India-Africa Digital Compact

GS2 – IR

Context:

India and African nations are strengthening digital collaboration using open-source Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) aligned with Africa’s 2020–2030 digital roadmap.

Africa Day, celebrated on May 25, commemorates the creation of the Organisation of African Unity in 1963, symbolizing a unified vision for African progress. The African Union’s 2020–2030 Digital Transformation Strategy emphasizes digital innovation for socio-economic uplift. As of now, 85% of African nations have national digital ID systems, and over 70% gather biometric data.

Why Collaborate on a Digital Compact?

• Open-Source, Scalable DPI: India is offering cost-effective and adaptable platforms like Aadhaar (digital identity), UPI (payments), CoWIN (health), and DIKSHA (education) to aid African nations in service delivery and governance.
• Non-colonial Approach: India’s model is based on partnership, transparency, and co-creation, focusing on long-term sustainability rather than technological dependency.
• Skill Development Focus: Programs like ITEC, the Pan-African e-Network, and IIT Madras’ Zanzibar campus promote tech education, digital literacy, and human capital enhancement.
• Leadership in Global South: India, along with Brazil and South Africa (IBSA), champions digital equality at platforms like the UN and G20 to support inclusive digital governance.

Evolution of India-Africa Digital Ties

• Governance-Focused Infrastructure:
  • Togo (2021): Launched a digital ID system with help from IIIT-Bangalore.
  • Zambia (2023): “Smart Zambia” initiative aims at improving e-governance.
  • Namibia (2024): Partnered with NPCI to build a UPI-style payment system.
  • Ghana: Connected with UPI for low-cost, international digital payments.
• Education and Training:
  • IIT Madras – Zanzibar: Offers degree courses in AI and data science.
  • Pan-African e-Network: Active since 2009 in providing tele-education and telemedicine support.

Challenges to Effective Implementation

• Infrastructure Limitations: Even with good mobile reach, only 22% of Africans use mobile internet due to unreliable broadband and electricity.
• Affordability Barriers: High costs for internet and devices remain a hurdle, especially in rural and poorer areas.
• Gender Divide: In Sub-Saharan Africa, women are 37% less likely than men to use mobile internet, highlighting a persistent digital gender gap.
• Limited Digital Skills: Low levels of digital literacy prevent effective technology use.
• Regulatory Weaknesses: Absence of unified data protection and cybersecurity laws hampers progress and governance.
• Funding Gaps: With an estimated requirement of $100 billion to upgrade broadband, external funding and partnerships are critical.
• Need for Local Adaptation: Open-source models must be tailored to local needs, requiring inclusive design and governance.

Recommendations and Way Ahead

• Build Local Capacity: Expand digital training via ITEC and e-Network to empower citizens.
• Foster Inclusive Growth: Ensure tech solutions respect cultural contexts and data rights.
• Improve Infrastructure: Focus on affordable broadband and renewable energy to support digital connectivity.
• Boost Financial Access: Link Africa’s digital payment systems with India’s UPI to promote trade and financial services.
• Develop Policy Frameworks: Work together to build harmonized regulations on cybersecurity, digital rights, and data governance.