Attending FIFAfrica 2024 in Dakar, Senegal, was a truly eye-opening experience. It brought together a wonderful community of digital rights advocates, researchers, and policy experts from across Africa and beyond. The conference was filled with heartfelt conversations about the intersection of technology, freedom of expression, and human rights. FIFAfrica 2024 wasn’t just a conference; it was a lively space for collaboration and learning, and the vibrant energy of Dakar made it even more unforgettable. It underscored the vital role of African voices in shaping the digital rights agenda, especially in this era of rapid technological advancements
The 2024 event revolved around building resilience in Africa’s digital future where attendees contributed valuable insights. The plenary sessions facilitated discussions on the changing landscape of internet freedom, disinformation, and the increasing influence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in governance. Additionally, other sessions delved into the pressing necessity for more robust data protection laws, sparking compelling debates on how African nations can safeguard privacy while fostering innovation.
I had the chance to participate in a workshop about the digital divide, which brought attention to the discrepancies in internet access between rural and urban areas in Africa. We had discussions on potential policies to address these discrepancies and heard practical examples from countries like Uganda and Senegal. One of the main points emphasized was the significance of community-driven initiatives in narrowing the digital access gap, especially in rural areas. These initiatives prioritized developing cost-effective and sustainable solutions to enhance internet access in underserved regions, ultimately creating more inclusive digital environments.
More discussions called for reviewing and revising policy frameworks and regulations from African governments, including the African Declaration on Internet Rights and Freedoms. Many participants emphasized the need for inclusive policies that promote equitable access to digital technologies, including the expansion of affordable broadband infrastructure. These discussions were driven by concerns over the high cost of data in many African countries, which continues to hinder access, especially for marginalized communities.
During the discussion, it became apparent that simply providing internet access was not sufficient if individuals lacked the necessary digital literacy skills. It was emphasized that efforts should be made to train people, especially women and girls, in digital skills to ensure they can effectively utilize digital tools. The Enabel team from Uganda shared valuable insights and highlighted initiatives to address this issue. As a result, the team took the lead in creating a beginner’s manual on digital rights, a resource designed to empower women and girls and ensure that access to the internet translates into meaningful engagement with digital spaces.
The importance of collaboration between governments, civil society, and the private sector in bridging the digital divide was highlighted. Showcased were successful partnerships demonstrating how telecom companies, non-governmental organizations, and governments can join forces to expand internet access and ensure user affordability. The high cost of data and digital devices remains a major obstacle to connectivity for millions of people. Discussions also focused on the potential impact of better regulation of telecommunications markets in reducing these costs and closing the digital gap.
In conclusion, the efforts to address the digital divide at FIFAfrica 2024 were characterized by a strong emphasis on collaboration, innovation, and policy reform. There was a clear focus on community-driven initiatives, cutting-edge technologies, and partnerships, highlighting the increasing understanding that closing the digital gap demands a comprehensive and inclusive strategy.
Sheila Israel,
is the Manager Policy and Strategy at the CfMA
