Editorial 1: ​​Time for a new India-Africa digital compact

Context

A new India–Africa digital compact, based on mutual respect, co-development, and long-term partnerships, can become a scalable model to boost digital inclusion across the continent.

Introduction

Africa Day (May 25) celebrates the founding of the Organisation of African Unity in 1963. It stands for the continent’s continued efforts towards unity, independence, and development. To move forward into a new phase of growth, the African Union’s Digital Transformation Strategy (2020–2030) puts digital innovation at the centre of its plans. It highlights the importance of governments using digital tools to speed up social and economic development.

• The changing global landscape is influencing India’s development diplomacy in Africa.
• For many years, India combined government-led funding with socially driven solutions, such as:
  • Technical training and capacity-building programs
  • Infrastructure projects supported by concessional loans
• Now, social enterprises that offer low-cost, high-impact innovations are also becoming key players in India’s Africa engagement.
• This marks a shift towards more inclusive and flexible partnerships.

A digital partnership

India's New Digital Development Approach in Africa

Shift in Development Strategy

• India is entering a new phase of development cooperation with Africa.
• The focus is now on integrated, technology-driven partnerships.
• Builds on early efforts like the Pan-African e-Network (2009) offering:
  • Tele-medicine and tele-education
  • Via satellite and fibre-optic systems
  • Executed by Telecommunications Consultants India Ltd (TCIL)

Building on India’s DPI Success

• India aims to share and co-develop digital solutions to:
  • Solve governance challenges
  • Improve service delivery
• Aligned with African efforts like:
  • Smart Africa Alliance
  • Policy and Regulatory Initiative for Digital Africa

India–Africa Digital Collaborations: Key Cases

• These show a growing interest in India’s DPI model known for:
  • Affordability
  • Scalability
  • Open-source design

The Competitive Digital Landscape in Africa

• African countries select digital partners based on their ability to:
  • Meet local digital needs
  • Offer cost-effective solutions

Strategic Moves: IIT Madras – Zanzibar Campus

• First overseas campus of IIT Madras established in Zanzibar.
• Offers programs in:
  • Data Science
  • Artificial Intelligence
• Funded with help from Indian private sector (scholarships, infrastructure).
• Aims to:
  • Build technical capacity
  • Support Africa’s digital infrastructure
  • Align tech with socio-economic development

Challenges to Africa’s Digital Transformation

• Africa faces the world’s largest digital divide, driven by:
  • High cost of data and digital devices
  • Rural–urban gap in internet connectivity
  • Persistent gender gap in digital access and literacy
• Digital infrastructure growth is limited by:
  • Unreliable energy supply in many countries
  • Need for sustainable power and grid expansion

Progress in Digital Governance

• Despite challenges, digital foundations are improving:
  • 85% of African countries have digital-capable national ID systems
  • 70%+ collect biometric data for identification and services
• This forms a base for interoperable and inclusive digital platforms

The Way Forward: India–Africa Digital Compact

• A new India–Africa digital partnership could be based on:
  • Mutual respect
  • Co-development
  • Long-term institutional collaboration
• Focus: building scalable, inclusive, and locally adapted digital systems
• Opportunity: Combine India’s DPI expertise with Africa’s growing digital base to close the divide and support sustainable development.

Conclusion

Africa’s digital journey, rooted in unity and self-reliance, is gaining momentum through strategic partnerships. India’s technology-driven, public-good approach offers Africa scalable, inclusive solutions to tackle governance and service gaps. Despite persistent digital divides and energy challenges, the foundation is strong. A forward-looking India–Africa digital compact can power a more equitable, connected, and resilient future for the continent.