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By Chinenye Anuforo
A leading expert in digital government has called for governments worldwide to embrace Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) as a crucial tool for improving services and enhancing citizen well-being.
Professor David Eaves, Associate Professor of Digital Government at University College London, stressed the importance of DPI during a webinar for Phase II Fellowship Applicants hosted by The MFWA.
He highlighted the successful implementation of DPI in countries like India and Togo, where it was used to deliver essential services during the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to Eaves, DPI refers to foundational digital systems that underpin a wide range of public services. “These systems, ideally controlled by a public interest entity, are designed to reduce costs and ensure equal access for all citizens. Examples include digital identity, instant payment systems, and data exchange platforms.”
Eaves used the example of M-PESA, a Kenyan mobile money payment system, to illustrate the key characteristics of DPI. He acknowledged the system’s widespread adoption and positive impact but argued that M-PESA’s control by a single company (Safaricom) disqualifies it from being classified as true DPI.
He explained, “For something to be digital public infrastructure. You should be able to be on any cell phone provider and make payments to anybody else on a different cell phone provider for that to be infrastructure.”
He argued that the Estonia’s “tell us once” policy exemplified DPI in action. By pre-populating information across government forms, Estonia reduces the burden on citizens and streamlines service delivery.
Eaves also cited Indonesia’s e-ID system, which allows citizens to authenticate themselves and sign documents digitally. “This system has significantly increased the number of people using bank accounts”, he said.
Eaves pointed to the COVID-19 pandemic as a significant driver of interest in DPI. Governments around the world recognized the need for efficient systems to deliver financial aid and other support to citizens during the crisis. Examples include India’s direct benefit transfers and Togo’s use of mobile money to assist garment industry workers.
He said while private sector involvement in creating and maintaining DPI can be beneficial, concerns exist regarding potential exploitation. Eaves emphasized the importance of strong governance structures to protect data privacy and security, regardless of whether the infrastructure is public or private.
He pointed out that DPI offers numerous benefits, including: Streamlining processes and reducing the time it takes for citizens to access government services.
He added that DPI can help governments operate more efficiently and effectively, saving time and money and also make it easier for marginalized groups to access government services, reducing inequality.
While DPI offers significant potential, it also presents challenges. Eaves emphasized that governments must carefully consider the governance models they adopt to ensure that DPI is used responsibly and ethically. “Privacy and security are also major concerns that must be addressed”, he said.
He said that journalists play a crucial role in holding governments accountable for the development and use of DPI. “They can investigate the governance models in place, assess the risks and benefits of DPI, and educate the public about these important issues”, he stated.
Professor Eaves believes that DPI is not a question of “if” but “how.” “Countries worldwide will increasingly adopt these systems, and the key question is the form they will take. The choice between public, private, or non-profit models will have significant implications for the future of government services and citizen well-being.”
He emphasizes the importance of building DPI with robust governance structures that prioritize inclusion, safety, and public benefit.
