Join us at RightsCon 2026 for a timely and critical conversation on the future of digital public infrastructure (DPI) in the Global South.
Across the Global South, digital public infrastructure (DPI) is increasingly framed as a driver of development, supporting financial inclusion, expanding access to public services, and enabling economic growth. Yet, in practice, critical questions remain about the extent to which these systems deliver meaningful benefits for citizens. Concerns are growing around the use of DPI for surveillance and state control, the exploitation of personal data by service providers, and the exclusion of populations who remain digitally unconnected. These risks are often compounded by weak data governance frameworks, limited cybersecurity protections, infrastructural constraints, and uneven state capacity.
This satellite event brings together researchers and practitioners working on DPI across the Global South for a wide-ranging, comparative discussion. The session aims to surface diverse regional perspectives, unpack the interests and power dynamics shaping DPI ecosystems, and explore both the opportunities and challenges these infrastructures present.
The roundtable will examine key issues including competing DPI models and approaches, digital sovereignty, funder influence, state capacity, digital rights, citizen participation, inequality and empowerment, and the role of civil society. By situating DPI within its broader political, social, and legal contexts, the discussion seeks to bridge the gap between technical framings and real-world governance implications. Following the roundtable, the session will open into an extended public discussion and Q&A, moderated by Research ICT Africa and InternetLab.
Speakers
- Dr Thomas Linder (Research ICT Africa)
- Dr Fernanda Campagnucci (InternetLab)
- Dr Melody Musoni (ECDPM)
- Dr Tony Roberts (Institute of Development Studies)
- Vinay Narayan (Aapti Institute)
Event Details
Date: Tuesday, 5 May 2026
Time: 09:00–11:00
Venue: Room A116, Kenneth Kaunda Wing, Mulungushi International Conference Centre
Register here
Reminder: All participants, including those attending satellite events, must be registered for RightsCon 2026. Registration is now open.