Digital Identity, Open-Source Platforms, and African Economic Integration

Olaniyi Evans

Hequation Review, 2026, vol. 2, issue 1, 1-6

Abstract: Over 800 million people globally lack official proof of identity, with sub-Saharan Africa bearing a disproportionate share of that deficit. This article analyses the emerging architecture of Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), with specific focus on foundational digital identity systems, open-source deployment models, and cross-border payment interoperability. Drawing on Ethiopia's Fayda programme, the Modular Open Source Identity Platform (MOSIP), Africa's pan-continental payment initiatives, and Latin America's Pix-driven experience, the analysis identifies structural constraints, governance risks, and private-sector investment opportunities. The central argument is that Africa's ability to realise the AfCFTA's projected $275 billion trade dividend depends materially on sovereign, open-source digital rails deployed at continental scale.

Keywords: Digital Public Infrastructure; digital identity; financial inclusion; platform interoperability; open-source public goods; African integration (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: G21 L86 O33 O38 O55 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2026
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:heq:heqrev:v2y2026i1a1

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