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As global leaders convene at the Global DPI Summit 2025 in Cape Town, new findings by Co-Develop have revealed that Africa’s next generation of entrepreneurs could be empowered through the adoption of digital public infrastructure (DPI). The survey, conducted across six African countries, highlights how secure digital payment and identification systems could spur business creation, trade, and job opportunities across the continent.
The Ipsos online survey, commissioned by Co-Develop, covered Ethiopia, Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, Tanzania, and Uganda, exploring how people experience and perceive DPI and how it influences entrepreneurship, trade, and employment. The findings show that the right digital systems—built on trust, inclusion, and security—could dramatically lower barriers to starting and growing businesses in Africa’s emerging economies.
CV Madhukar, CEO of Co-Develop, emphasized that the foundation of digital transformation must be public trust. “These survey findings reveal what we have long believed: trust is the foundation on which everything else builds,” he said. “When 82% of respondents say they will share data if they understand what is being shared and why, they are setting the terms—transparency, agency, and proven safeguards. The question isn’t whether to build digital systems, but how to build them as foundational public infrastructure that works for everyone.”
According to Madhukar, Africa stands at a critical moment in its digital development, with countries making infrastructure decisions that will shape participation and inclusion for decades. “At Co-Develop, we work as bridge-builders to ensure Africa builds DPI that reflects African priorities and protects African citizens. People are ready. Now we must prove we can deliver infrastructure that lives up to their trust,” he added.
One of the survey’s major insights is DPI’s potential to drive entrepreneurship across Africa. Over four in ten respondents (42%) said the ability to accept secure digital payments would encourage them to start a new business or expand an existing one. Another one in three (33%) pointed to digital identity verification of buyers and sellers as a key enabler for business confidence.
These findings suggest that beyond traditional barriers such as access to capital and business training, reliable digital systems are becoming central to unlocking entrepreneurial ambitions. Respondents also noted that better knowledge about running a business (45%) and understanding market demand (44%) were important drivers—showing that digital tools and education can work hand-in-hand to strengthen small and medium enterprises.
For existing and aspiring entrepreneurs, DPI also holds the promise of expanding market reach. More than half (55%) said digital payment systems would encourage them to buy or sell products outside their local area, while 48% cited stronger fraud protection through digital verification as a confidence booster for cross-border trade. Similarly, 55% said they would be encouraged to trade more actively through social media platforms if secure digital payment and ID systems were in place.
Trust remains the cornerstone of DPI adoption. The survey revealed that 82% of respondents would willingly share their data as long as they understand what is being shared and why. The top features that would make them more comfortable using digital systems include protection from fraud and scams (67%), control over personal data (61%), and clear, transparent rules on data usage (60%).
These factors align with the DPI design principles—embedding security, transparency, and accountability at the core of digital systems. Such trust-driven infrastructure can enable inclusive economic participation, especially for small businesses, women entrepreneurs, and young people across Africa.
Beyond entrepreneurship, DPI could also enhance employment opportunities. About 82% of respondents agreed that digital services and platforms can help people like them find new or better jobs. By promoting easier access to financial services, markets, and data, DPI has the potential to create pathways for millions of Africans to participate meaningfully in the digital economy.
Digital public infrastructure refers to foundational, reusable digital systems—such as digital payments, identification, and data sharing frameworks—designed for public benefit. The World Bank and other development institutions recognize DPI as a critical enabler of inclusive growth, supporting innovation, efficiency, and access to essential services.
Co-Develop, the global nonprofit behind the survey, is accelerating the adoption of safe and inclusive DPI at scale. The organization supports the deployment of DPI in 50 countries within five years, addressing key challenges and promoting evidence-based approaches to implementation.
The Global DPI Summit 2025, which runs from November 4 to 6 in Cape Town, is the world’s largest gathering of stakeholders in the DPI ecosystem. The summit brings together policymakers, private sector leaders, and civil society representatives to discuss progress, partnerships, and strategies for inclusive digital transformation.
As Africa’s economies evolve in an increasingly digital world, the survey’s findings make a clear case: building trust-driven, secure, and inclusive digital systems could unlock the entrepreneurial and economic potential of millions across the continent.
