Carfi, Lorrayne Porciuncula, mohamed farahat, Renata Avila, Linda Bonyo, Anita Gurumurthy . For more details, visit: https://lnkd.in/eB8UtVw9 Dmitry Plekhanov, UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD), United Nations Office for Digital and Emerging Technologies

With our DIAL Fellowship in full swing, say hello to our Fellow Risper Onyango! ?? Risper’s insights will focus on the role of civil society organizations (CSOs) in advancing #DigitalPublicInfrastructure (DPI) across Africa. Specifically, she will investigate how CSOs can contribute to shape its policy, governance, and equitable distribution. These insights are critical, as they can help CSOs better understand - and implement - effective DPI policy and advocacy efforts. Learn more about our Fellows here ?? ?? https://lnkd.in/eimBGvik

At the Digital Impact Alliance, we prioritize learning in everything we do. Our model incorporates ?? seeking, ?? synthesizing, ?? socializing – and sharing – at every stage of our work. Each year, we identify key questions that are holding back progress on #digitaltransformation that improves people’s lives. We incorporate both our ongoing work and frontier topics with recognized potential, allowing us to deepen our existing knowledge - and provide practical insights – as we work to advance positive a positive digital future. Read more here ?? ?? https://lnkd.in/d6kXbSXC

Another Monday, another #WeeklyRoundup ??? ? Each week, we highlight interesting news, podcasts, events, and more for the digital development community. For our full list, you can subscribe to our weekly News Byte - sent out every Monday via email.?? ?? ?? Top Reads:? ?? 1. The Africa Data Governance Hub and partners report on the?implementation of open data policies at a regional and national level, including in South Africa, Kenya, Nigeria, Democratic Republic of Congo, and Morocco. They share a series of recommendations aimed at ensuring timely access to public data drives government accountability and builds citizens’ trust. ?? https://lnkd.in/e2eyfqVz 2. Tech Policy Press researchers Maria Luciano and Giovana Fleck offer a fascinating?“DPI cautionary tale,” examining how a recent disinformation campaign about the Brazilian government’s instant payment system Pix?led to the largest decrease in usage since its 2020 launch. The authors note that the design and governance of foundational digital systems tend to be “far out of reach from the people using them,” making the case for investment in communications and transparency. ?? https://lnkd.in/ejuZrEmX 3.?The World Bank's Chakib Jenane examines?AI's growing impact on Sub-Saharan African agriculture, with regional agri-food tech investments rising from $10 million to $600 million (2014-2022). While initiatives like Hello Tractor and Kenya's Agricultural Observatory Platform show promise, challenges in digital access, skills, and data governance remain significant barriers to widespread adoption. ?? https://lnkd.in/e6s6A7ax ?? ?? Events of Interest:?? ?? 1. EngageFest will host a webinar "Innovation Partnerships for Digital Citizen Engagement" on March 18th?at 6:00 pm (EAT). Speakers include representatives from DIAL, World Bank, People Powered, Uganda's IT Authority, Consul Democracy Foundation, and the City of S?o Paulo.?Register here.?? ?? https://lnkd.in/gUQJXf4A 2. The Caribbean DPI Summit will be held from April 8th– 10th?at UWI Regional Headquarters in Kingston, Jamaica.?Learn more about the agenda and register to attend.? ?? https://lnkd.in/eWiBzqD3 ?? If you’d like to receive our full list via email, subscribe to DIAL’s weekly News Byte here ??? https://lnkd.in/ew9ZM_h5?

I was honored to represent the Digital Impact Alliance during Senegal’s unveiling of its new digital strategy, the “New Deal Technologique” on February 24. ? This ceremony marked a significant step in the country’s transformation agenda, with the President of the Republic, H.E. Bassirou Diomaye Faye, the President of Assemblée Nationale du Sénégal, the Prime Minister, government officials, parliamentarians, and ministers from Ivory Coast, Bissau & Conakry all in attendance. Below are my key takeaways & strategic priorities:? ? The digitalization of public administration and services stands out as a top priority, as emphasized by the President.? ? Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) as a national priority: Senegal is now among the first African countries to explicitly prioritize DPI within its national strategy. DPI is a technology stack that consists of three main components: digital identity, digital payments systems, and data exchanges. To ensure the success of these priorities, key initial enablres include:? ?? Developing an interoperability framework,? ?? Developing the DPI Framework,? ?? Assessing the maturity of public information systems,? ?? Phasing and prioritizing the onboarding of government institutions and starting with quick wins or pilot phase.? ?? From 2% to 123% of mobile penetration (2000-2024): Mobile devices should transcend traditional telephony and mobile money to become a core enabler of digital inclusion and public service access (administrative documents, digital identity, etc.).? ? ?? As part of this milestone event, I had the opportunity to share insights on Radiodiffusion Télévision Sénégalaise (RTS), Walfadjiri, and Space X with Vie-Publique SN, where we reflected on Senegal’s digital transformation over the past decade and explored key success factors for an effective implementation. ?Présidence de la République du Sénégal, Ministère de la communication, des Télécommunications et du Numérique, Alioune SALL

Last month, we attended the East Africa Data Governance Conference by The Open Institute, where key stakeholders came together to discuss the future of data governance in the region. From harmonising regulations to strengthening digital rights awareness, the insights shared underscored the importance of regional cooperation, cross-border learning, and innovation-friendly policies. As Africa moves towards a more integrated digital economy, collaborative efforts like regulatory sandboxes and inclusive awareness campaigns will be key in ensuring data governance frameworks are both effective and equitable. ?? Read our key takeaways from the conference by Pierrinne Leukes, Mark Mulobi & Ibrahim Waiswa Batambuze: https://lnkd.in/d5gBXwAC

From digital public infrastructure to trusted data exchange, we’re here to keep you up to date on all things digital transformation. Take a look at our Weekly Roundup ??? ? Each week, we highlight interesting news, podcasts, events, and more for the digital development community. For our full list, you can subscribe to our weekly News Byte - sent out every Monday via email.?? ?? ?? Top Reads:? ? 1. ?UNDP and Germany launch the "Hamburg Declaration on Responsible AI for the SDGs," inviting global stakeholders to shape a shared vision for AI that advances sustainable development. The initiative, slated for adoption in June, calls for participation in the consultation process, declaration endorsement, and contributions to the AI SDG Compendium – a global registry of AI initiatives. ?? https://lnkd.in/ddznJAsP 2. ?UNDP, with support from The Rockefeller Foundation, is developing "digital nature IDs" to quantify the value of natural ecosystems and make them visible in economic decision-making. The concept would assign unique identifiers to ecosystems, storing data about their geographical characteristics, biodiversity, and services provided. This approach could potentially enable protection from exploitation while scaling up results-based payment schemes. ?? https://lnkd.in/eVYvF6ts 3. Finally, as African leaders contemplate the USG’s abrupt and chaotic halt of global development spending as an “opportunity” to rethink development priorities and responsibilities, please take a few moments to read this entreaty for meaningful development partnership from Jean Philbert Nsengimana (FAPH, MPA, MBA, PMP, MSc) and this searing call to prioritize self-reliance by Gyude Moore. (Medium, Substack)? ?? https://lnkd.in/eHHdR4eY ?? https://lnkd.in/ep-sQurD ?? Events of Interest:?? ?? 1.??The United Nations will host a global webinar "Exploring the wider digital ecosystem" on March 18th –19th. The online event will examine how digital transformation can address global challenges and accelerate SDG implementation, building on the 2024 Pact for the Future. Click here to know more .? ?? https://lnkd.in/eh8hVyBA 2.??International Telecommunication Union has launched the first UN Citiverse challenge, inviting innovations using AI and virtual worlds to create more inclusive, sustainable cities. Winners will be announced at UN Virtual Worlds Day (11th –12th June 2025) in Turin, Italy. Deadline for submissions is May 19th. Click here to know more.?? ?? https://lnkd.in/eeaph_Cm ?? If you’d like to receive our full list via email, subscribe to DIAL’s weekly News Byte here ??? https://lnkd.in/ew9ZM_h5?

As our 2025 DIAL Fellows begin diving into diverse research topics, we’re highlighting their focus and expertise. First up, say hello to Kassim Vera ??? ? Over the next few months, Kassim will explore how design systems can optimize digital public infrastructure (#DPI) – highlighting best practices for creating, governing, and scaling shared design frameworks.? ? As governments worldwide rapidly expand DPI to provide services like healthcare, education, taxation, and business registration, design systems offer a powerful way to ensure that digital services are consistent, user-focused, and accessible from the start.?? ?? Learn more about Kassim and the rest of our 2025 Fellows here ??? https://lnkd.in/eimBGvik?

With the array of benefits that good digital public infrastructure (#DPI) can offer to people, communities, and society, how can Africa capitalize on its potential? ?? In a recent paper for Carnegie Endowment for International Peace our Director Diana Sang, Jane Munga, and Nanjira Sambuli explore key considerations for DPI implementation across the continent. Their piece provides actionable recommendations, spanning interoperability, people-centric design, and the importance of building local capacity to ensure inclusive growth. Learn more here ?? https://ow.ly/LrkH50VcRMW