Digital technologies, including GovTech solutions and broader digital innovations, have transformative potential to accelerate economic and social development in the Global South. From foundational digital systems and public service platforms to cutting-edge technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Blockchain (BCT), these tools are key enablers of efficient governance, inclusive development, and economic growth.
While developed economies are advancing capacity building, infrastructure enhancement, and regulatory frameworks for the responsible use of digital and emerging technologies, developing economies, particularly in Africa, face unique challenges. These include limited resources, technology illiteracy, weak governance frameworks, and digital infrastructure gaps, which can lead to fragmented or irresponsible technology adoption, undermining their transformative potential.
The project explores the implementation and implications of digital technologies across African governments, examining how existing systems and innovations support or hinder transformation. The successful adoption of digital technologies depends on the strength of the underlying digital ecosystem—encompassing infrastructure, governance frameworks, institutional capacity, digital literacy, and collaboration between the public and private sectors. Understanding these dynamics is essential to designing inclusive, resilient, and sustainable solutions.
The primary beneficiaries of this project are African governments, policymakers, and institutions. The project provides actionable insights, policy recommendations, and best practices to guide their digital transformation strategies and promote the responsible adoption of digital and emerging technologies. With attention to inclusion and equitable access, particularly for marginalised and underserved communities, the project seeks to strengthen digital ecosystems and advance sustainable development across the continent.
Activities
A1. Desk review to explore the current state of the digital ecosystem, including infrastructure, governance, institutional readiness, and technology adoption;
A2. Case study exploration to identify case studies related to emerging technologies at the national level to explore their implementation and implications in the government and community;
A3. stakeholder consultations to dive deep into the findings from the desk review and case studies to validate them and obtain additional information from the practitioners;
A4. Communication and dissemination of the project, focusing on different approaches that will be used to disseminate project findings to different groups.
Deliverables
D1. Factsheet with GovTech details of Africa
D2. A set of publications (policy brief and/or conference/journal papers)
D3. Case study repository
D4. Final report
