As Egypt, led by the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT), and partners: UNDP, ITU, OSET, the World Bank and Co-Develop gear up to host the Global Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) Summit in Egypt’s New Administrative Capital, from October 1-3, 2024, it is a good time to dive into what DPI really means.  

Since India spotlighted DPI during its G20 presidency, DPI has gained significant traction in the world of ICT for Development. Big players like UNDP, the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation are all buzzing about it.

But the concept isn't exactly brand new. The internet, mobile networks, and GPS? They’re classic examples of DPI, working behind the scenes for years to boost how governments operate and serve the public.

Yet, even with the recent global agreement on what DPI is, there is still plenty to uncover.  Let's dive into these essential facts to understand what DPI is and why it's important.

1. DPI is more than just technology 

Sure, technology is the backbone, but DPI also involves policies, regulations, and stakeholder engagement. It is a whole-of-society approach, weaving together legal, economic, and social threads to turn a country into a fully-fledged digital society, equipped for the future.

Take Egypt as an example. Led by the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT), introduced its "Digital Egypt" holistic strategy as part of its broader digital transformation agenda in recent years. This strategy is part of an ongoing effort to empower citizens, enhance government efficiency, and foster economic growth through comprehensive digital infrastructure development.

It focuses on several key pillars, including developing human capital, expanding digital services, improving IT infrastructure, and fostering innovation and entrepreneurship. This strategic framework aligns with Egypt's Vision 2030, aimed at integrating digital solutions across all sectors to achieve sustainable development and improve quality of life for all.

Similarly, UNDP’s Digital Strategy 2022-2025, acknowledges that the ever-evolving technologies like mobile technologies, artificial intelligence, machine learning, blockchain, and robotics can and do play a crucial role in digitalization and DPI and recognizes that “Digital is also a mindset, which translates into a new way of working that enables people and institutions to innovate with technology”. 

2. DPI is a game-changer for all countries

It is easy to think that DPI is just the plaything of developed nations, but DPI is crucial for both developed and developing countries. In fact, it can play a transformative role in developing regions by providing essential services like digital identity, financial inclusion, and access to e-governance platforms.

In Egypt, recent fiber optic expansions have improved connectivity, in both urban and rural communities. 4,500 villages, home to 58 million citizens of Egypt’s flagship “Decent Life” Initiative are benefiting from social and economic digital opportunities.

MCIT also launched its Digital Egypt Portal with support from UNDP Egypt, to provide e-government services. More than 170 digital government services like traffic and tax management, licensing, and citizen services, are inclusive and easily accessible for all.

Egypt Post has also made impressive strides in modernizing its services. With support from UNDP Egypt, it availed 27 government digital services and digitized nearly 3,000 post offices, becoming a vital access point for e-government services for low- and middle-income citizens.

However, technology alone isn’t enough. Efforts to bridge the digital divide in Egypt involve multiple partners working together to ensure digital literacy, equitable access, and inclusive policies. In Egypt, efforts to bridge this divide highlights the importance of a holistic approach. UNDP Egypt and MCIT have teamed up with other key partners, including the Ministry of Youth and Sports (MoYS), the Ministry of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation (MoPEDIC), and the National Institute for Governance and Sustainable Development (NIGSD). Together, they have rolled out specialized programs aimed at enhancing digital skills among vulnerable groups, focusing on women, girls, and persons with disabilities.

3. Digital infrastructure doesn't automatically lead to digital literacy 

While DPI provides the tools for digital access, active efforts in education and training are necessary to improve digital literacy and empower citizens to use digital services effectively. Having DPI in place is like possessing a toolbox—it’s full of potential, but you still need to know how to use those tools.

Egypt’s capacity building programs increased the number of beneficiaries in digital training 100-fold over six years. More than 20 'Creativa' Innovation Hubs nationwide are supporting entrepreneurs in the digital field, and with 250,000 STEM graduates each year and 400,000 ICT trainees in 2023/2024, Egypt is strengthening its position as a hub for "digital-ready" generations. This effort is supported by the Egypt University of Informatics (EUI), Africa's first ICT-specialized university.

Recognizing the importance of ICT-driven entrepreneurship, UNDP Egypt’s partnership with the Technology Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center (TIEC) has resulted in 30,000 new jobs and support for startups and SMEs.

4. DPI is not a One-Size-Fits-All Solution 

 Each country has its own unique set of cultural, economic, and political characteristics, and DPI needs to be tailored to fit these specific contexts.

Digital Public Infrastructure isn't simply about applying the same model everywhere. What works in one country might not be suitable for another due to differences in infrastructure, governance, and societal needs. For instance, a digital identity system that succeeds in a densely populated urban area might face hurdles in a rural region with limited internet access.

Consider how countries like Estonia and India have customized their DPI approaches. Estonia's compact size and tech-savvy population have allowed it to implement an efficient e-governance system quickly. In contrast, India's approach with Aadhaar, its large-scale digital identity program, addresses the challenges of a vast and diverse population by focusing on wide-reaching inclusivity and accessibility.

Tailoring DPI means paying attention to these various factors—like language preferences, literacy levels, and existing technological capacities—to design systems that genuinely meet the local needs and expectations. Doing so ensures that the infrastructure is not only effective but also embraced by citizens, maximizing its impact on everyday life and development goals.

5. DPI is a critical accelerator of the SDGs   

DPI's potential to accelerate progress on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is immense. According to a recent study by UNDP and partners, DPI facilitates the delivery of basic services such as education, healthcare and financial inclusion, thereby contributing significantly to the achievement of the SDGs. By enabling transparent and efficient public services, DPI can empower governments to build more resilient societies leaving no one behind.

It’s clear that rights-based and people-centric DPI offers tremendous potential to transform societies, but it's no magic wand. There are challenges to tackle, like ensuring digital literacy and equitable access; sustainable finance and appropriate regulatory frameworks. However, with collaborative efforts from governments, private sector, international organizations and academia, DPI gives us a solid foundation to build a more connected, inclusive future.

Recognizing facts and understanding the realities of DPI can help stakeholders better appreciate its potential and work towards overcoming challenges in its implementation.