Apolitical Released Inaugural DPI 50 List of Leaders
The list honors 50 global public sector officials driving the development of inclusive digital public infrastructure.
Updated on Oct. 2, 2026 in Civic Engagement
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Apolitical and the World Economic Forum have published the inaugural 2026 DPI 50 list to recognize leaders implementing digital public infrastructure systems. The list was unveiled during the 81st UN General Assembly.
Why it matters
This initiative highlights public servants who manage large-scale digital programs, which are increasingly vital for providing citizens with secure access to government services and official identification.
The list includes 12 African officials, with notable programs like Kenya's eCitizen platform hosting over 20,000 services and Ethiopia's Fayda program enrolling 51 million people.
The players
Apolitical
This global platform connects public servants and policymakers to share solutions and best practices for government innovation.
World Economic Forum
The international non-governmental organization engages political, business, and cultural leaders to shape global and industry agendas.
Tariq Malik
He is a prominent public official recognized for his work in digital identity through his leadership at the National Database and Registration Authority.
The details
Candidates were selected through desk research and partner nominations before undergoing three rounds of assessment by WEF Council members and Apolitical leadership. The list emphasizes the expansion of digital identity, demonstrated by Malawi's 99 percent coverage and Nigeria's issuance of 142 million identification numbers.
Timeline
October 2, 2026: The DPI 50 list was officially published.
2021: Tariq Malik returned to the National Database and Registration Authority in Pakistan.
December 2026: Nigeria targets reaching 95 percent national identification coverage.
Next week: Biometric Update will publish an interview with Tariq Malik.
Political Context
Critics of centralized digital public infrastructure often raise concerns regarding state surveillance, data privacy, and the risks of exclusionary access for vulnerable populations. Opponents advocate for decentralized identity solutions to ensure that digital government programs do not become tools for government overreach.
The expansion of digital public infrastructure directly impacts how residents access government services, potentially reducing wait times and increasing the reliability of identity verification. For citizens, these systems often determine the ease of accessing everything from healthcare to banking and public voting.
The takeaway
Public sector leaders are prioritizing scalable digital systems to bridge the gap between citizens and modern government services. Implementing these platforms requires balancing high enrollment targets with robust data protection and inclusive design standards.
What happens next
Nigeria plans to reach 95 percent identification coverage by December 2026.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest developments in Civic Engagement.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Biometric Update.
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