Connecting the Borders for the Future: Advancing Cross-Border Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), Africa’s AI and Smart Public Services

The roundtable will advance the discussion and engagement on the PIDA ICT projects as the solid foundation for the acceleration of scalable and inclusive Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) across Africa. The PIDA ICT project pipeline primarily comprises cross-border broadband networks, regional data centers and regional fibre optic backbone systems, which form the critical enabler for digital ID systems across the continent, e-payment platforms and interoperable data sharing systems that will power artificial intelligence enabled innovation, innovative public services and facilitate the Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

As Digital Public Infrastructure becomes the foundation for the growth of digital economies, service delivery and governance, this roundtable will examine how the current infrastructure project in the PIDA ICT pipeline contributes to accelerating Africa’s readiness for AI and emerging technologies.
The panel will share insights on regional collaboration, interoperability standards, and how the alignment of various DPI initiatives with the African Union Data Policy Framework and other African Union frameworks will enable harmonisation and cross-border coherence. It will suggest and recommend best practice models for public-private partnerships with governments, research institutions, and the private sector.

Participants will be engaged in making actionable recommendations for digital infrastructure investments and effective national and regional coordination for the development of digital public infrastructure.

Objectives for Participants:

• Understand that the PIDA ICT project pipeline and the corridor approach are the bedrock for DPI in Africa.
• Establish practical opportunities for developing and deploying robust AI-driven public services through the current infrastructure.
• Identify some policy and regulatory bottlenecks in developing DPI
• Suggest recommendations for effective interoperable systems and standards.
• Share lessons about public-private partnerships that can enhance inclusivity