ICTworks

In a recent episode of the “Building the Future” podcast, Christopher Burns, Chief Digital Development Officer at USAID, joined Romina Bandura of CSIS to explore USAID’s latest initiatives in digital development. The discussion centered around the USAID Digital Policy, aiming to foster open, inclusive, secure, and rights-respecting digital ecosystems worldwide. Here are the key insights from the conversation.

Evolution of Digital Development at USAID

Chris Burns shared his journey in international development, spanning almost 30 years, and discussed how USAID’s digital work has evolved over the last two decades. Initially, USAID’s efforts in the 1990s focused on expanding basic access to computers and internet connectivity through initiatives like the Leland Initiative, which helped bring the first internet connections to Africa.

However, with the dawn of the mobile revolution around 2010, USAID shifted its focus to leveraging mobile technology, realizing the potential of digital financial services like mobile money to enhance financial inclusion.

USAID’s digital development work has grown from simply providing connectivity to integrating advanced technologies across various development sectors, including agriculture, health, and education. More recently, USAID has expanded its scope to include the role of geospatial analysis, digital identities, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence (AI) in development.

This broadening of focus aims to make sure digital tools are not only accessible but are also responsibly used to enhance socio-economic outcomes.

2020 Digital Strategy Evolution

USAID launched its first-ever digital strategy in 2020, which spanned four years (2020-2024). Burns noted that this strategy reflected USAID’s commitment to embracing the opportunities presented by digital technologies while also acknowledging and mitigating the associated risks, such as cybersecurity threats and digital repression. As the digital landscape evolves rapidly, USAID recognized the need for a longer-term, adaptable approach, leading to the new 10-year Digital Policy.

This policy aims to support partner countries in developing sustainable digital ecosystems that are open, inclusive, secure, and respect human rights. According to Burns, achieving this involves not just infrastructure development but also addressing digital literacy gaps, expanding digital financial services, and reducing digital divides—whether gender, socio-economic, or geographic.

Digital Ecosystem Country Assessments

To guide its work, USAID developed a “Digital Ecosystem Framework” and conducted over 30 Digital Ecosystem Country Assessments (DECAs) to understand local digital landscapes better. These assessments help USAID and its partners identify both opportunities and risks, ensuring that digital interventions are targeted and effective. The DECAs are made publicly available to enable other organizations and governments to benefit from these insights without duplicating efforts.

USAID has also been embedding digital development advisors in its Missions worldwide. These experts work directly with local stakeholders—including government officials, the private sector, and tech communities—to bridge the gap between traditional development programming and digital opportunities. This initiative has helped USAID integrate digital considerations into all facets of its development work, from health to governance.

Internet Access: Connecting the Unconnected

Burns emphasized that Internet connectivity remains a core priority, particularly as the world transitions from 3G to 5G technologies. USAID focuses on catalytic funding to expand connectivity to rural and underserved areas, encouraging private sector investment to build sustainable digital infrastructure. He highlighted projects in West Africa, Latin America, and Southeast Asia where USAID has been extending digital infrastructure and ensuring affordable, reliable connectivity.

In addition to hard infrastructure, USAID also invests in soft infrastructure, such as digital literacy and skills development, to ensure communities can safely and effectively engage in the digital world. Burns noted the importance of closing the gender digital divide, especially in regions like South Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa, where women are significantly less likely to access digital technologies compared to men.

Supporting Digital Government Services

USAID has also been instrumental in helping governments digitize public services, with notable success stories in Ukraine and Moldova. In Ukraine, USAID supported the development of the award-winning Diia app, which provides access to over 120 government services online, even amidst the ongoing conflict with Russia. Moldova has followed suit with its own “Moldova eGov” super app, aimed at digitizing government services and fostering broader economic growth and prosperity.

Digital Development in Authoritarian Contexts

One of the challenges USAID faces is promoting digital development in countries where governance may not align with democratic values. Burns explained that USAID approaches such environments cautiously yet strategically, emphasizing open, inclusive, secure, and rights-respecting digital ecosystems. The organization works to empower civil society, support media freedom, and enhance cybersecurity, all while ensuring that digital tools contribute to transparency, accountability, and human rights rather than enabling repression.

Rise of Digital Public Infrastructure

Another key theme of the conversation was Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), a concept gaining traction in international development circles, especially at forums like the G20. Burns described DPI as a set of reusable digital building blocks that can support a country’s digital ecosystem, such as digital identity systems, digital payments, and data exchange platforms.

These foundational components help governments deliver services more efficiently and equitably. USAID, along with countries like India and Brazil, is pushing for DPI to ensure that digital solutions are scalable and beneficial to all citizens, especially marginalized groups.

Looking Ahead in Digital Development

Burns concluded the discussion by reflecting on the future of digital development. He emphasized the need for continued efforts to close digital divides and address digital literacy gaps, not just for those coming online for the first time but also for those engaged in advanced digital work, such as AI.

He expressed hope that with the right support and a shared commitment to responsible digital adoption, digital technologies can be harnessed to create inclusive growth and development opportunities for all.