African digital agencies push for shared infrastructure to accelerate digital transformation

By:  Nana Appiah Acquaye

Smart Africa and its partners have convened representatives from 10 national digital agencies in Abuja to explore ways of reducing duplication in digital system development across the continent and advancing shared digital infrastructure models.

The meeting, organized by Smart Africa in collaboration with Galaxy Backbone, Co-Develop, and MicroSave Consulting, focused on strengthening cooperation around Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) initiatives.

Participants examined the recurring challenge of African countries independently developing similar digital systems, often resulting in increased costs, fragmented standards, and slower delivery of public digital services.

According to organizers, the discussions centered on promoting shared frameworks, reusable digital tools, and interoperable systems that can be adapted across multiple countries rather than rebuilt separately in each jurisdiction.

The Abuja gathering emphasized the practical implementation of Digital Public Infrastructure, described as government digital systems that are open, reusable, and capable of operating across borders. Stakeholders argued that adopting collaborative approaches could help governments accelerate digital transformation efforts, improve service delivery, and optimize public spending.

Officials also highlighted the importance of harmonized standards, knowledge sharing, and regional cooperation in enabling scalable digital ecosystems capable of supporting inclusive economic growth and digital governance across Africa.

The initiative forms part of broader continental efforts to strengthen cross-border digital integration and support the development of efficient, citizen-centered digital public services.