UK and South Africa hold knowledge exchange session on digital public infrastructure in Pretoria
Date: 2026-04-11
By: Nana Appiah Acquaye
The
United Kingdom and South Africa have strengthened collaboration on digital
public infrastructure (DPI) following a three-day knowledge exchange programme
held in Pretoria, bringing together experts from both governments to share
insights on national digital transformation.
The
engagement convened specialists from the UK Government Digital Service (GDS)
and South Africa’s Digital Services Unit (DSU) within The Presidency, creating
a platform for peer-to-peer learning on critical components of DPI, including
digital identity, inclusive payment systems, service design, and data exchange
frameworks.
The
sessions were opened by British High Commissioner to South Africa, Antony
Phillipson, alongside representatives from the DSU, including Melvyn Lubega and
Richard Gevers, who underscored a shared commitment to building citizen-centred
digital systems that enhance public service delivery.
Discussions
examined how the UK’s Government-as-a-Platform approach and its GOV.UK One
Login system could inform South Africa’s MyMzansi initiative and broader data
exchange ambitions. Participants also explored key factors required to develop
trusted and interoperable digital infrastructure, as well as the institutional
frameworks necessary to sustain long-term implementation.
The
exchange further addressed practical lessons from both countries’ experiences,
including policy constraints, operational challenges, and strategies for
scaling digital solutions from pilot stages to nationwide deployment.
The
initiative forms part of ongoing efforts to deepen UK–South Africa cooperation
in digital innovation, with a focus on strengthening institutional capacity and
accelerating inclusive digital transformation.
