Research Type: Case study

In this paper, we highlight the efforts taken by Bangladesh in recent years, as the country has undergone significant digital transformation. Most notably, these efforts have culminated in a robust system of Digital Centers where citizens are able to access over 300 essential public services. With a 76% citizen satisfaction rate, this model has proven widely popular. We explore how Bangladesh has progressed over the years in its digital transformation efforts, documenting key learnings and insights.

In this case study, we highlight Uganda’s approach to national data exchange. Today, the country’s UGhub system has over 100 participating government entities, as well as private sector actors, and has dramatically increased the efficiency and convenience of essential digital services. Yet, the platform is not without challenges, facing uncertain financial sustainability, slow uptake, and connectivity gaps. In our analysis, we explore both the benefits and challenges of Uganda’s model, documenting key learnings and insights.

In this paper, we unpack the different considerations, approaches, and tradeoffs that countries are considering as they implement their own national data exchange systems. By highlighting efforts by Bangladesh, Rwanda, Uganda, and Ghana, we explore how each of these countries are progressing in their efforts to promote trusted data exchange.

In just the past five years, over 100 million individuals have been issued a digital ID using the Modular Open Source Identity Platform (MOSIP). Built as a digital public good (DPG), MOSIP is being implemented in countries as diverse as Ethiopia and the Philippines. This case study outlines the factors that led to the rapid adoption of MOSIP and the lessons that other DPGs can derive from its success.

As of the end of 2023, some 14 million Ukrainians had fled their homes since the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022—5.1 million internally and 6.2 million throughout Europe. This represents the largest human displacement crisis in the world today. While there is no silver lining to a crisis of this scale and depth, this paper attempts to understand one factor that is contributing to Ukraine’s resilience in a time of war and supporting enormous numbers of displaced individuals in their efforts to resume normal life: citizens’ ability to easily access their identity certificates, education credentials, health care records, and financial support through the government’s online citizen portal.

As governments build out identity, payment, civil registration, and other foundational layers of digital public infrastructure, civil society organizations, privacy advocates, and others are understandably raising concerns over surveillance and privacy.