Co-Develop & CIPESA Empowering East Africa’s Journalists to Shape the Future of Digital Public Infrastructure Discourse

What if the future of digital public infrastructure (DPI) was shaped not just by policymakers and technologists, but by the stories that journalists tell? At Co-Develop, we believe that the stories told about DPI can drive awareness, accountability, and action. This is why Co-Develop is pleased to announce a new partnership with the Collaboration on International ICT Policy for East and Southern Africa (CIPESA) to launch a DPI Journalism Fellowship in Eastern Africa. 

Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

Building on the success of our West African program, this initiative will equip journalists across Burundi, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Somalia, South Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda with the skills, resources, and networks needed to report on DPI and Digital Public Goods (DPGs) with depth and clarity. By promoting informed public discourse, the program aims to make digital transformation more accessible and transparent to the communities it serves. 

Digital public infrastructure refers to the foundational digital systems, platforms, and services that enable secure, efficient, and inclusive delivery of public and private services. Examples of DPI include digital identity (ID) systems, instant payment platforms, data exchange frameworks, open data platforms, and eGovernment platforms. 

The West African fellowship trained 20 journalists who produced over 115 impactful stories, leading to policy debates and meaningful reforms—such as the digitization of birth certificates in Nigeria following a corruption exposé. Inspired by this success, we are excited to bring this model to Eastern Africa, where digital transformation is rapidly advancing, yet public engagement remains limited.

Despite significant DPI developments, many citizens remain unaware of their implications. The media plays a critical role in bridging this gap. The new journalism fellowship will empower journalists to report on DPI in ways that highlight its benefits, challenges, and impact on everyday lives.

Through a structured program of training, reporting grants, and collaborations with regional media houses, the fellowship will amplify DPI narratives, encourage investigative journalism, and promote greater transparency and accountability. Drawing from insights gained in West Africa, we aim to build a scalable and sustainable model that strengthens public understanding of DPI, ensuring it is not just a policy conversation but a lived reality for millions. 

“We welcome this timely initiative, which will strengthen the role of journalism in shaping the future of DPI in Eastern Africa and we look forward to seeing the transformative impact of this collaboration”, said Dr. Wairagala Wakabi, the CIPESA Executive Director. “As digital transformation accelerates, journalists can play a vital role in ensuring that the public remains informed about the opportunities and challenges associated with DPI.”

He added that the fellowship will help bridge the gap between policymakers and the public, enhancing transparency and accountability in digital governance.

We look forward to seeing the transformative impact of this collaboration.

“This fellowship aligns with CIPESA’s commitment to promoting and protecting digital rights, the digital economy, and inclusive digital societies across Africa,” Dr. Wakabi said. “We expect this program to produce a new cadre of investigative journalists who will drive meaningful public discourse on DPI and DPGs. We hope that this will in turn contribute to policies and practices that ensure digital public infrastructure serves all citizens equitably while remaining rights-respecting.”