All across Africa, in cities, towns, innovation hubs, government offices, and community spaces, people are quietly and consistently building the digital foundations of our continent’s future. They are integrating systems, designing services, writing the code, testing the tools, and translating ambition into working infrastructure that people can rely on.
These are the people at the heart of the Implementation Network – AKA ImNet (because “Implementation Network” is a mouthful but we’re avoiding another acronym. We’re working on the name!). These are the people we want to draw together, support, learn from and grow with. So that the quiet work spread out across the continent grows louder and bolder.
ImNet is a community of digital public infrastructure (DPI) doers: the implementers, engineers, designers, data practitioners, and organisations who bring digital systems to life. It is a space created for those who build with intention, with context, and with a deep commitment to public value.
Introducing ImNet
ImNet is being created to connect and elevate the practitioners who are already making things happen across Africa. While many networks support research, policy, leadership, or student pipelines – all incredibly important – there is a need for a space specifically for implementers. A place where the people who deploy, integrate, and co-create solutions can learn from one another, share challenges, and accelerate what works.
A Vision of African Possibility
We believe deeply in the potential of this continent. Africa is full of creativity, ingenuity, and technical brilliance – and ImNet exists to support and amplify that.
Our founding belief is simple: Africa’s digital future will be shaped most powerfully by those who understand it best – African implementers building for African contexts.
At our first in-person Coffee Connect in Cape Town, Michelle Hinrichsen(Advocacy Lead at Open Cities Lab) captured this spirit beautifully:
“If there’s one thing that makes me proud to be an African, it’s knowing that our digital future can (and should) be built by Africans, for Africa.”
This is not about exclusivity. It’s about confidence. It’s about recognising that what we build here can contribute something meaningful – even inspirational – to the world.
And it’s about possibility. As Michelle shared,
“I’m raising three kids in South Africa, and the work happening in this network shapes the future they will grow up in – one with better public services, more opportunities for everyone, from all walks of life to flourish, and a strong, hope-filled continent they can be proud of.”
A Strong Beginning
In November, our ImNet Coffee Connect was a moment that felt like a beginning rather than a launch. It was the first time many of us met in person after months of calls and emerging partnerships. The pavement we gathered on (it was better in person, we promise!) was filled with warmth, curiosity, and a sense of shared purpose.
What stood out most was how naturally collaboration flowed. People talked openly about what they’re building, where they need help, and what they want to learn. There was no guarding of knowledge, no competition – just a genuine belief that we are better when we build together.
That’s the spirit that will carry ImNet forward.
What We Aim to Build
ImNet is still young, but the direction is clear. We are working towards a network that:
- Connects implementers across countries, sectors, and specialisations
- Strengthens delivery capacity for digital public infrastructure
- Supports African-built digital public goods and makes them easier to understand, adapt, and adopt while adhering to DPI safeguards and key principles
- Creates shared learning pathways, from technical exchanges to implementation playbooks
- Amplifies local innovation, showing the world what is possible when African organisations build with and for African communities
This is not just about addressing challenges, though we all know they exist. It’s about unlocking African excellence and exceeding the opportunities in front of us.
Collaboration at the Centre
ImNet will always be collaborative. It is not owned by any one organisation. It is shaped by the people who show up and take part.
We are already connecting with complementary networks – students, researchers, policymakers, government innovators – and those relationships will grow. But ImNet’s identity is clear: a home for practitioners who build.
The goal is not to stand apart from others, but to stand alongside them.
Join Us
We are just getting started, and we want this network to grow with the wisdom, ideas, and generosity of its members and allies.
If you’d like to be part of this growing community of implementers, we’d love to have you.
Sign up to join the Implementation Network here.
If you have suggestions, ideas, interest – or funding to help strengthen and expand this community – please get in touch. Send us an email at info@opencitieslab.org. ImNet is built on collaboration, and the door is open.
Africa’s digital future is bright. And with the ImNet, we are building it together – with heart, with skill, and with hope.
