Digital Technologies, Data Commons and Rights in Africa: The Case of DigitalTransport4Africa

Abstract

With the rapid expansion of digital technologies and data, new opportunities are emerging for public policy at different scales and across sectors. At the same time, new challenges around the governance of data and technology require attention and action. This chapter reviews some of the implications of the rise of digital technologies and data for policy and governance. It also highlights some of the emerging principles and frameworks, including the Digital Principles for Development and the International Open Data Charter, which were created to help ensure that new digital tools and data create public benefits. Next, we discuss the challenges and opportunities of the digital era in relation to the urban transport sector in African cities. Finally, we present the case of DigitalTransport4Africa, a collaborative effort to create a “digital commons” and community to ensure that digital development in this sector is guided by ethical frameworks and harnessed in the public interest. We conclude by drawing some final lessons for policy in a digital age.