Promoting Effective and Inclusive ICT Policy in Africa

Tag Archives: Access to information

  HomeCollaboration on International ICT Policy for East and Southern Africa (CIPESA)  /  Access to information
19Jan

Navigating The Aftermath of Uganda’s Internet Shutdown

Author CIPESA Posted on

By Juliet Nanfuka |

After nearly five days without public internet access, connectivity in Uganda has been partially restored. On January 13, 2026, the government ordered internet service providers to block public access to the internet, with partial access being reinstated late at night on January 17, 2026. Social media and messaging platforms remain restricted as of January 19, 2026. Officials said the move was aimed at curbing the spread of online misinformation, electoral fraud, and incitement to violence in the lead-up to the polls. The order also halted the sale and registration of new SIM cards and blocked outbound data roaming services to One Network Area countries. Some essential services including healthcare systems at national referral hospitals, financial services including core banking and interbank systems, immigration and electoral commission secure portals, utilities management, and aviation and railway control systems were to remain accessible according to the directive. Thus, the country went to the polls in the midst of a “digital darkness”. The controversial election has seen Yoweri Museveni extend his 40 year rule by another five years following the announcement of his win.

Various human rights groups and election monitoring groups, including the Collaboration on International ICT Policy for East and Southern Africa (CIPESA), African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights,  African Freedom of Expression Exchange (AFEX), Access Now, Human Rights Watch and the UN Human Rights Office of the High Commissioner documented the shutdown and challenged the government’s position on blocking access to the internet. They argue that access to information and freedom of expression are especially critical during elections and that the blanket shutdown undermined election transparency and accountability.

While the restoration of internet access brings an end to the total blackout, it leaves behind pressing questions about the cost of restricting access to the internet during democratic processes and what such measures mean for civic participation, transparency, and accountability in Uganda.

The evolution of internet shutdowns during elections in Uganda reveals a pattern of escalation. During the 2016 elections, authorities limited restrictions to primarily social media platforms over four days during elections and again during the presidential inauguration. In 2021, initial block of social media platforms  were followed by a complete internet shutdown which saw access to digital communication affected for a total of five days. This month’s polls witnessed a complete shutdown from just before the onset of the elections, reflecting the control of state power over digital infrastructure.

Prior to the shutdown, the services of satellite internet provider Starlink, which operates independently of terrestrial networks, were halted in Uganda after a regulatory directive, rendering all Starlink terminals inactive ahead of polling day.  Starlink was providing services without a valid local license. Critics argued that the directive served to limit alternatives for connectivity in the event of broader restrictions, feeding anxieties about reduced access to independent channels of information.

Away from restrictions to online connectivity, state power has also been reflected in the tight control over media narratives, undermining its watchdog role. This has been witnessed through restricting the live broadcast of “riots, unlawful processions, or violent incidents” and the barring of journalists from the privately owned Nation Media Group-Uganda from covering Museveni’s campaign and events since March 2025, in addition to denying them access to parliament since October 2025. Meanwhile, there were various assaults and the intimidation of journalists in an effort to “silence scrutiny of public affairs”.

The electoral process itself has been marred by controversy including queries on the failure of the Biometric Voter Verification Kits (BVVKs) on voting day resulting in voter apathy and delays. The Electoral Commission’s spokesperson acknowledged that some aspects of the BVVK such as voter verification did require internet access to function. The contingency measure provided was the manual verification of voters at polling stations. The state made a total investment of approximately 469.5 billion Uganda Shillings (UGX) (USD 131.9 million) in December 2025 to support what was considered critical preparatory activities for the just concluded general election. Of this investment, at least UGX 53.8 billion (USD 15.1 million) was dedicated to the BVVK.

Further, the earlier suspension of various non-governmental organisations and the arrest and intimation of various state critics including Dr. Saarah Bireete on charges of unlawful access to voters’ register data, and Dr. Kizza Besigye on charges of treason,  reflected a narrowed democratic space in the lead up to and during the election. These actions were often accompanied by announcements of protecting national security, managing disinformation, and maintaining public order.

The internet shutdown also affected daily livelihoods of millions of ordinary people within Uganda as it  severed access to basic online interactions including checking up on friends and family. It also affected formal and informal sector transactions through mobile money, digital marketplaces, and online channels that traders, boda boda riders, market vendors, gig workers, freelancers, and small-scale entrepreneurs use to conduct commerce, advertise and deliver services. In many cases, these workers were forced to revert to cash-based transactions, exposing them to heightened insecurity, loss of business, and reduced earnings. For others, such as ride hailing applications, online purchases and delivery sections, economic activity stalled altogether.

News reports state that many actors in the financial sector remained tight lipped about their possible losses following the shutdown. According to the Uganda Revenue Authority, the state lost income due to the internet shutdown affecting revenue collections – the deadline for filing monthly tax returns fell within the shutdown on January 15. The landlocked country further lost tax revenue clearance costs paid in by trucks at the various border points while tourism was also affected. The shutdown also affected mobile money services upon which millions of Uganda’s informal sector rely on. Cash withdrawals using the service were also blocked.

The events surrounding Uganda’s internet shutdown highlight the tension between the state, media, civil society, and the rights of citizens at critical moments such as elections. This tension also affects access to information, freedom of expression and the tenets of digital democracy. It undermines accountability and transparency in democratic processes paving the way for abuse, violations and impunity. Ultimately, internet shutdowns raise questions about whether such measures are necessary or proportionate particularly at a time when digital platforms have become the basis of livelihoods, civic engagement and basic services for millions of people who engage directly online and at the periphery of digital access, including those who are not online, digitally savvy or even have the devices to access the digital society.

Uganda’s case is not isolated as the country joins numerous others who in recent months have ordered shutdowns around election periods, protests, and national exams, when authorities perceive digital communication as a threat to public order. In the last 12 months, internet shutdowns have been seen across the continent including during elections in Tanzania and Cameroon, conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, a military coup in Guinea-Bissau, and environmental protests in Equatorial Guinea’s Annobón island.

13Jan

Uganda’s Election and the Lingering Legacy of Internet Blockage

Author CIPESA Posted on

By Juliet Nanfuka |

In two days, as Uganda heads to its presidential and parliamentary elections slated for January 15, 2026, citizens, civil society actors, journalists, and digital rights defenders were stumped with the question, “will they shut down the internet again?” Or, this time, will we see a commitment to adherence to one of the basic fundamentals of digital democracy and have an election in which access to digital communications remains open?  

In recent weeks, anxiety about an impending internet blackout has surged despite Dr. Aminah Zawedde, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance, and Hon. Nyombi Thembo, Executive Director of the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC), dismissing rumours of plans to shut down the internet, calling them “false and misleading”.

However, for many, these pronouncements have done little to quell suspicions, especially due to the actions witnessed during the 2016 and 2021 elections. During those previous two elections, access to digital communications was restricted, resulting in a block to online communication, commerce, and key avenues for civic engagement.

Various actions in the lead up to the polls have also served to compound the suspicions. In a report issued in January 2026, the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) describes the arrests of state critics as “arbitrary and discriminatory” and outside of the country’s constitutional guarantees.

“Despite the strong constitutional protection of rights, the human rights situation in Uganda during the period under review has been characterized by increasingly restrictive legislation and their arbitrary and discriminatory application. The Government of Uganda has continued to rely on legislation such as the Public Order Management Act (POMA), the Anti-Terrorism Act, the NGO Act, the Computer Misuse (Amendment) Act and the Penal Code Act to shrink civic and democratic space and further weaken political participation, particularly of political opponents and their supporters, as well as the work of civil society, including journalists and human rights defenders.” OHCHR Report on Uganda

Meanwhile, independent media has come under increasing pressure, experiencing various forms of clampdowns in the lead up to the elections, including the denial of advertising spend. In October 2025, independent outlets – NTV Uganda and The Daily Monitor – were denied accreditation to cover parliamentary and presidential proceedings. Reports of harassment, equipment confiscation as well as attacks on journalists during election campaign coverage, and raids on media offices, have been commonplace – underscoring a deteriorating environment for media freedom.

Meanwhile the satellite internet provider Starlink, which has services that can operate independently of terrestrial networks, was halted in Uganda after a regulatory directive in early January 2026, rendering all Starlink terminals inactive ahead of polling day. The satellite internet service provider was providing  services without a valid local license. Critics still argue that the directive serves to limit alternatives for connectivity in the event of broader restrictions on internet access, feeding anxieties about reduced access to independent channels of information.

The UCC has also come under fire following its warning to broadcasters and digital content creators against live coverage of riots, protests, or incidents that could disrupt public order. The regulator stated that only the Electoral Commission may declare election results, and sharing unverified results is illegal. Dr. Zawedde stated, “Media platforms must not be abused to incite violence, spread misinformation, or undermine the credibility of the electoral process.”

By the afternoon of January 13, 2026, a directive circulating online had been issued by UCC to mobile network operators to block public access to the internet, effective at 18:00.

In a public statement, Access Now and the global #KeepItOn coalition had urged President Yoweri Museveni and relevant national authorities to ensure unrestricted internet access throughout the electoral period and to refrain from any disruptive measures that impede the free flow of information. The statement stresses the fundamental role that connectivity plays in inclusive participation, freedom of expression, and the credibility of the electoral process.

Likewise, the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR) also reaffirmed that internet access is a core human right and a necessary condition for free and fair elections, warning against restrictions that would stifle civic space. The Commission called on the Government of Uganda to ratify the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance, signed on January 27, 2013, which emphasises the importance of a culture of peaceful change of power based on regular, free, fair and transparent elections conducted by competent, independent and impartial electoral bodies.

For democracy to flourish in Uganda, authorities must demonstrate their commitment to open digital spaces. This means not only publicly guaranteeing uninterrupted internet access before, during, and after the elections but also building trust through transparency and accountability.  Citizens deserve to communicate freely, monitor the electoral process, and hold all actors accountable without fear of arbitrary disruption.

Ultimately, Uganda’s electoral credibility will not be judged by what happens at polling stations, but by whether the state resists the temptation to control information by disrupting digital access. In an era where civic participation, journalism, election transparency, and even livelihoods heavily rely on digital access, a disruption would signal a fear of accountability.

If the government chooses restraint in the coming hours, it would mark a major departure from a troubling past and offer Ugandans a rare assurance in the election process. If it does not, history will record yet another election where the digital access was shut down to presumably manage dissent rather than protect democracy.

29Dec

Dr. Rehema Baguma

Author CIPESA Posted on

Who is Dr. Rehema Baguma?

I am Rehema Baguma, currently working at Makerere University in Uganda, where I serve as an Associate Professor of Information Systems. My research interests include: Digital Inclusion, Data & AI Governance, EduTech & eGovernance. I have extensively researched and consulted in Uganda and neighbouring countries to make ICTs accessible to persons with Disabilities, among other areas. I have had the privilege of engaging in a series of industry initiatives in collaboration with government agencies, CSOs, international actors and DPOs. Notable among these include:

  • Development of ICT Accessibility and Disability Indicators-A framework for monitoring Obligatory National Implementation of ICT Accessibility for the Fulfilment of the Human Rights of Persons with Disabilities for the ICT Policy Centre for Eastern and Southern Africa (CIPESA), in 2018.
  • Leading a research study on the Audit of Inclusive ICTs for Education in Uganda, which established the extend to which ICTs used in education are accessible to Persons with Disabilities (May to September 2015).
  • Training of over 100 Government Web Administrators and Public Relations Officers (PROs) in Uganda in Web Accessibility in 2016.
  • Development of an Implementation Strategy of the Digital Talent Policy (DTP) for Persons with Disabilities in Rwanda (June 2017–January 2018).
  • Sensitisation and training of Policy Makers from Government Ministries, Departments and Agencies about ICTs used by Persons with Disabilities and Monitoring ICTs and Disability Policy in Uganda, in April 2018.
  • Member of the project on promoting the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Access to inclusive education and information in Uganda in partnership with UNESCO, UNICEF & National Union of Disabled Persons in Uganda (NUDIPU) between 2015 to 2017.
  • Contributor to the ICT for Inclusive Education policy for Uganda (draft)
  • Contributor to the National ICT for Disability policy for Uganda (draft)

My motivation came during my PhD research, which focused on Web accessibility through the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines. I was led to the area by a senior staff member at my School at the time, who told me that ICT accessibility could be a good area to research. My PhD research was on “Making the Web accessible to Persons with Disabilities through the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines” which demonstrated that the guidance given in WCAG (the most comprehensive and widely used set of Web accessibility guidelines developed by W3C) is relevant to the Web accessibility problems faced by people with disabilities; that WCAG has a higher potential to influence the development of accessible Web based systems save for its usability limitations; and proposed a solution to the usability limitations of WCAG grounded in a broader mature field of information retrieval. After completing my PhD, I felt compelled to apply the results of my research in practice, which led to several collaborations and assignments within Uganda and abroad.

There is an increasing awareness and appreciation of the need for and possibilities of digital rights, as well as the inclusion of people with disabilities, through advocacy, training, development, and the implementation of digital rights/inclusive ICT policies. This also includes the development of more inclusive technologies and platforms. For example, in June 2025, the government of Kenya committed to making all its digitised public services accessible to persons with disabilities, in alignment with the Accessibility Standard for Digital Products.  Additionally, there is an increasing number of advocacy initiatives focused on digital inclusion for people with disabilities. For instance, the Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD) has evolved into an advocacy platform for inclusive policy audits, innovation labs for assistive technologies, and training programs to build capacity for disability rights advocacy and technology development.

There is an increase in the development of AI-driven Assistive Technologies and Tools for persons with disabilities, including those customised for the African context. For example, Signvrse, a Kenyan startup, is developing AI-powered sign language translation toolsthat convert speech and text into visual representations of sign language. Additionally,there are several advocacy and capacity-building efforts in different parts of Africa, such as accessibility audits, innovation labs, and fellowship programs to support affordable, local assistive technologies, and train Activists to advance digital inclusion for Persons with Disabilities.

The key threats and challenges to the digital rights and inclusion of people with disabilities in Africa are gaps in policy implementation and enforcement, the high cost and inaccessibility of assistive technologies, and general infrastructure gaps. Most African countries have progressive laws and policies regarding disability and ICT access; however, these often remain on paper due to a lack of political will and weak enforcement mechanisms. For instance, a legal requirement for all TV stations to provide sign language interpretation is often ignored. Also, government websites and e-services, which are increasingly vital for accessing public services, are frequently not designed to be accessible to people with disabilities (e.g., lacking alt text for screen readers or video captions). Further, essential assistive devices and software (like screen readers, Braille displays, and speech input software) are often expensive and out of reach for most people with disabilities who are, on average, poorer than their mainstream counterparts.

Additionally, unreliable electricity, poor internet connectivity, and the high cost of mobile data in many rural and remote areas create fundamental barriers to access for disadvantaged groups like People with Disabilities. Additionally, AI systems, including those used in screening for admission to educational institutions and job recruitment, may amplify existing discrimination and perpetuate negative stereotypes if not designed with accessibility and inclusion in mind. Moreso, the continent-wide limited availability of reliable and disaggregated data on the challenges faced by different disability groups continues to negatively impact the design and implementation of targeted interventions and policies. 

Building trust, fostering strong partnerships, and promoting regional collaboration in Africa’s disability rights movement requires intentional structures, shared power, and sustained dialogue among governments and various stakeholders.  There is a need for a shared rights-based framework grounded in the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) and African human rights instruments. People with disabilities and their representative organisations must be decision-makers, not just consultees, in line with the principle of “Nothing About Us Without Us”.  Also, tracking commitments and progress should be spearheaded by independent monitoring mechanisms led by Disabled Persons’ Organisations (DPOs). Furthermore, there is a need to establish permanent regional or sub-regional forums on disability rights and digital inclusion, rather than holding one-off events. These can be organised into thematic working groups (e.g., digital accessibility, education, employment, media, assistive technology, AI, etc.). Examples of good practice include national and regional Internet Governance Forums (IGFs) that feature disability-focused tracks, as well as the AU- or REC-hosted Disability and Digital Inclusion Roundtables, which have rotating leadership. Additionally, there is a need to utilise regional standards to align efforts and reduce fragmentation, thereby facilitating easier collaboration across borders. Furthermore, there is a need to invest in capacity building across all sectors on accessibility, disability budgeting, and inclusive policy design for governments; disability-inclusive and non-stigmatising reporting for journalists; universal design and accessibility testing for the tech development community; and policy, research, and digital skills for DPOs.

There is a need to implement community-led digital literacy, design accessible & affordable technology, create inclusive policies, foster multi-stakeholder partnerships (including NGOs, tech companies, and government), and collect disaggregated data to tailor programs to their specific needs. Additionally, it is important to involve these groups in decision-making to foster trust and develop solutions that address the unique barriers of cost, accessibility, and safety concerns. 

There is a need to promote research and innovation in ICT and disability/ICT accessibility for persons with disabilities, which can inform local policy, practice (including the development of interventions), and technology development for persons with disabilities. To date, most efforts have focused on advocacy, policy development, capacity building, and, to some extent, the development of assistive technologies. Grounding these initiatives in research can lead to more effective policies, practices and local assistive technologies.

29Dec

Dr. Karen Smit

Author CIPESA Posted on

Who is Dr. Karen Smit?

I am a mother, wife, sister, expert, and a professional with a disability who has dedicated my life to advocating for the inclusion of persons with disabilities in Africa. My lived experience has shaped my worldview and strengthened my commitment to social justice, particularly in advancing digital inclusion, so that persons with disabilities can fully enjoy their human rights and access opportunities. For 28 years, I have worked at Vodacom, driving disability inclusion and influencing systemic change.

I have been married to my wonderful husband for 31 years, and being a mom reminds me every day that miracles do happen.

My journey as a disability and digital rights advocate began shortly after completing my undergraduate studies in the 1990s, when I realised the power of using my voice to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives. I completed my MA in Social Work at the University of Stellenbosch, where I identified barriers to employment for individuals with disabilities and provided guidelines for line managers on the successful recruitment of candidates with disabilities.

The turning point came when I experienced the enabling role of technology firsthand. Becoming a user of accessible technology revealed its power to open doors, level the playing field, and create opportunities. This realisation fueled my passion to drive accessibility and digital inclusion across Africa. My vision is clear: I want all Africans with disabilities to fully participate in the digital society and economy – accessing opportunities, resources, and becoming active citizens who contribute to economic empowerment.

Over the past 28 years at Vodacom [in South Africa], my advocacy has deepened significantly as I pushed for inclusive innovations. The company’s senior leadership created a platform that empowered me to champion inclusion for employees and consumers with disabilities. The unwavering support of Vodacom’s Group CEO and senior leaders has been transformative – shifting the focus from a “tick-box” approach to embedding inclusion systemically into the company’s technology, products, services, and processes, in alignment with Vodacom’s Purpose Strategy.

Having worked for Vodacom for many years and being responsible for driving the accessibility agenda for consumers with disabilities sparked my interest in pursuing a PhD in disability studies, with a focus on developing a Framework for promoting the digital inclusion of disabled consumers that companies can implement.

There has been some progress in expanding digital rights and inclusion for persons with disabilities in Africa, but it remains limited. In many ways, we are still only scratching the surface. I am, however, encouraged that some countries are taking active steps to promote disability inclusion, which is a positive sign. Most African nations have disability legislation and regulations in place, which is commendable.

However, the real challenge lies in implementation and creating real impact. Progress is slow, and without effective enforcement and commitment, transformation stalls, leaving behind many persons with disabilities.

Vodacom markets have several disability inclusion initiatives, including creating inclusive workplaces, accessible contact (customer service) centres, and retail stores offering multiple communication channels for persons with various disabilities. Additionally, digital centres provide smartphones and digital skills training to organisations for persons with disabilities.

The company also provides text Emergency Services for Deaf, hard-of-hearing, and persons with speech disabilities, accessible apps such as M-Pesa and VodaPay for visually impaired users, [it] hosts the annual Africa Accessibility conference, and offers tailor-made packages for disabled contract users, as well as training for store consultants.

Furthermore, the African Union (AU) Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR) on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in Africa recently came into effect to protect and promote the rights of persons with disabilities across Africa. In 2025, Kenya enacted a progressive Persons with Disabilities Act, 2025 (Act No. 4 of 2025), marking a major milestone in disability inclusion and rights protection.

Research indicates that there are several barriers that persons with disabilities face, such as affordability, a lack of digital skills, and limited access to devices. Women with disabilities and those in rural areas face compounded barriers due to cultural norms, infrastructure gaps, and affordability challenges.

Meanwhile, with the emergence of new technologies, intentional efforts must be made to ensure that Artificial Intelligence (AI) systems are not trained on biased datasets that fail to represent persons with disabilities. Innovators must prioritise accessibility when designing solutions for smart cities, environmental sustainability, safety, security, and tourism.

To stay ahead, we must involve the disability community at every stage – from the conceptualisation of innovations to implementation – ensuring their voices shape innovation. This transforms persons with disabilities from passive beneficiaries into active partners and co-creators of solutions for a barrier-free Africa.

To build trust, foster partnerships, and strengthen regional collaboration among African stakeholders in the disability rights movement, it is essential to create a unified ecosystem that drives systemic change. These actors must recognise that disability is a natural part of the human experience and that exclusion stems from societal barriers, not just individual limitations. When these barriers are removed, persons with disabilities can fully exercise their rights and participate equally in all aspects of life.

Efforts to promote digital rights and inclusion in Africa must intentionally address how disability intersects with other marginalised identities – such as women, youth, and older persons – so that no one is left behind. Women with disabilities represent more than half of all persons with disabilities worldwide, and yet they continue to face numerous barriers, including being less likely to hold leadership roles, to be employed, to use the internet, and to experience barriers to sexual and reproductive healthcare. Their voices and specific needs must be prioritised and integrated into every stage of innovation and policy development to ensure an inclusive society for all.

29Dec

Mohamed Kimbugwe 

Author CIPESA Posted on

Who is Mohamed Kimbugwe?

My name is Mohamed Kimbugwe, an International Development Practitioner with over one and a half decades of experience and expertise in Human-centred Digital Transformation and Innovation. As a disability, digital rights, and inclusion expert and advocate, I believe in a world that works for all, including in the digital realm. I believe that digital technologies have the power to surpass traditional barriers and open a world of opportunities for persons with disabilities. Living with a hearing disability myself, I know more than anyone else the power of accessible technologies and how much they offer from education to work, communication, and all spheres of human endeavour. I also know how limiting it can be if digital technologies are not designed either to accommodate disability or accelerate the inclusion of persons with disabilities.

It all started with the onset of my hearing loss around 2007. That’s when it dawned on me that unless workplaces were inclusive, my work life and career growth would be an uphill task. Communication, as I knew it, became limited, and I was growing increasingly isolated from social activities. Around the same time, social media and digital messaging platforms were taking root. I was captivated by the opportunities they all offered. Being able to stay in touch with friends, build my own network, and even pursue remote employment opportunities online.

However, it quickly dawned on me that it wasn’t all glitter. I started bumping into videos without captions. I realised then that while digital spaces were opening immense opportunities, they had their limitations, and we had to work deliberately towards removing barriers and making digital spaces fully accessible. 

There has been significant progress over the years. The digital rights and inclusion movement has gained momentum, and there’s increased awareness. It is not uncommon to find accessibility as a core aspect of continental, regional, and national digital transformation policies, frameworks, and strategies. Digital Accessibility conversations are now an integral part of continental forums such as the Forum on Internet Freedom in Africa. 

Countries like Kenya, South Africa, and Rwanda have strengthened their commitment to disability-inclusive technology policies, promoting accessible digital services, inclusive design, and equal access to public digital platforms. At the continental level, frameworks such as the Protocol to the African Charter on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and Agenda 2063 have reinforced these commitments. Alongside policy, the availability and use of assistive digital tools (screen readers, sign-language translation apps, hearing-assist technologies, e-learning accessibility features, and AI-powered communication support) have grown, with local innovators developing low-cost solutions tailored to African contexts.

Accessible e-government services are also expanding in countries like Rwanda, Namibia, Egypt, Mauritius, and South Africa, incorporating voice navigation, multilingual options, simplified interfaces, and accessible application systems for social services, education, and healthcare. National digital skills programs and innovation hubs are increasingly supporting young persons with disabilities, with initiatives from the Australian Government, GIZ, UNICEF, UNESCO, Microsoft, and local organisations enhancing training in coding, digital entrepreneurship, and online freelancing. Disabled People’s Organisations (DPOs) are gaining influence in digital policy, data protection, and AI governance, while inclusive tech communities are growing across Kenya, Nigeria, Uganda, South Africa, and Ghana. Public and private institutions are beginning to adopt global accessibility standards, such as the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), signalling a rising awareness and momentum for truly inclusive digital spaces.

Progress in digital inclusion in Africa remains limited, with connectivity expensive, interventions scattered, and stakeholders often working in silos, which restricts scaling and impact. Both public and private sector funding is minimal, enforcement of accessibility and inclusion policies is weak, the skills gap is widening, and interoperability between accessible platforms and widely used systems remains a challenge.

The cost of connectivity and assistive technologies, including data prices, smartphones, and devices, remains high, making them largely unaffordable for many. To address this, we must prioritise subsidised data bundles, tax exemptions for assistive technologies, zero-rating disability-related content, and supporting the local production of affordable assistive devices.

Emerging technologies are evolving faster than inclusion efforts. AI systems, digital IDs, e-learning tools, and mobile apps are often developed without considering accessibility, which can lead to algorithmic bias and exclusion. It is therefore crucial to entrench accessibility-by-design in all public digital services and extend disability inclusion from national AI and emerging tech policies into practice.

The scarcity of context-specific and inclusive data for AI systems threatens to deepen exclusion, making it essential to develop African disability-inclusive datasets and ensure representation of persons with disabilities in testing, training, and regulation.

Digital safety threats, online harassment, and cybercrime disproportionately affect persons with disabilities, especially women, yet digital safety tools are often inaccessible. Integrating accessible digital safety education into skills programs and ensuring platforms adopt WCAG-compliant safety features, such as accessible reporting tools, audio guidance, and captioning, is critical to protecting and empowering marginalised users in digital spaces.

Building trust and strengthening collaboration in Africa’s disability rights movement requires intentional structures, shared accountability, and clear mechanisms for co-creation across governments, intergovernmental bodies, civil society, industry, media, and academia.

Trust is earned not through statements but through consistent, transparent, and inclusive action. To achieve this, it is crucial to establish inclusive and permanent multi-stakeholder platforms that move beyond short-term, project-based collaborations to sustainable partnerships with formal structures and established processes. Equally important is building and sharing a common evidence base: harmonised data standards, a continental digital inclusion observatory, and unified research agendas ensure that decisions are informed by shared facts, strengthening credibility and trust.

Promoting genuine co-creation rather than tokenistic participation is essential, ensuring that persons with disabilities are involved throughout the design lifecycle of policies, technologies, and services, not just at the end. Strengthening accountability and transparency is also crucial, as trust erodes when commitments are not met.

This can be achieved through annual digital accessibility scorecards for governments and service providers, publishing commitments and progress as open data, and including independent monitoring mechanisms led by coalitions of Disabled Persons’ Organisations, human rights bodies, and academic institutions. Together, these pathways create a collaborative, credible, and sustainable approach to advancing disability rights and digital inclusion across Africa.

To ensure that persons with disabilities and other marginalised groups, such as women, youth, and older persons, are included in digital rights and inclusion efforts in Africa, we must adopt a holistic, rights-based approach.

This includes creating and enforcing inclusive laws and policies, designing accessible technologies and platforms, and promoting affordable assistive tools. Targeted digital literacy programs, community hubs, and mentorship initiatives can build skills and confidence, while awareness campaigns and success stories help shift social norms. Affordable internet, devices, and support for digital entrepreneurship remove economic barriers, and disaggregated data, inclusive governance, and cross-sector collaboration ensure accountability and sustained impact. Inclusion is achieved when policy, technology, education, and advocacy work together to remove barriers and empower all members of society.

1 2 3 4 … 22