Developing Economies Need Not Reinvent the Tech Wheel: Co-Develop CEO
Co-Develop advocates for reusable digital public infrastructure to accelerate global development and service delivery.
1Global Digital Infrastructure Fund
Co-Develop operates as a global nonprofit fund focused on accelerating the adoption of safe, inclusive digital public infrastructure. Led by CEO CV Madhukar, the organization works directly with governments to identify technical solutions. They aim to move away from siloed systems toward shared digital foundations that support multiple public services simultaneously.
2Beyond Conventional Project Financing
Current development bank models often favor project-based financing, which requires countries to build bespoke systems from scratch. Madhukar argues this approach is inefficient for digital technology. Instead, he advocates for product-based financing, which supports continuous improvement and adaptation, ensuring that software remains relevant as government requirements and technological standards evolve over time.
3The Case for Reusability
Many developing nations face identical challenges, yet they frequently rebuild the same software solutions repeatedly. Co-Develop promotes the use of reusable digital assets to prevent this duplication. By leveraging existing open-source platforms, countries can save significant resources and focus on implementing services rather than reinventing foundational technical components for every department.
4Strategic Implementation in Africa
Co-Develop currently supports initiatives in 45 countries, with 23 located in Africa. In Ethiopia, the government utilizes the open-source MOSIP platform for national digital identity. Meanwhile, Zambia has successfully applied digital identity verification to emergency assistance and health services, demonstrating how one foundational capability can effectively serve multiple disparate government programs.
5Verifiable Credentials and Registration
In countries like Tanzania, Peru, and Trinidad and Tobago, the organization supports the implementation of verifiable digital credentials. These systems allow for the secure issuance and authentication of educational certificates and licenses. Additionally, they support OpenCRVS, an open-source software for civil registration, which provides the essential data needed for social protection.
6Institutional Advisory Support
To bridge the technical gap, Co-Develop helped establish the Centre for Digital Public Infrastructure at IIIT Bangalore in 2023. This center provides critical architectural advice to governments, helping them design systems that communicate effectively across departments. This advisory role is essential for preventing the creation of new, disconnected digital silos within government.
7The Trusted Repository Challenge
A major hurdle for adopting foreign-developed software is the lack of trust regarding source and quality. Madhukar emphasizes the need for a neutral, dependable repository of digital assets. Such a platform would allow countries to select solutions without fearing geopolitical capture or control by a single nation, ensuring long-term sovereign digital independence.
8Lessons from Indian Experience
India’s G20 presidency in 2023 highlighted the global potential of digital public infrastructure through systems like Aadhaar and UPI. However, Madhukar cautions against exporting an 'Indian blueprint' as a universal solution. Instead, he suggests that developing economies should analyze their unique challenges and adapt shared digital foundations to fit their specific local circumstances.
9Overcoming Institutional Coordination Hurdles
Technology implementation is often easier than the accompanying institutional change. Government departments frequently resist sharing systems due to concerns over budget control, data access, and departmental autonomy. Co-Develop works to align these interests by demonstrating the collective value of shared infrastructure, which requires strong leadership commitment to coordinate across various ministries.
10Technology-Agnostic Approach
Co-Develop does not act as a technology vendor or an implementing agency. Their approach is strictly technology-agnostic, helping governments evaluate choices between open-source solutions and proprietary vendors. By providing catalytic funding and convening the right partners, they empower sovereign governments to make informed decisions that best serve their specific national requirements.
11Ecosystem and Capacity Building
Beyond software, countries require the institutional capacity to maintain and integrate digital systems effectively. Co-Develop connects governments with technical organizations and encourages peer learning among nations. This collaborative ecosystem ensures that countries are not dependent on a single provider, fostering a sustainable environment for long-term digital growth and public service delivery.
12Future of Digital Infrastructure
The future of digital public infrastructure depends on shifting development bank models toward continuous product development. By prioritizing reusable, trusted, and adaptable digital assets, developing economies can bypass legacy inefficiencies. This strategic shift is foundational for AI readiness and ensures that digital systems remain resilient, scalable, and truly beneficial for all citizens.