What We Learned from Talking to Local Tech Companies about Digital Public Goods
Over the past few weeks, we ran a short user feedback form to hear directly from local technology companies about how they engage with digital public goods (DPGs). This wasn’t a statistically rigorous or representative survey but an informal pulse check. We reached out to companies in our extended network across Latin America, Africa, and Europe, and asked them how they currently find and use DPGs, and what would make these tools even more useful in their work. What we found offers valuable directional insights.
Discovery Still Happens Through Word of Mouth
Many organizations have undertaken efforts to surface DPGs and information on them (notably the DPGA’s DPG Registry, GovStack Market, DIAL’s Digital Impact Exchange). These initiatives have provided a valuable starting point to enable access to information on DPGs and other relevant tools. However, despite the existence of registries and official portals, the majority of respondents (more than 50%) said they discover DPGs through word of mouth. Some mentioned the DPG Registry - which in addition to aiding discovery, is designed to serve as a point of truth on what solutions comply with the DPG Standard. Others cited GitHub or specific networks like Mifos and ConnectAmericas. Regardless, the takeaway is clear: DPG discovery can be made more systematic.
As the ecosystem grows, how can we build on these efforts to expand discoverability, improve user experience, and ensure the tools are accessible and relevant for local companies and government stakeholders building digital solutions on the ground?
There’s Demand for a Curated Platform for DPG Solutions
An overwhelming 95% of respondents said that a way to discover and access DPGs that shows use cases, applicable DPG and module options, documentation, ability to sandbox test the DPG options, and access to training in the DPG and module options would be useful to them.
But where should it live? Opinions varied:
54% preferred existing cloud marketplaces (e.g. AWS, Google Cloud, etc.)
23% wanted it hosted by an independent source
17% preferred GitHub
A few respondents also called for curation of these by multilateral organizations to ensure trust and neutrality.
What They Want from a Platform Isn’t Just Code
The real wish list is long and thoughtful. Respondents want much more than a place to discover DPGs. They’re looking for:
The ability to contribute their own solutions
Multilingual documentation
Modular combinations of DPGs that can help them build custom solutions
Interoperability guides and country-specific deployment playbooks
Live demos, sandboxes, and real-world case studies
Legal/regulatory guidance for local adoption
Regional Nuance is Important
Respondents operate across a wide range of geographies, from Argentina to Benin to Trinidad and Tobago. Their needs reflect this diversity. For example, one respondent asked for "offline-first deployment packages," while another highlighted the need for "GDPR guidance for Europe." Information on DPGs must be locally adaptable and globally aware.
What’s Next?
These responses give us a glimpse of something important - local tech companies are eager to engage with DPGs, but they have expressed several important challenges that need to be addressed to draw them in as active participants and shapers of the DPG/ DPI ecosystem. Existing resources and platforms support users to a certain degree, but more can be done to make DPGs truly discoverable, usable, and adaptable for a wider range of implementers. We’re using this feedback to inform our next steps and are excited to co-create with this vibrant community of builders. If you’re a developer, implementer, policymaker, or simply curious about how DPGs can better serve real-world needs, we’d love to hear from you. What resonated with your experience? What are we missing? What would make it easier for you to find and use DPGs in your work?
Please contact our team with your comments. We would love to hear your thoughts.