Promoting Effective and Inclusive ICT Policy in Africa

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06Aug

Ayele Addis Ambelu

Author CIPESA Posted on

Ayele Addis Ambelu is an award-winning journalist, investigative reporter, and digital rights advocate with over five years of experience in public interest journalism. He works with Africa News Channel and Ethiopian Mass Media Action (EMMA NEWS), producing in-depth stories on digital
governance, human rights, technology, and environmental justice. Ayele’s reporting focuses on the impact of digital public infrastructure—such as digital ID systems, open data, and internet access—on marginalized communities in Ethiopia and across Africa. He holds an MA in Media and
Communication and has published over 100 investigative pieces spanning radio, online, and academic platforms. As a media literacy trainer and program editor, Ayele also mentors emerging journalists on fact-checking, digital safety, and AI in the newsroom. His work has been recognised by the Nile Media Awards, the Festove investigative Media Award in Switzerland, the African Continental Re media award in South Africa, and WHO Africa. He is passionate about using journalism to expose inequality and drive inclusive digital transformation.

Articles published include,

A Digital Promise With Unequal Outcomes

What is the digital ID that is supposed to be issued to all legal residents of Ethiopia?

Challenges and solutions of the Digital Ethiopia 2025 journey

Digital Ethiopia or Digital Mirage? Who Pays When E-Government Fails

Audio Recordings

By Ayele Addis Ambelu

06Aug

Making AI More Participatory and Inclusive for the Benefit of All Africans

Author CIPESA Posted on

Joint Statement |

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is reshaping our societies; we must ensure ethical, inclusive, and rights-based approaches rooted in the lived realities of our communities, guide its development and application in Africa. 

The Global AI Summit on Africa 2025 held in April in Kigali is one of the important movements and platforms, bringing together civil society organizations, african leaders, parliamentarians, youth actors, researchers, and private sector leaders, to champion principles that uphold human dignity, safeguard marginalized voices, and foster responsible innovation. We applaud the inspiring conversations around AI’s transformative potential for the continent, driven at the Summit. However, such a conversation should not end there. To move from inspiration to impact, we must recognize that some critical voices need to be involved in decision-making spaces.

In collaboration with Niyel, Mozilla, Pollicy, ACM Nigeria, Innovation for Policy Foundation, MISA, and the Namibia University, the Collaboration on International ICT Policy for East and Southern Africa (CIPESA) contributed to the development of this call, addressed to african leaders, organisers, and co-chairs of the Global AI Summit 2025 to emphasise the need for more inclusive and participatory approaches.

Through this statement, we are calling for clear commitments and tangible actions around three priorities:

  • Decent AI Jobs for Africa’s people
  • Meaningful public participation in AI governance
  • Resources and support for inclusive, participatory AI development

We invite you to join the call for action and become a signatory to a collective statement that pushes for global collaboration, transparency, and oversight in AI governance. Your voice matters in shaping a future where AI serves humanity, not the other way around. 25 signatories are on board. Whether you’re advocating for gender justice, digital inclusion, or ethical tech, this is your moment to co-create solutions that reflect shared values and lived realities.

Sign the call. Share it widely. Mobilize your networks. Together, we can build an AI ecosystem rooted in equity, accountability, and collective knowledge.

To sign the statement, fill out this form and click here to download the statement.

06Aug

Naima Arabow

Author CIPESA Posted on

Naima Arabow is a Mogadishu based journalist with over seven years of professional experience in reporting and documentary production. Her work focuses on humanitarian issues, particularly those affecting marginalised and vulnerable communities in conflict-affected areas. Naima has produced in-depth stories that shed light on topics such as displacement, gender inequality, access to healthcare and education, and the impact of insecurity on civilians. She has worked with local and international media outlets, and collaborated with civil society actors to document stories that drive awareness and change. Through compelling storytelling, she not only informs but also inspires dialogue, empathy, and action especially in fragile contexts like Somalia.

06Aug

Sofia Ali

Author CIPESA Posted on

Sofia Ali is an award-winning multimedia journalist with over 17 years of experience in the industry. She has built a dynamic career at the intersection of media, economics, and audience engagement delivering insightful business news and economic analysis across TV, print, radio, and digital platforms. Her expertise spans content development, strategic communication, crisis management, and audience engagement. She has led editorial teams, anchored influential business shows, and developed robust business news coverage. She currently serves as the Senior Business Reporter and Presenter at The Standard Group, working across television, The Standard newspaper, its digital platforms, and hosting business programs on radio.

06Aug

Samuel Abate

Author CIPESA Posted on

Samuel Abate has six years of experience in journalism and currently works at Ethio Negari. He has previously worked with various media institutions, including the Ethiopian News Agency, Ethio FM 107.8 Radio, and Al-AIN News.

Over the course of his career, Samuel has produced numerous news reports and related content focused on digital infrastructure, innovation, and technology. He is particularly interested in specialising in technology and innovation, as these areas are essential for enhancing transparency, minimising corruption, and improving service delivery. He holds an MA in Journalism and Communication from Addis Ababa University.

Article published by Samuel

National Bank Orders Banks to Link Customer Accounts With National ID

Study Reveals Gaps in DPI Coverage Across East Africa

Ethiopia Expands National Digital ID to 70 Million Citizens

Ethiopia Sets 75% Digital Payments Target by 2030

Ethiopia to Hold Digitally Supported General Election in June 2026

Ethiopia Unveils “Digital Ethiopia 2030” Strategy

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