Promoting Effective and Inclusive ICT Policy in Africa

Tag Archives: Internet Freedom

  HomeCollaboration on International ICT Policy for East and Southern Africa (CIPESA)  /  Internet Freedom
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

Samantha Sibanda

Author CIPESA Posted on

Who is Samantha Sibanda?

I am a human rights advocate and survivor of mental health issues who has dedicated the past decade of her life to championing the rights of persons with disabilities. In 2014, I founded the Signs of Hope Trust, an organisation for persons with disabilities, which focuses on access to information, digital rights, and inclusion, as well as inclusive civic engagement and public finance management.

I am also a trainer in the Freedom of Information Act, selected by the Zimbabwe Media Commission to support government entities and the public in understanding the Act and improving transparency and accessible information practices. My advocacy work is grounded in the principles of Ubuntu, which utilise community-driven and collaborative approaches to achieve change.

My motivation to work on disability and digital rights stems from a combination of personal experience and what I’ve observed in my own community. As a survivor of mental health challenges, I was drawn into advocacy through my own journey, and I continue to support community-based rehabilitation and mental health champions in my work.

As for digital rights, it grew naturally from my work at Signs of Hope Trust. For many years, we shared information via WhatsApp and other platforms to bridge information gaps for persons with disabilities. However, at the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, between 2020 and 2021, the disability digital divide became more apparent. Everything shifted to online, including education, communication, and public services, and many individuals with disabilities were left behind due to inaccessible technologies, limited data, or a lack of access to devices.

That moment pushed me to focus intentionally on digital inclusion. We also added Digital Rights as a core programming area at Signs of Hope Trust, and I have continued to champion this work from the grassroots level, where our communities are most affected.

There have been tremendous efforts to expand digital rights and inclusion for persons with disabilities in Africa. The digital divide related to disabilities has become a key topic at most digital rights convenings that I have been privileged to attend. Regionally, the AfricanUnion (AU) Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR) on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in Africa came into force in May 2024, reinforcing the legal basis for accessible ICT [Information and Communications Technology], barrier-free access to communication systems, and the right to information.

Alongside this, more organisations are adopting accessibility standards, governments are integrating disability inclusion into national digital strategies, and communities are increasingly vocal about the need for accessible online services. While gaps remain, the momentum is good, and the conversation is shifting from awareness to implementation.

I want to commend CIPESA for developing the Disability& ICT Accessibility Framework Indicators. I have personally used these in our research in Zimbabwe, and I have seen more studies that have used them.  This is a crucial tool for data-driven advocacy and enhancing access to ICT for persons with disabilities.

Additionally, Universal Service Funds are increasingly being used to finance assistive technologies and expand connectivity, while community-based efforts, such as community networks supported by the Internet Society, are bringing internet access to remote areas. In Zimbabwe, there are community information centres which provide shared devices, internet connectivity, and training spaces for persons with disabilities who may not have individual access. Lastly, emerging satellite internet solutions, such as Starlink, are bringing reliable internet access to remote areas.

These innovations, when combined with accessible design, digital literacy programmes, and advocacy for inclusive policy, are creating practical pathways for persons with disabilities to participate fully in the digital world.

There are several pressing challenges that threaten digital rights and inclusion for persons with disabilities in Africa. One emerging concern is the rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools, such as generative AI chatbots and image generators, which can reproduce harmful biases and create misinformation that is difficult to fact-check. This disproportionately affects persons with disabilities, who often lack access to digital literacy and critical information verification skills. Information disorders, including deepfakes and manipulated content, further exacerbate these risks.

Ableism remains another persistent barrier, carried into online spaces and contributing to self-censorship or exclusion of persons with disabilities from digital participation. It also shapes whose voices are considered in policymaking, often leaving persons with disabilities sidelined in laws and digital governance.

I often reference the seven pillars of inclusion, and when contextualised to digital rights, several stand out. First, inclusive policy frameworks must provide tangible ways to embed the needs of these groups into national and regional digital strategies and practices. Communication should be accessible, transparent, timely, multilingual, and adaptable to diverse abilities, ensuring that information reaches everyone.

Offering choice in how people engage digitally allows communities to use tools and platforms that best suit their needs. Building strong partnerships across government, civil society, industry, and community networks amplifies impact and accountability. Accessibility must be prioritised in both digital content and devices, ensuring that platforms are usable by all. Web accessibility guidelines should be applied when developing websites to ensure they are accessible to all users.

29Dec

 Dr. Abdul Busuulwa

Author CIPESA Posted on

Who is Dr. Abdul Busuulwa?

I am a Ugandan male with a visual impairment. I come from a humble family where resources were severely limited. Nevertheless, I managed to jump all the hurdles of growing up, and now I have a wife and four children.

With over 25 years of working experience, my career has been shaped around social development, training NGOs, conducting research, engaging in human rights advocacy, and promoting accessible ICTs for persons with disabilities. My career started with a short stint in journalism (freelance reporting) in the late 1990s. I transitioned to disability inclusion and capacity building, holding two positions at the Uganda National Association of the Blind (UNAB) and the National Union of Disabled Persons of Uganda (NUDIPU) between 2000 and 2008. Currently, I am a lecturer at Kyambogo University in the Department of Community and Disability Studies, where I teach several courses, supervise and coordinate research, and train future professionals in Community Development and Social Justice, Community-Based Rehabilitation (CBR), disability studies, and inclusive development. Before my current role, I served as the Executive Director of CBR Africa Network (CAN), a regional organisation dedicated to networking and sharing information on community-based rehabilitation, disability inclusion, and advocacy across the African continent, from 2017 to 2020.

My motivation to become a disability, digital rights, and inclusion advocate in Africa stemmed from the challenges of accessing written information. As a Braille user from primary to tertiary education, I always got limited support in reading printed materials, although resilience and determination enabled me to succeed academically. Very often, I was unable to do class assignments satisfactorily just because of not reading as widely as my educational contemporaries who were endowed with sight. Even when I tried, sighted readers were often less than willing to provide me with adequate support.

The realisation that others were also struggling with the same challenge motivated me to take a six-week certificate course in computer literacy for the blind in 2001, after which I sought to train many of my kind in the use of computers and the Internet so they could easily obtain as much information in digital form as they wished. On a personal note, starting to access documents in soft copy was the real game-changer in my pursuit of a Master’s in Management Studies at Uganda Management Institute and a PhD in Accessible ICTs for People with Visual Disabilities from the University of Twente in the Netherlands. As I mentioned earlier, I struggled with large volumes of notes in Braille notes while pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication from Makerere University and a Postgraduate Diploma in Community-Based Rehabilitation from the Institute of Teacher Education, Kyambogo (now part of Kyambogo University). This was no longer the case after accessing online repositories of articles and so on!

When the government enacted the Access to Information Act of 2005, I ensured that I participated in the process. I submitted my views on access to information for persons with disabilities to the parliamentary committee that was collecting public views.

Two developments have been crucial in the progress toward expanding digital rights and including persons with disabilities in Africa. First was the adoption of the MarrakeshTreaty in 2013, an international agreement on the rights of persons who are blind, have low vision, or have a print disability to access published works. The second was the enactment of the Protocolto the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in 2018 by the African Union Assembly, which has several articles (especially Article 2 and Article 19) that recognise digital rights for persons with disabilities in Africa.

One initiative I would like to mention is the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. This initiative addresses at least five Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) that have direct and/or implicit references to disability inclusion. Furthermore, many African countries have signed and ratified the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), a commendable step towards the realisation and protection of various rights of persons with disabilities. Articles 9 and 21 are specifically related to digital rights; however, Articles 2, 5, 26, and 32 are also highly relevant in this context.

The ever-changing technology landscape is a direct threat to the realisation of digital rights and disability inclusion in Africa. It is worth noting that Africa is not a major manufacturer of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) products, such as computers, smartphones, and other Internet accessories; therefore, enabling their accessibility for persons with disabilities will always remain a retrospective rather than a proactive approach.

Additionally, the two other major challenges to digital rights for persons with disabilities include the high cost of obtaining Assistive Technology (such as screen readers, screen magnifiers, captioning software, alternative keyboards, and automatic speech-to-text translation software) and the emergence of Artificial Intelligence. Very often, persons with disabilities are unemployed and therefore lack the means to procure expensive Assistive Technology they need for effective use of mainstream ICTs. On the side of Artificial Intelligence, although this may increase the precision of Assistive Technology in task completion, some systems where this is embedded may run the risk of perpetuating and replicating discrimination that persons with disabilities are already experiencing in education, employment, and healthcare. For example, Artificial Intelligence (AI) models that cannot take into account the slowness associated with some disabilities in the completion of an input task may fail a person with that disability to ever fill an online form fully and correctly; hence putting them at a disadvantage when trying to apply for a job, medical insurance, or anything else important in their life.

We can build trust, promote partnerships, and enhance regional collaboration among different African stakeholders in the disability rights movement (including governments, inter-governmental bodies, civil society, industry, media, and academia) by simply creating awareness about disability and persons with disabilities. There are several myths and misconceptions about disability and persons with disabilities that require deconstructing and dispelling. For example, some people still believe that disability is a burden to society; hence, persons with disabilities should be isolated and made to live in their own designated parts and should allow the community to get on without them. While others think that persons with disabilities are less intelligent, less able, or less competent in their work. You cannot, therefore, expect such individuals to give jobs to qualified persons with disabilities, either in the public or private sectors of the economy. Many others believe that disability is contagious. These kinds of myths and attitudes hinder disability inclusion efforts, and they have had far-reaching consequences for the realisation of disability rights in Africa. Negative attitudes have always stood in the way of the financial contributions that African governments can make towards dismantling barriers to disability inclusion, such as the provision of Reasonable Accommodations and ensuring accessibility in public transport, education, information, and the physical environment for all, including persons with disabilities.

Disability is a cross-cutting issue. Therefore, the only way to ensure that persons with disabilities and other marginalised communities (women, youth, and older persons) are included in efforts to promote digital rights and inclusion in Africa is to take deliberate efforts to include persons with disabilities in the structures, systems, and processes of other marginalised communities. That way, all efforts to promote digital rights will automatically include issues related to disability. As an academic, I would like to humbly appeal to academic institutions to introduce disability studies course units across all their educational programs to raise awareness about disabilities.

29Dec

Berhanu Belay Wondimagegne

Author CIPESA Posted on

Who is Berhanu Belay Wondimagegne?

My name is Berhanu Belay Wondimagegne, born in Harer, Ethiopia, in 1948. I lost my vision at the age of seven, but that did not stop me from pursuing education and service. I identify myself as a teacher, a disability rights advocate, and a community servant. For over five decades, I have worked to empower persons with disabilities, particularly those who are blind, through education, training, advocacy, and access to technology. My life has been dedicated to ensuring that disability is never a barrier to dignity, opportunity, or participation in our society. I’m currently serving as Executive Director at TOGETHER, an Ethiopian civil society organisation working to empower persons with disabilities through access to information, technology, education, and integrated community development measures.

My motivation came from my own lived experience. Losing my sight as a child taught me the struggles of exclusion firsthand. When I joined the special school for the blind and later graduated from Addis Ababa University, I realised education was the key to independence. I began teaching history in Harer, but soon expanded my mission, organising Braille literacy, distributing white canes, and mobilising food and clothing for blind communities. These early efforts showed me that advocacy, combined with practical support, could transform lives.

Over the years, I have witnessed encouraging progress. Assistive technologies such as screen readers, Braille transcription, and audio devices have opened doors for blind students and professionals. Governments and civil society organisations are increasingly recognising digital inclusion as a human right. Today, more persons with disabilities in Africa are accessing education, training, employment, and information through digital platforms than ever before.

Some of the most promising initiatives include:

  • Braille transcription centers and adaptive technology hubs that make learning materials accessible.
  • Audio book distribution and digital literacy programs that empower visually impaired communities in the social, economic, and technology sectors.
  • Collaborations with NGOs and ministries to import white canes, Braille magazines, and assistive devices are progressing, allowing us to be a witness.
  • Inclusive technical and vocational training centers which provide skills training and contribute to independence.

Despite progress, challenges remain. Digital poverty, lack of accessible, affordable, and usable assistive devices, and limited internet access exclude many. Cybersecurity threats and misinformation also disproportionately affect marginalised groups. To stay ahead, Africa must invest in inclusive infrastructure, strengthen its policies, and ensure that persons with disabilities are fully integrated into decision-making processes.

Trust grows when all stakeholders, governments, civil society, academia, industry, and media, work together transparently. Regional collaboration can be enhanced through the use of shared platforms, cross-border initiatives, and inclusive policies. Partnerships must be rooted in respect, accountability, and the recognition that disability rights are human rights.

Digital inclusion must go beyond disability. Women, youth, and older persons also face barriers. We must design policies and technologies that are intersectional, ensuring that no one is left behind. Community-based organisations and grassroots leaders play a vital role in amplifying these voices. My journey has taught me that one person cannot solve all the challenges, but collective effort can. Disability inclusion is not a matter of charity; it is a matter of justice. Africa’s future depends on embracing diversity and ensuring that digital transformation benefits everyone. My hope is that the next generation of advocates will continue this mission with courage and compassion.

15Dec

How CIPESA Is Supporting Harmonised Data Governance in African Countries

Author CIPESA Posted on

By Juliet Nanfuka |

Across the world, larger amounts of data are being collected than ever before. For instance, massive volumes of data are being collected by national identity systems and mandatory SIM card registration exercises, as well as by private actors, including through online platforms and mobile devices. However, in many African countries data governance structures remain lacking, fuelling various concerns such as data breaches and surveillance.

Over the course of 2025, CIPESA has undertaken extensive work alongside the GIZ DataCipation programme and the African Union to support countries and Regional Economic Communities (RECs) to collaboratively develop data governance policies that are progressive and rights-respecting.

The various engagements, which were guided by the African Union Data Policy Framework (AUDPF), also involved building the capacity of regulators, policymakers, and other stakeholders in devising and implementing data governance policies that promote socio-economic transformation and regional integration.

Adopted in 2022, the AUDPF offers a harmonised set of principles to guide African states in governing data safely, fairly, and effectively, as it provides a continental vision for protecting personal rights, enabling cross-border data flows, unlocking socio-economic value, and fostering interoperable digital systems. CIPESA has long advocated for African countries to adopt the AUDPF as a common benchmark to guide data policies that strengthen accountability and foster trust between governments and citizens.

The inaugural capacity building workshop to build the capacity of judges and senior staff of the East African Court of Justice (EACJ) on data governance, was held in March 2025, in Kigali, Rwanda. The training aimed to enhance court officials’ understanding of the AUDPF and its implications for national and regional data governance, as well as the need for harmonised data governance policies within the East African Community (EAC).

As East Africa moves into a regional economy, the EACJ might be faced with a number of challenges in its operations. There are cases in national courts related to data governance, and if the EACJ is not aware of what is going on in the digital space, it might not be able to handle such cases should they come before the court.” Hon. Justice Nestor Kayobera,  President of the EACJ

This was followed by another training in April 2025 in Kampala, Uganda for members of the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA). At a time when the eight-member regional bloc was developing a harmonised data policy legislation, this training strengthened the capacity of members and staff of the regional parliament in the areas of data governance, data protection, and related legislative and policy issues.

The Southern African Development Community (SADC) has similarly embarked on developing a Regional Data Governance Framework. In September, CIPESA supported training for more than 50 regulators and policymakers from 16 SADC countries in Madagascar, on harmonising data protection frameworks to support cross-border data flows and regional trade.

At the country level, CIPESA has supported capacity development as well as data governance policy development. In July 2025, a consultative workshop in the capital Maseru brought together more than 60 stakeholders from the Lesotho government, civil society, academia, and the private sector to review the country’s draft Data Management Policy and align it with the AUDPF. The workshop developed a roadmap towards building a more progressive data governance policy framework, with various revisions being made to the Data Management Policy. In October, the policy was validated at a multi-stakeholder engagement led by the Ministry of Information, Communications, Science, Technology and Innovation, alongside the AU, GIZ, and CIPESA.

In November 2025, CIPESA supported capacity building in Liberia for government ministries, civil society organisations, and private sector representatives at a two-day workshop in Monrovia. The engagement, which was convened by the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications, CIPESA, and the AU, explored how data could support Liberia’s digital transformation and the need to align the country’s laws and policies with continental and global frameworks.

Additionally, CIPESA is supporting the government of Liberia to develop a Data Governance Policy that is aligned to the AUDPF. In this regard, a separate two-day multi-stakeholder consultation was held to inform the content of the prospective policy, which is anticipated to be completed early in 2026. The consultation marked a critical step in Liberia’s ongoing efforts to establish a coherent national framework for data governance, protection, and utilisation.

Also in November, CIPESA supported capacity building in Uganda for 81 policymakers, regulators, civil society, and private sector actors. In partnership with the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance, the Personal Data Protection Office, GIZ and AU, in Kampala, Uganda. Participants explored foundational elements of data governance, including data infrastructure, data value creation, standards, trust mechanisms, and institutional arrangements. Participants discussed regulatory approaches, institutional structures, and capacity-building strategies necessary for Uganda to harness data responsibly and efficiently.

Meanwhile, various global settings have also served as platforms to further deliberate and contribute to the global discourse on data governance in Africa. At the June 2025 Internet Governance Forum held in Norway, a collaborative session hosted by CIPESA, GIZ, and The Republic of The Gambia saw discussions on how fragmented national regulations and inconsistent privacy and cybersecurity standards pose challenges to regional and global cooperation.

Similarly at the September 2025 Forum on Internet Freedom in Africa (FIFAfrica25) hosted by CIPESA, various sessions discussed data governance as central to Africa’s digitalisation efforts. Across multiple sessions, speakers underscored the growing recognition that how data is governed will shape the continent’s democratic, economic, and social futures. Notably, the European Union (EU) Delegation to Namibia emphasised its continued commitment to investing in digital infrastructure, strengthening democratic governance, and advancing a human-centric digital transformation through the Global Gateway strategy.

1 2 3 4 … 35