CIPESA Released New Report on African Digital Infrastructure
The 2026 report warns that rapidly expanding digital systems in 11 nations could inadvertently exclude vulnerable populations.
Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Data Centers
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A new report from CIPESA highlights the risks associated with the rapid expansion of digital public infrastructure across 11 African nations. The document warns that current modernization efforts in areas like digital identity and payments may neglect critical human rights and governance standards.
Why it matters
As governments shift public services to digital platforms, the report argues that insufficient attention to system governance can lead to the exclusion of marginalized groups. It calls for more inclusive metrics to ensure digital transformation benefits all citizens.
The study analyzed 11 nations, including Egypt, Kenya, and Nigeria, to evaluate digital identity and payment systems. Researchers found that mandatory government gateways frequently suffer from technical failures and maintain inaccurate records.
The players
CIPESA
The Collaboration on International ICT Policy for East and Southern Africa is a leading research and advocacy organization focused on digital rights and technology policy.
The details
The report advocates for replacing narrow coverage targets with disaggregated connectivity metrics to better track service completion. It notes that current digital infrastructure expansion efforts often prioritize modernization over equitable access for vulnerable groups.
Timeline
The State of Internet Freedom in Africa report was published in 2026.
The FIFAfrica26 forum took place in Mauritius during October 2026.
The Tech Race
The report follows the pattern set by the FIFAfrica26 forum by highlighting emerging regional digital governance challenges. It marks a departure from traditional infrastructure metrics by prioritizing human rights in the deployment of national digital identity systems.
As governments move services online, citizens in the affected regions may face new hurdles in accessing essential public benefits due to technical system failures. Users should be aware that standardized digital platforms may not yet account for all demographic needs or service reliability issues.
The takeaway
Digital transformation is expected to increasingly influence how citizens interact with their governments in the coming years. Policymakers should prioritize human rights and inclusive connectivity metrics to ensure that these systems remain accessible to all populations.
Further reading
For more information on the evolving landscape of digital infrastructure, visit the Data Centers section.
More information
Access the full findings in the State of Internet Freedom report link.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Biometric Update.
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