By Nkechi Eze
The Permanent Secretary, General Services Office (GSO), Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF), Dr Ibrahim Kana, has called for stronger collaboration among African nations in developing robust Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) systems to drive inclusive governance, economic growth, innovation, and citizen-focused service delivery across the continent.
According to an official signed statement by the Head, Information and Public Relations, OSGF, Mr Chris Ugwuegbulam, Dr Kana made the call during a High-Level Continental Engagement themed “Building African Digital Foundations Together,” organized by Galaxy Backbone Limited in collaboration with Co-Develop, Smart Africa, and MicroSave Consulting on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, in Abuja.
Addressing government representatives, development partners, digital institutions, and stakeholders from across Africa, Dr Kana described the gathering as a strategic platform for shaping the future of Africa’s digital economy and strengthening the technological foundations required for sustainable development.
He stressed that Africa’s digital transformation agenda must move beyond the simple digitization of existing systems toward the development of a uniquely African digital future built on collaboration, inclusion, trust, and scalability.
Dr Kana noted that Digital Public Infrastructure has become a critical pillar for national development and global competitiveness, adding that countries making significant progress in areas such as innovation, financial inclusion, healthcare, education, digital governance, and artificial intelligence are doing so through resilient digital ecosystems.
“Digital identity systems, interoperable payment rails, trusted data exchange frameworks, and secure digital platforms are no longer optional national assets; they have become essential instruments of state capability and economic resilience,” he stated.
The Permanent Secretary commended Galaxy Backbone Limited, the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), and the Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System (NIBSS) for their contributions to Nigeria’s growing Digital Public Infrastructure ecosystem and support for the Federal Government’s digital transformation agenda.
He noted that Galaxy Backbone has consistently demonstrated commitment to strengthening secure digital infrastructure, modernizing the public sector, and enhancing service delivery through technology-driven initiatives.
Dr Kana also welcomed ongoing efforts toward the development of a unified African Digital Public Infrastructure roadmap over the next three to five years, stating that such a framework would help participating countries identify common priorities, encourage reusable digital building blocks, reduce implementation costs, and strengthen local innovation ecosystems.
He further emphasized the need for African countries to move beyond policy conversations to practical implementation through pilot projects, shared platforms, and coordinated systems capable of supporting interoperability in digital identity management, payment systems, trade facilitation, healthcare delivery, education, and data governance across the continent.
Speaking on emerging technologies, Dr Kana warned that Africa’s preparedness for the era of Artificial Intelligence would largely depend on the strength of its Digital Public Infrastructure systems.
“There can be no meaningful Artificial Intelligence ecosystem without strong digital public infrastructure. Trusted data systems, digital identity frameworks, connectivity infrastructure, and interoperable platforms remain essential prerequisites for building ethical and inclusive AI systems that serve public interest objectives,” he said.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation to innovation, regional cooperation, and digital transformation, assuring that Nigeria remains committed to working with African countries and the international community toward building a digitally connected, inclusive, and prosperous continent.
Dr Kana also stressed the importance of sustaining public trust in digital systems through governance frameworks that promote transparency, accountability, accessibility, security, and inclusion.
In his remarks, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Galaxy Backbone Limited, Prof. Ibrahim Adeyanju, said the engagement provided a critical opportunity for African countries to deepen collaboration, strengthen partnerships, and exchange practical ideas for building resilient and inclusive digital ecosystems capable of driving economic growth and improving public service delivery across the continent.
