Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) is rapidly becoming the cornerstone of digital transformation in Africa. Governments across the continent are making investments in digital identity systems, digital payment platforms, interoperable data exchange platforms aimed at improving delivery of services, economic participation and African led digital innovation. As more and more governments increasingly experiment with AI-powered public digital services, trusted DPI becomes even more critical.

Nevertheless, there are still many challenges. Concerns related to governance, trust, privacy, data protection, interoperability, accessibility, digital exclusion, institutional capacities, and accountability continue to influence how citizens experience and use DPI. These concerns are often felt by women and girls, persons with disabilities, rural populations, low-digital-literacy users, and other historically underrepresented communities, who continue to face barriers to accessing and benefiting from digital public services. Without addressing these concerns, digital systems might be used in ways that reinforce existing inequalities, widening digital divides, and undermining public trust in digital transformation initiatives.

This session is informed by Pollicy's research on Digital Public Infrastructure in Uganda, Kenya, and South Africa, highlighting lessons on governance, public trust, inclusion, and accountability that can inform the development of trusted and inclusive digital public infrastructure across Africa.

This interactive multistakeholder session will bring together government representatives, policymakers, civil society, researchers, technical experts, development partners, and the private sector to examine what it will take to build inclusive and trusted Digital Public Infrastructure across Africa. Participants will discuss practical approaches to embedding inclusion, accessibility, gender responsiveness, public participation, and accountability throughout the design, implementation, and governance of DPI.

The session will conclude with a set of actionable policy recommendations and governance priorities for governments, regional organisations, development partners, the private sector, and civil society to strengthen trusted, inclusive, and rights-respecting Digital Public Infrastructure across Africa.