We strengthen the capacities of government institutions, civil society organisations and other partners worldwide to develop a framework for working with digital platforms and technologies and promoting their responsible use.
Making digital transformation fair
Digitalisation is changing the relationship between state, private sector and society. We support governments in proactively shaping this change – for a fair, secure and inclusive transformation.
We support:
- Frameworks for secure and fair use of digital technologies
- Digital strategies that benefit society as a whole, together with policy-makers, the private sector, the scientific and academic community and civil society
- The development of digital policy-making skills for relevant partners
- Inclusive digital services and solutions for public administration
Strengthening digital sovereignty
As state action shifts into the digital space, the importance of digital sovereignty is growing in strategic terms. It refers to the ability of public institutions to shape digital infrastructure, data flows and technology on an independent, resilient and secure basis, in line with their own legislation, values and societal interests.
This requires systematic analysis of existing dependencies and vulnerabilities at legislative, organisational and technical level.
Digital infrastructure with standardised building blocks
Our GovStack initiative provides standardised, interoperable open source building blocks that governments can use to develop digital administrative services. Authorities can customise the solutions as required, leaving them less dependent on individual service providers. GovStack also supports them in shaping digital workflows and offers training for specialist and IT staff. In this way, the initiative strengthens the digital sovereignty of countries at technical and organisational level.
More about GovStack
Protecting human rights, data and diversity of opinion online
Political and social debates are increasingly taking place online. Meanwhile, risks to social cohesion and democratic institutions are growing. We strengthen the capacities of governments, civil society and the media to deal with disinformation and shape the relevant policy framework. At the same time, we promote formats for digital participation to enable inclusive democratic discourse and support civil society actors and the media in their democratic watchdog role.
InfoTrustAlliance in Moldova
GIZ works on behalf of the German Federal Foreign Office to support the Moldovan Government in making society more resilient to disinformation. We promote coordination between government agencies, cooperation with civil society and cross-border experience-sharing with various partners, including in the Baltic states, Ukraine and Romania. This enhances their ability to identify disinformation campaigns more quickly and counter them effectively.
Creating a responsible framework for digital technologies
Digital technologies and platforms also pose risks, for instance when it comes to data manipulation, fraud, cybercrime and surveillance. International standards and experience are foundational to effective regulation and the ability to guard against misuse.
We advise on policy-making and regulatory processes and support the establishment of strong institutions capable of exploiting the potential of digital technologies for the benefit of all.
Developing AI strategies in Kenya and Ghana
In Kenya and Ghana, we supported the digitalisation ministries and regulatory authorities in developing national AI strategies. The strategies consider the specific opportunities and challenges in the two countries and are based on global AI governance principles. By involving civil society, account has been taken of a number of risks, including those posed to marginalised groups by AI.
Providing regulatory support for the expansion and protection of digital infrastructure
As investment in digital infrastructure grows, so too does the importance of establishing adequate political and regulatory requirements. Fibre-optic networks and data centres must be built with security, resilience, innovation and environmental impact in mind.
We advise governments and partners on telecommunication, data use, cybersecurity and investment-friendly frameworks. Analyses and dialogue formats help to establish resilient and reliable digital infrastructure that serves the public interest.
Data ecosystems in Africa
GIZ’s Digital Investment Facility supports countries with investing in secure and sustainable digital infrastructure, such as data centres and internet hubs, from planning through to financing. We also work with the African Union to develop rules and strategies for working with data. This helps to ensure that data is used more effectively and to establish a basis for secure, cross-border data sharing.
Promoting equality in digital participation
Not everyone enjoys equal access to digital services. Income, education, age, disability, gender and place of residence all play a factor in who is able to use digital offerings. People with disabilities, the elderly and individuals in rural areas are at particular risk of being excluded from digital systems unless systematic efforts are undertaken to counteract the situation.
We promote universal access, accessibility and inclusive digital strategies, drawing on participatory approaches that incorporate the perspectives of disadvantaged groups from the outset. In this way, the digital transformation will be shaped on an equitable basis and in a manner consistent with human rights.
Digital Inclusion Toolbox
Using a practice-focused framework and a toolbox, we support development cooperation actors and policy-makers in designing inclusive digital measures. The toolbox pools the expertise of different individuals, including people with disabilities, and offers specific checklists and tools. This means that digital services can also be provided on an accessible and inclusive basis in low-income and middle-income countries.
Shaping a competitive digital economy
Digital markets are experiencing rapid growth and are increasingly shaping economic opportunities. Fair rules, transparent market structures and open innovation spaces are needed if everyone is to benefit.
We support governments in creating competitive digital ecosystems, from e-commerce standards and workers’ rights in the platform economy to the promotion of local innovation. This includes providing advice on digital economy reforms, innovation labs and programmes for digital entrepreneurs and start-ups.
Promoting e-commerce in the East African Community
Our Pan-African e-Commerce Initiative has made considerable progress in strengthening digital trade in Africa. This includes adopting a regional e-commerce strategy for the East African Community (EAC) and developing national and regional strategies for digital trade and electronic payment systems.
Insights
This project focuses on the following GIZ work priorities:
The project contributes to these Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations: