New Co-Develop Survey Highlights Digital Infrastructure Potential for African Entrepreneurs
As the world gears up for the Global DPI Summit 2025, a newly released survey by Co-Develop sheds light on the crucial role that digital public infrastructure (DPI) could play in promoting entrepreneurship across Africa. Covering six key markets, the survey reveals that secure and effective digital payment and identity systems could be transformative in fostering trade and enabling business growth.
The Ipsos online survey encompasses responses from participants in Ethiopia, Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, Tanzania, and Uganda. The findings suggest that perceptions of DPI are not just about technology, but they reflect a broader vision for economic opportunity and employment in the region. CV Madhukar, CEO of Co-Develop, emphasizes the importance of trust in using digital systems, stating, "When 82% say they will share data if they understand what is being shared and why, they are setting the terms; transparency, agency, and proven safeguards are crucial for success."
The survey indicates that a formidable 42% of respondents believe the ability to accept secure digital payments is likely to motivate them to launch new ventures or expand existing businesses. Additionally, one-third of those surveyed identified digital identity verification as a key factor in driving entrepreneurial initiatives. This highlights a clear need for foundational supports to enhance business acumen and access to market demands – two factors that also rank highly in respondents' preferences for fostering their entrepreneurial ambitions.
Furthermore, the survey reveals that DPI has the potential to connect markets and spur trade. An impressive 55% of current and aspiring business owners indicated that streamlined payment systems would encourage them to transact beyond their local communities. Similarly, around 48% pointed out that enhanced protection against fraud through digital verification systems would further extend their trading reach. Notably, buying and selling on social media platforms emerged as a highly favored option among participants, reflecting the ways in which digital infrastructure can leverage existing social networks for economic benefit.
The implications are profound: with 82% of respondents agreeing that digital services can help individuals secure better employment opportunities, the survey underscores DPI's pivotal role in widening access to income and job prospects across the continent.
Madhukar's remarks encapsulate the urgency of this moment: "Countries are making critical infrastructure decisions that will influence digital participation for decades to come. The query we should all consider is not whether to construct digital systems, but rather how to establish them as indispensable public infrastructure that benefits everyone. At Co-Develop, we are committed to ensuring African nations develop DPI that aligns with local priorities and safeguards the citizens."
The importance of building trust through a DPI framework cannot be overstated, especially when 82% of respondents expressed willingness to share their data, provided they understand the context of what they’re sharing. Essential features that respondents identified as conducive to data sharing include fraud protection (67%), personal data control (61%), and clearly defined usage rules (60%).
Understanding Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI)
Digital public infrastructure refers to essential digital services that can be reused for public good, encompassing elements such as digital payments, identification, and data sharing. This approach aligns with the World Bank Group's initiatives to promote DPI as a means to enhance development and economic growth.
About the Survey
The insights from this release are based on a robust online survey conducted by Ipsos on behalf of Co-Develop, which canvassed an urban, representative sample of adults aged 16-65 across the surveyed countries. The results demonstrate strong local representation, ensuring the voices of communities resonate powerfully in discussions about digital futures.
About Co-Develop
Co-Develop is a global nonprofit organization dedicated to accelerating the inclusive adoption of digital public infrastructure. With plans to implement DPI in 50 countries over the next five years, they focus on identifying obstacles to safe and effective adoption and building a solid evidence base for understanding the impact of digital infrastructure.
About the Global DPI Summit 2025
Set to occur from November 4th to 6th, the Global DPI Summit is poised to be the largest assembly of digital public infrastructure stakeholders from around the globe. It aims to highlight advancements made by various countries in the use of DPI and to explore potential partnerships for future initiatives.
The Ipsos online survey encompasses responses from participants in Ethiopia, Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, Tanzania, and Uganda. The findings suggest that perceptions of DPI are not just about technology, but they reflect a broader vision for economic opportunity and employment in the region. CV Madhukar, CEO of Co-Develop, emphasizes the importance of trust in using digital systems, stating, "When 82% say they will share data if they understand what is being shared and why, they are setting the terms; transparency, agency, and proven safeguards are crucial for success."
The survey indicates that a formidable 42% of respondents believe the ability to accept secure digital payments is likely to motivate them to launch new ventures or expand existing businesses. Additionally, one-third of those surveyed identified digital identity verification as a key factor in driving entrepreneurial initiatives. This highlights a clear need for foundational supports to enhance business acumen and access to market demands – two factors that also rank highly in respondents' preferences for fostering their entrepreneurial ambitions.
Furthermore, the survey reveals that DPI has the potential to connect markets and spur trade. An impressive 55% of current and aspiring business owners indicated that streamlined payment systems would encourage them to transact beyond their local communities. Similarly, around 48% pointed out that enhanced protection against fraud through digital verification systems would further extend their trading reach. Notably, buying and selling on social media platforms emerged as a highly favored option among participants, reflecting the ways in which digital infrastructure can leverage existing social networks for economic benefit.
The implications are profound: with 82% of respondents agreeing that digital services can help individuals secure better employment opportunities, the survey underscores DPI's pivotal role in widening access to income and job prospects across the continent.
Madhukar's remarks encapsulate the urgency of this moment: "Countries are making critical infrastructure decisions that will influence digital participation for decades to come. The query we should all consider is not whether to construct digital systems, but rather how to establish them as indispensable public infrastructure that benefits everyone. At Co-Develop, we are committed to ensuring African nations develop DPI that aligns with local priorities and safeguards the citizens."
The importance of building trust through a DPI framework cannot be overstated, especially when 82% of respondents expressed willingness to share their data, provided they understand the context of what they’re sharing. Essential features that respondents identified as conducive to data sharing include fraud protection (67%), personal data control (61%), and clearly defined usage rules (60%).
Understanding Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI)
Digital public infrastructure refers to essential digital services that can be reused for public good, encompassing elements such as digital payments, identification, and data sharing. This approach aligns with the World Bank Group's initiatives to promote DPI as a means to enhance development and economic growth.
About the Survey
The insights from this release are based on a robust online survey conducted by Ipsos on behalf of Co-Develop, which canvassed an urban, representative sample of adults aged 16-65 across the surveyed countries. The results demonstrate strong local representation, ensuring the voices of communities resonate powerfully in discussions about digital futures.
About Co-Develop
Co-Develop is a global nonprofit organization dedicated to accelerating the inclusive adoption of digital public infrastructure. With plans to implement DPI in 50 countries over the next five years, they focus on identifying obstacles to safe and effective adoption and building a solid evidence base for understanding the impact of digital infrastructure.
About the Global DPI Summit 2025
Set to occur from November 4th to 6th, the Global DPI Summit is poised to be the largest assembly of digital public infrastructure stakeholders from around the globe. It aims to highlight advancements made by various countries in the use of DPI and to explore potential partnerships for future initiatives.
Topics Policy & Public Interest）
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