What is digital public infrastructure?
Countries around the world are putting in place the digital building blocks that connect people, businesses, and governments. When foundational, reusable systems such as digital ID, payments, and data sharing work together for the public benefit, they expand access to essential services and open new paths to economic opportunity. This is digital public infrastructure.
DPI functions similarly to roads.
Digital public infrastructure, or DPI, is similar to roads, which form a physical network essential for people to connect with each other and access a huge range of goods and services.
These goods and services are vital in creating economic opportunity across many sectors-including finance, health, and agriculture.
Without DPI, there are roadblocks.
But what happens when people don’t have access to these goods and services?
It results in limited inclusion, particularly affecting women and poor people.
It restricts choice in the range of goods and services available and how to access them.
It poses cybersecurity and regulatory safety concerns.
Addressing these challenges is crucial to promote equal opportunities, diverse access to goods and services, and a safer digital environment for all.
When countries implement DPI…
Similarly, the elements of DPI—digital ID, payments, and data exchange—form a cohesive digital network that enables countries to safely and efficiently open economic opportunities and deliver social services to its residents.
People have access to the goods and services they need to live healthy, productive lives, making the country stronger and more resilient.
They save time and money, while having the freedom to make choices to meet the unique needs of themselves and their families.
Read: Explainers and examples
Watch: DPI in action
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The ripple effect of digital banking on local communities
Digital banking lets millions of people safely receive, send, and save money without the need for cash. One young woman…
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Harnessing digital technology for public good: An Indian CTO’s story
Ramesh Narayanan, CTO of the digital ID system MOSIP, shares the inspiration behind his work and how MOSIP can improve…
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Financial independence through last mile service delivery
Ram Bhatari, a recipient of the India Post Payments Bank’s door to door banking effort, tells her story about her…
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Digital banking is helping women to unlock their full potential
Access to digital banking services from Rajesh’s doorstep allows her to fully take control of her finances and make decisions…
Ways we’re working to expand DPI
At this critical time, the global financing community and countries must come together to invest in DPI and build inclusive, resilient economies. We’re leading the charge by funding programs that create and grow the critical digital financial infrastructure needed to serve everyone, especially the poor.
Inclusive Financial Systems
Our goal is to expand access to digital financial services so the poorest people around the globe can build security and prosperity for their communities.
DPI initiatives we support
We partner with technical assistance programs, such as Africa
Nenda and the World Bank’s ID4D initiative, so countries can underpin their DPI with appropriate regulations and safeguards.
The World Bank: Identification for Development
The World Bank’s ID4D Initiative is a global leading organization advocating for ID systems to be based on a robust set of principles, including privacy by design, security, user control, safeguarding data privacy, and protecting user rights through a comprehensive legal and regulatory framework.
AfricaNenda: Accelerating inclusive payment systems
AfricaNenda provides technical support to expand the broader pipeline of fundable, instant, and inclusive payment system projects with the aim to achieve universal financial inclusion on the continent by 2030.
Mojaloop Foundation
Mojaloop open source software lowers the cost to build, maintain, and modify inclusive instant payment systems (IIPS) that bring affordable, connected digital financial services to anyone with access to a mobile phone.
MOSIP
The Modular Open Source Identity Platform (MOSIP) is a robust, scalable, and inclusive platform on which national foundational IDs are built and configured in an efficient and cost effective way.
Co-Develop
Co-Develop accelerates the adoption of digital public infrastructure in a way that is inclusive, safe, and equitable.
Digital Public Goods Alliance
The Digital Public Goods Alliance aims to unlock the potential of open-source technologies for a more equitable world.
Digital Impact Alliance
The Digital Impact Alliance aims to connect people with evidence to build the digital tools that work for society.
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Read more
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Why digital public infrastructure matters
Digital public infrastructure (DPI) is a powerful tool for reducing poverty. Our expert explains what it is and how it’s transforming economies worldwide.
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