Good data exchange can confer an array of benefits, from improving the operational efficiency of governments and driving economic growth, to enabling access to essential services for people and building trust.
The factors that make up good data exchange are relatively well established and include effective laws and regulations, technology architecture, and accountability and oversight mechanisms. Far less research has been conducted on how these factors function in the real world as governments navigate their unique contexts to build, implement, and ensure buy-in and usage of their national data exchange efforts.
We know that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to national data exchange systems. Each country’s progression and timeline are unique, and the process is seldom linear. Their trajectory is greatly influenced by the motivating drivers for establishing national data exchange systems and the methods by which they go about doing so.
The Digital Impact Alliance conducted research into these unique drivers and considerations to inform a greater understanding of how integrated national data exchange systems are being developed, and the ensuing implications for governments, the private sector, and people.
As countries across the world are implementing national data exchange systems, we can learn from Uganda’s model.
As part of this research, we’ve highlighted Uganda’s approach to national data exchange, particularly its UGhub system.
Today, UGhub is utilized by over 100 government ministries, departments, and agencies as well as private entities – including banks, insurance providers, and fintech firms. The system has already dramatically increased the efficiency and convenience of several essential services, reducing wait times from days to hours in many instances, in particular for passport applications, work permits applications, and vehicle registrations. Yet, challenges do remain, including financial sustainability, slow uptake, and connectivity gaps.
In this paper, we explore how Uganda’s. UGhub approach has progressed in its attempts to advance good national data exchange. From this case study, we’ve documented key learnings and insights, including the following:
- Prioritizing and nurturing trust among government stakeholders is crucial in order to ensure buy-in, and ultimately, adoption of the platform.
- Financial sustainability remains a concern for UGhub, as well as national data-exchange platforms in general, and governments should explore “business models”– particularly those built upon open-source software
- By increasing investment in policy and institutional changes to build trust and ensure buy-in, UGhub could significantly increase its value to government, citizens, and other sectors.
By highlighting Uganda’s approach – and the insights it provides – we seek to support policymakers and government technology leaders in their efforts to implement and support national data exchange systems.
To learn more about the importance of integrated national data exchange systems for positive digital transformation, take a look at our National Data Exchange Systems Insights Paper.
