Article Type: Expert comment

Today, more than half of Africans lack access to vital healthcare, unable to receive services like vaccinations, prenatal care, and critical medical procedures. This begs the question – what will it take for to promote a robust, sustainable healthtech sector in Africa? In this expert comment, we argue that local innovation is key to advancing targeted, effective digital health solutions. Read the piece to find out how.

While India is home to one of the most developed and innovative approaches to digital public infrastructure (DPI), it is also leading the way in online dispute resolution. Today, ODR is increasingly becoming available to everyday investors, bank customers, and even users of social media as a mechanism to resolve grievances online. In this expert comment, we take a closer look at the emerging experiences of ODR in India, exploring examples that integrate ODR and grievance redressal for effective grievance and dispute resolution.

Many African governments express valid concerns about using cloud services for data storage, from data sovereignty risks to vendor lock-in, infrastructure limitations, and cybersecurity vulnerabilities. Yet, cloud storage offers compelling advantages that could arguably outweigh these concerns. In this expert comment, we explore different recommendations that can help governments benefit from cloud services without sacrificing data sovereignty and control.

As a compass for best practices in digital transformation, the Principles for Digital Development provide important guidance for digital projects, policies, and initiatives. In this expert comment, we outline the first principle “Understand the existing ecosystem,” and explore how to put it into practice in order to build a digital community that works for everyone.

As digital public infrastructure (DPI) increases in popularity, online dispute resolution (ODR) is a key component in effectively protecting against potential risks. In this expert comment, we define the relationship between DPI and ODR, how they can be mutually beneficial, and what opportunities – and challenges – may lie ahead. Read more here.

While digital public infrastructure (DPI) holds enormous promise, essential safeguards are also needed to protect against potential risks. In a welcome step forward, the UN has released a Universal DPI Safeguards Framework, outlining the necessary principles and processes of DPI implementation that prioritize people’s rights and wellbeing. To learn more about the framework – and where we should go next – read our expert comment.