Annexure 2: DPI Public Value Measurement Framework was prepared and supported by Research ICT Africa in collaboration with the International Telecommunications Union, United Nations Development Programme, the African Union Commission, Digital Impact Alliance, University College London, and the University of Cambridge during their Knowledge Partnership with the South African Presidency’s Digital Economy Working Group (DEWG). Developed under Priority 2: Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) and Transformation, this measurement framework was initially prepared as an Issue Brief, and was eventually formalised in the DEWG’s final Chair’s Statement.
The DPI Public Value Measurement Framework serves as a tool for mapping and evaluating the direct, dynamic, and market-shaping effects of public DPI investments. The ‘Public Value’ Approach frames DPI as infrastructure with long-term, cross-sectoral impacts and broad, social spillover effects. Through illustrative metrics and indicators, this tool allows state actors to look beyond purely fiscal assessments and identify their indirect value across governments, industries, markets, and societies alike.
Developed as an adaptable tool that can be translated across varied geocultural and geopolitical contexts, the framework uses pre- and post-deployment benchmarking to determine the cross-cutting impact of DPI systems, as well as to support DPI monitoring, learning, and long-term systemic transformation. Metrics are clear and practical, allowing G20 members and international partners ease of uptake. Recommendations equally include an invitation to G20 member states to align, adopt, expand and incorporate the measurement framework into their own national policies, piloting the framework to ensure long-term value creation in the public interest.
