Colonial legacies influencing digital ID in Africa
A 10 African country case studies report on digital ID systems has found that colonial legacies influence purposes and implementation of digital ID. It examines the state of digital ID systems in Ghana, Kenya, Lesotho, Mozambique, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zimbabwe. The report cautions that digital ID may introduce new forms of colonialism through data. It recommends collaborative multistakeholder approaches in the design, financing, implementation and governance of digital identity ecosystems. It also calls for involvement of those who are affected by digital ID systems as early as possible.
About author
DW Team
The GIP Digital Watch Observatory team, consisting of over 30 digital policy experts from around the world, excels in the fields of research and analysis on digital policy issues. The team is backed by the creative prowess of Creative Lab Diplo and the technical expertise of the Diplo tech team.