From digital payments and IDs to e-government services, digital public infrastructure, or DPI, increasingly powers daily life. It also has the potential to improve life for millions around the world by helping to achieve the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.
But first, you have to understand the technology — and here, reactions are mixed, according to a new Devex survey on DPI and development.
DPI refers to the shared digital resources designed for public benefit — such as digital identity systems, interoperable payments, and data exchange platforms — that sit atop physical infrastructure, such as internet connectivity and servers.
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About the author
Anna Gawel
Anna Gawel is the Managing Editor of Devex. She previously worked as the managing editor of The Washington Diplomat, the flagship publication of D.C.’s diplomatic community. She’s had hundreds of articles published on world affairs, U.S. foreign policy, politics, security, trade, travel and the arts on topics ranging from the impact of State Department budget cuts to Caribbean efforts to fight climate change. She was also a broadcast producer and digital editor at WTOP News and host of the Global 360 podcast. She holds a journalism degree from the University of Maryland in College Park.
