UNU-EGOV participated in the Compact with Africa (CwA) peer-to-peer learning event on “Investing in Digitalization”, held in Rabat, Morocco, from December 2–4, 2024. The sessions brought together 132 participants - 66 in-person and 56 online - from governments, private sector stakeholders, development organizations, academia, and civil society.
Exploring the Role of DPI
Among the event’s many topics was Session 4: Digital Public Infrastructure to Support E-Government Reforms, which showcased practical strategies for advancing digital transformation. Panel discussions explored the role of digital public infrastructure (DPI) in driving efficiency, financial inclusion, and stimulating economic growth.
UNU-EGOV's Researcher, Imen Ghedhoui, contributed with her expertise to the conversation alongside panellists, including:
- Assane Gueye, Associate Teaching Professor, Carnegie Mellon University – Africa
- Latifa Ayeb, Policy Officer, Ministry of Digital Transition and Administration Reform, Morocco
- Richmond Chris-Koka, Senior Product Manager, Irembo, Rwanda (virtually)
- Solomon Richardson, Director of Technical Services, National Information Technology Agency, Ghana
The session, moderated by Akram Zaoui, Senior Specialist at the Policy Center for the New South, highlighted case studies from Tunisia, Morocco, Ghana, and Rwanda.
Key Insights
The discussions brought to the spotlight some of the most important elements for driving meaningful and sustainable digital transformation:
- Bridging the Gap with Partnerships: Collaboration is key. Governments provide the framework, but it’s the private sector’s expertise and resources that can truly bring innovative solutions to life, making services more accessible and efficient.
- Planning for Growth That Lasts: To ensure long-term success, careful planning is essential. Avoiding vendor lock-ins and aligning national initiatives with broader regional efforts—like those championed by Smart Africa—can create seamless integration and attract much-needed investment.
- Making Cybersecurity the Bedrock: Trust is everything in the digital world. Strong, coordinated approaches to data protection and security aren’t just a bonus - they’re the foundation for any successful digital reform.
Imen Ghedhoui’s contributions, such as her perspective on Tunisia’s three-pillar strategy for digital reform, reinforced UNU-EGOV’s ongoing mission to promote inclusive growth and support governments in delivering smarter, more efficient services.
Present at the event were also Dr.Ed Brown, Senior Director of Research & Policy at the African Center for Economic Transformation (ACET); H.E. Amal Seghrouchni, Minister Delegate for Digital Transition and Administration Reform, Morocco, H.E. Robert Dölger, German Ambassador to Morocco, H.E. Ebrahim Edries, South African Ambassador to Morocco, H.E. Alexandre Guido Lopes Parola, Brazilian Ambassador to Morocco.
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