Article Type: Expert comment

While digital public infrastructure (DPI) presents enormous opportunities, to realize its full value, civil society engagement is essential. Yet, civil society organizations (CSOs) are often underrepresented in DPI development and decision-making. During a recent panel at this year’s East Africa Internet Governance Forum, we gleaned important insights into the state of meaningful CSO engagement, understanding, and participation when it comes to DPI. Learn more here.

Today, over 65% of all collected data is “dark,” meaning that, despite having been collected and stored, it has never been used. These datasets, when responsibly explored and analyzed , and with the right safeguards in place, can uncover insights that save lives, improve services, strengthen economies, and restore public trust. Read this expert comment to learn more about how governments can leverage dark to data – safely – for the good of people and communities.

Today, digital public infrastructure (DPI) is emerging as a powerful tool to drive inclusion and social and economic transformation across Africa. However, while corporations and governments dominate much of the conversation, civil society remains a crucial but sidelined voice in the DPI conversation. In this expert comment, we explore the key benefits that increased CSO participation can provide for DPI development, and how to make it a reality.

When working in harmony, digital public infrastructure (DPI) and artificial intelligence (AI) can drive remarkable progress: creating new employment opportunities, improving healthcare delivery, and strengthening climate resilience. Yet, good digital technology alone doesn’t automatically drive inclusion or positive outcomes for people. These technologies must be designed, deployed, and governed with people at the center. In this expert comment, we dive into six key questions that must be answered to ensure AI and DPI are leveraged – in tandem – to drive a positive digital future.

In the context of digital public infrastructure, design systems unify how public services look, feel, and function. By standardizing and streamlining digital building blocks—everything from form fields to security warnings—governments can offer faster, clearer, and more user-friendly experiences. Read this piece to learn more about the importance of effective design systems in DPI-enabled systems and services.