How India’s digital journey offers a replicable model to Africa

The core idea of introducing Digital India was leveraging technology to promote inclusivity, affordability, and access to public services, particularly for marginalised communities. As most African nations are poised for digital transformation, the Indian experience could offer them a cost-effective and contextually relevant model. This replicable model holds immense potential for African governments seeking to address their digital divides and improve governance through technological solutions.

Role of India in Africa’s digital aspirations

Africa’s current challenges towards digital transformation resemble what India encountered almost a decade ago, including low internet penetration, inadequate infrastructure, and fragmented public service delivery. The continent must harness digital solutions to leapfrog towards sustainable and inclusive development.

Therefore, it would be helpful for Africa to draw insights from India’s digital journey, demonstrating how scalable policy frameworks and cost-effective technological innovations can drive substantial transformation. 

A notable example is Aadhaar, India’s biometric digital identity programme, which has successfully enrolled over one billion individuals at a cost of approximately USD 1 per identity. This digital identity infrastructure is linked to a broad range of services, including direct benefit transfers, financial inclusion, and access to healthcare. It is widely recognised as a model for inclusive and efficient governance.

Long-term technological and academic collaboration 

Time and again, India has demonstrated its commitment to share its technological expertise and institutional frameworks supporting Africa’s digital progress. Through bilateral cooperation and the India-Africa Forum Summit (IAFS), India has initiated various programmes and interventions to enhance Africa’s digital ecosystem. These include bilateral financial assistance, grants, and Lines of Credit (LoCs) to support infrastructure and capacity development in the information and communications technology (ICT) space.

To cite some examples, India has facilitated the establishment of Information Technology (IT) centres in Kenya, Botswana, Uganda, Tanzania, and Ghana. It donated advanced computing equipment to multiple African nations and contributed to flagship infrastructure projects such as the Cyber Tower in Mauritius and the Kofi Annan Centre of Excellence in ICT in Ghana. At Al Azhar University in Egypt, India supported the creation of a Centre of Excellence in Information Technology to promote digital skills among youth.

A particularly significant milestone was achieved in 2023 when India established its first overseas campus of the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) in Zanzibar, Tanzania. The campus offers advanced Data Science and Artificial Intelligence programmes, signifying India’s commitment to long-term academic and technological collaboration and digital capacity building for African youth.

Utility of India’s digital infrastructure 

In 2009, India launched the Pan Africa e-Network, a continent-wide initiative facilitating tele-education and telemedicine services. Building upon this, the e-VidyaBharti (Tele-education) and e-ArogyaBharti (Tele-medicine) project (e-VBAB) was initiated in 2019 to further integrate African students and patients with Indian academic and medical institutions.

Under the e-VBAB scheme, in the last few years, thousands of scholarships have been offered to African students for higher education in Indian universities. The initiative has also enabled citizens across Africa to access remote telehealth consultations and has facilitated digital connectivity between Indian and African universities and hospitals. This model of low-cost, high-impact cooperation demonstrates the utility of India’s digital infrastructure in supporting Africa’s digital journey.

India’s private sector has also played a pivotal role in expanding the scope of India-Africa digital engagement. For instance, Xtelify, the subsidiary of Bharti Airtel, recently entered into a multi-year, multi-million-dollar partnership with the Government of Nigeria. The agreement focuses on deploying AI-enabled platforms to enhance Nigeria’s telecommunications infrastructure, improving operational efficiency and customer service delivery across 14 African markets.

Growing interest in India’s digital governance 

Furthermore, African governments are increasingly replicating Indian models of governance and financial inclusion. Namibia is exploring the use of India’s electronic voting systems, while Ghana is adopting the Ujjwala LPG distribution framework. Delegations from various African countries have also conducted study tours to India to understand the implementation of digital payments and public distribution systems. These engagements underscore the rising interest in India’s technological solutions and digital governance mechanisms.

Digital identity systems are essential for effective digital governance, enabling access to public services, secure financial transactions, and cross-border e-commerce. India’s Aadhaar system provides a scalable model for African nations seeking to enhance service delivery, reduce inefficiencies, and promote financial and social inclusion.

With a median age of approximately 19 years, Africa possesses the youngest population globally. However, to harness this demographic advantage, substantial investment in digital skill development would be required. India’s experience with initiatives such as Skill India, Digital Saksharta Abhiyan, and the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) programme provides valuable insights for developing customised skill development strategies in African contexts.

Rapid expansion of Africa’s digital economy

Equally important is the creation of local ecosystems that support innovation and entrepreneurship. India’s burgeoning start-up ecosystem, particularly in fintech, health-tech, and agri-tech, offers instructive models for fostering sustainable, tech-driven enterprises in emerging markets.

Although Africa’s digital economy is still nascent, it is undergoing rapid expansion. Internet penetration increased from 2.1 per cent in 2005 to approximately 38 per cent in 2024. In 2023, the mobile industry contributed $140 billion, or 7 per cent, to the GDP of the region, a number which is expected to grow to $170 billion by 2030. The continent has also established itself as a leader in mobile financial services, with half of the world’s mobile money providers based in sub-Saharan Africa.

The ratification of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) presents Africa with a unique opportunity to build a single market across the continent. However, for this vision to materialise, greater effort must be placed on digital connectivity, innovation ecosystems, and data governance. Indian technology firms, educational institutions, and investors are well-positioned to contribute to this transformative process.

Way forward

The digital cooperation between India and Africa underscores a broader commitment to inclusive development, mutual capacity-building, and technological independence. As both regions navigate the complexities of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, their partnership offers a compelling framework for South-South cooperation in the digital age.

Undoubtedly, India’s successful deployment of digital technologies for inclusive governance provides a replicable model for African nations. With strong political will, flexible policy frameworks, and strategic cooperation, India and Africa are well-placed to co-create a future where digital innovation drives socio-economic progress across the Global South.

Post read questions

As most African nations are poised for digital transformation, how could India’s experience offer them a cost-effective and contextually relevant model?

How can Africa leverage insights from India’s digital journey to build scalable policy frameworks and adopt cost-effective technologies that accelerate inclusive transformation across the continent?

India-Africa digital partnership is achieving mutual respect, co-development and long-term institutional partnerships. Elaborate.

Through bilateral cooperation and the India-Africa Forum Summit (IAFS), India has initiated various programmes and interventions to enhance Africa’s digital ecosystem. Elaborate.

In what ways can the India-Africa digital partnership serve as a strategic model for South-South cooperation amid the challenges and opportunities of the Fourth Industrial Revolution?

(Samir Bhattacharya is an Associate Fellow at the Observer Research Foundation.)

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