Steve Song

Emmanuel Khisa, Africa Director at the @Centre for Digital Public Infrastructure, outlines the role of #DigitalPublicInfrastructure in transforming lives across Africa. Through the successful implementation of eKYC for social protection and digital health, Emmanuel illustrates the potential of DPI to uplift communities, even in challenging environments. He revealed that with a commitment to locally appropriate solutions, CDPI is ensuring that digital infrastructure is inclusive, resilient, and truly reflective of African realities. He highlights the need for infrastructure, political will, and tailored technology in building a digitally connected Africa. Read more 👇 https://lnkd.in/e8M8pNRA #DPI #DigitalTransformation #AfricaTech #Inclusion #DigitalInfrastructure #Innovation #Zambia #CDPI #eKYC #DigitalDevelopment

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This Accion brief reveals Kenya's rollout of the new digital ID, #MaishaNamba, addressing the complex interplay between technology, trust, and citizen engagement in building #DigitalPublicInfrastructure. This brief also tackles digital IDs as a key tool to accessing essential services, citizen concerns which ranges from transparency to exclusion risks to improve responsible and accountable systems. Key takeaways: understanding citizen perspectives is crucial for effective DPI interventions, addressing transparency, accountability, and user value is essential to build trust and lessons from Kenya resonate globally, especially in contexts with low state capacity and trust. Read the brief here 👇 https://lnkd.in/eNRmSUNF #DigitalID #DPI #InclusiveDigitalization #PublicTrust #DigitalTransformation

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Emmanuel Khisa, Africa Director for Centre for Digital Public Infrastructure - CDPI, sheds light on the role of #DigitalPublicInfrastructure in transforming lives across Africa. By implementing innovative solutions like eKYC for banking and social protection, Emmanuel emphasises that the foundation for DPI’s success lies in a mix of infrastructure, strong political will, and locally adapted technology. He also revealed that wireless and low-tech solutions are key to expanding digital access in rural areas, adding that CDPI aims to work across nations like Uganda, Nigeria, and Ethiopia to create open, interoperable, and inclusive digital systems that cater Africa’s needs. Read more 👇 https://lnkd.in/e8M8pNRA #DigitalTransformation #AfricaTech #PublicInfrastructure #DPI #Innovation #DigitalInclusion #Zambia #Leadership #LocalSolutions #TechForGood #CDPI

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[Upcoming Webinar] The Auditor-General of South Africa's recent 2022/23 audit outcomes report has sounded an urgent call for transformation in local government. At the heart of her message is the critical need for: "Courageous, ethical, accountable and citizen-centric leadership" to overhaul a local government characterised by insufficient accountability, failing service delivery, poor governance, weak institutional capacity, and instability. To address these challenges, the Auditor-General emphasises the vital role of the "Accountability Ecosystem" - the network of stakeholders with legislative or moral responsibilities to drive and deepen public sector accountability. Join Future Cities Africa and The Municipal Edge for an insightful webinar exploring: * How the Governance and Accountability Ecosystem can drive positive change in municipalities * Practical strategies to improve audit outcomes * Innovative approaches to enhance service delivery * The roles various stakeholders can play in strengthening local government Zolani Zonyane, CGFO Emmanuel Ngcobo CIGFARO South African Local Government Association

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📢 Djibouti is taking firm steps to enhance its digital infrastructure, focusing on expanding internet access and improving connectivity across urban and rural areas. On Wednesday, October 16, #Djibouti launched its national broadband development strategy, an important milestone in the country’s digital transformation. The official presentation was held during a workshop organized by the Ministry of Communication, in charge of Posts and Telecommunications. As the region's key telecom hub, Djibouti Telecom is committed to playing a vital role in supporting these initiatives, ensuring that the country remains at the forefront of digital transformation in East Africa. Learn more about Djibouti's exciting digital advancements here: https://lnkd.in/egmtBpFD #DjiboutiTelecom #DigitalTransformation #Connectivity #Telecom #broadband #connectingafrica

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This World Economic Forum article by Veronica Nduva and Daniel Murenzi of East African Community indicates that #DigitalPublicInfrastructure can transform societies, drive economic growth, and foster social inclusion across Africa. The article also highlights that for DPI to succeed, trust, security, and interoperability are key, particularly in supporting cross-border trade and financial inclusion for small businesses. Regional collaboration and global initiatives provide tools to ensure that digital services remain secure, efficient, and inclusive to fully harness DPI. Read more 👇 https://lnkd.in/gPbHhb4r #DigitalTransformation #DPI #Africa #EconomicGrowth #SocialInclusion #Innovation #TechForGood

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#Internet users in Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda and Uganda have been complaining about poor #connectivity as service providers across East Africa acknowledge there has been a problem. Tanzania's Citizen newspaper described what has happened as an "internet blackout [that] has affected major network channels". The disruption, impacting various countries including Malawi, Mozambique, and Madagascar, stemmed from damage to a key cable near Durban, affecting data flow primarily routed through South Africa. Service providers have been actively addressing the issue, urging patience as they work to reroute data and restore normal service levels amidst ongoing outages that have frustrated many across the continent. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/dVQfYq43

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Fascinating to see TWP applied in this context!

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💭 Through one of Canada’s short-term technical assistance initiatives, Nexus Cooperation Inc. engaged in a thought-provoking brainstorming session in Côte d'Ivoire with staff and management from the General Directorate of Development Cooperation (DGCOD), moderated by Michael Wodzicki. The group delved into the new assignments and roles defined in Decree No. 2023-959, dated December 6, 2023, which organizes the Ministry of Economy, Planning, and Development. Discussions specifically focused on the new decree, the responsibilities of DGCOD, and its three central directorates: (i) the Directorate of Strategy and Studies, (ii) the Directorate of Bilateral Partnerships, and (iii) the Directorate of Coordination and Effectiveness of Development Cooperation. Similar brainstorming sessions were organized with other teams within DGCOD, aiming to develop a comprehensive Strategic Operational Plan to define priorities and reforms needed to achieve results. 🚀 The TAP-EDM / PAT-MDE project is funded by Global Affairs Canada | Affaires mondiales Canada and implemented by Alinea International. #NexusCooperation #StrategicDevelopment #CollaborationForChange #ATCanada #TechnicalAssistance #SDGs2030

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🏗️ Infrastructure is the most improved sub-category in the 2024 IIAG. 📡 We've witnessed remarkable strides in Mobile Communications (+19.8), Internet & Computers (+16.2), and Access to Energy (+7.2)! Curious about how these advancements impact African Governance? 🔽 Download the report here: https://lnkd.in/e4aKVTUs

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"EVs will invariably exacerbate one existing challenge: e-waste. As it stands, digitization and modernization, couple with renewal or replacement cycles of devices - ranging from household electronics to ICT infrastructure - is already responsible for many millions of tons of e-waste across the continent. According to the International Telecommunications Union (ITU), on average, less than 10% of e-waste in Africa is properly disposed of or recycled. EV adoption will certainly add more to the volumes and also to the types of e-waste classified as hazardous."

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CEI Africa is excited to announce the launch of Phase 2 of its Smart Outcomes component, a grant facility designed to accelerate the deployment of Productive Use of Energy (PUE) solutions in sub-Saharan Africa, with an initial call for Kenya-based enterprises. The call aims to support eligible standalone Kenya-based off-grid enterprises (OGEs) in deploying PUE solutions. By providing outcome-based grants and technical assistance, CEI Africa seeks to incentivize the adoption of PUE solutions that improve livelihoods and drive economic growth.  Funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) through KfW, and the Swiss Development Cooperation (SDC), the Smart Outcomes Component Phase 2 launch will offer grants of a total of up to USD 1.7 million to off-grid companies deploying renewable-energy-powered PUE in Kenya. PUE solutions, such as grain mills, agro-processing machines, and refrigeration systems, are essential for unlocking the full potential of energy access. By supporting their deployment, CEI Africa aims to create positive impacts on local communities, including increased incomes, reduced household expenses, and empowerment of women entrepreneurs.  To qualify for the grants, applicants must meet the eligibility criteria and demonstrate a clear PUE strategy and a strong commitment to measuring and achieving specific outcomes. CEI Africa will provide technical assistance to support grantees in developing and implementing their PUE plans.  Read more: https://lnkd.in/e3-MkvRv #RenewableEnergy #Solar #Kenya #PUE

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It was a privilege to attend yesterday’s sideline meeting at #UNGA79, where I had the opportunity to discuss with Dr. Alain Labrique (WHO) the evolving role of digital advocacy in the global fight against misinformation, especially in relation to vaccines. His keynote at the Sync Global Digital Wellbeing Forum, focusing on humane AI and digital wellbeing, resonated deeply. Digital isn't just the future, it’s the present reality shaping healthcare worldwide. From the most remote villages to bustling urban centers, technology is bridging gaps in access and understanding, but it must be harnessed responsibly. As Dr. Labrique and I discussed, the risks to public health from misinformation—amplified by AI—are growing. The work of organizations like World Health Organization (WHO) in collaborating with digital platforms is essential to counter these dangers. During our conversation, I pledged the full support of the Global Healthy Living Foundation (GHLF) in these digital health efforts. GHLF is committed to representing patients in global discussions, working alongside key stakeholders like technology and social media platforms to ensure that trustworthy, science-based information about #vaccines and public health reaches the people who need it most. This is critical as we continue to see vaccine misinformation create dangerous confusion. Misinformation leaves a void that can too easily be filled with falsehoods, as Dr. Labrique highlighted. We need to fill that space with truth and education, empowering individuals to make informed decisions for their health. Through partnerships, advocacy, and innovative campaigns, I am confident that GHLF and WHO together can advance the goal of digital wellbeing, ensuring a safer, healthier digital landscape for everyone. #Vaccines #Advocacy #GlobalAdvocacy #HealthAdvocacy #GHLF #WHO #DigitalHealth #HealthInnovation Pfizer GSK Sanofi Merck

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