The 10th edition of the Digital Rights and Inclusion Forum (DRIF23) held in Nairobi, Kenya from April 12th to 14th, 2023, brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including policymakers, industry experts, and civil society organizations, to discuss the current state of digital policy in Africa. As an organization that is passionate about digital accessibility, rights, , and inclusion, we had the privilege to attend the forum and found the event to be incredibly informative and thought-provoking.

DRIF23 featured an array of insightful breakout sessions covering a wide range of topics related to community, collaboration, and digital inclusion. Our presentation on “RURAL DIGITALIZATION TO COMBAT RURAL-URBAN MIGRATION” was particularly enjoyable, as it allowed us to showcase our research on this important topic. We appreciated the opportunity to hear from different speakers and participants, share ideas and best practices, and engage with like-minded individuals.

Several sessions stood out as particularly noteworthy. The session on “Building an Inclusive and Sustainable Digital Future for All” was particularly insightful, emphasizing the need for digital policies and programs that prioritize inclusion and sustainability, particularly in Africa. Speakers discussed the potential of digital technologies to drive economic growth and social development in the region, while also highlighting the challenges of ensuring that everyone has access to these technologies. They emphasized the importance of partnerships between government, civil society organizations, and the private sector to create a digital ecosystem that is equitable and inclusive.

The session one “Open and Big Data Challenges and Opportunities in bringing Digital Inclusion and Access in Africa” explored the potential of data-driven solutions to address digital inequality in Africa. Speakers discussed the challenges of collecting and using data in Africa, particularly in rural areas where internet access is limited. They also discussed the opportunities that data presents for improving access to services such as healthcare and education, as well as for driving economic growth. The session emphasized the need for policymakers to create regulatory frameworks that promote data sharing and protect consumer privacy.

Another informative session was “Digital Financial Inclusion: the rise of digital payment services”, which highlighted the growing trend of digital financial services in Africa, particularly mobile money and other forms of digital payments. Speakers discussed the potential of these services to drive financial inclusion and economic development, particularly in underserved communities. They also highlighted the challenges of ensuring that these services are secure and accessible to all users, particularly those who are unbanked or underbanked. The session emphasized the need for regulatory frameworks that balance innovation with consumer protection.

We were also privileged to attend a closed session on “Online Safety Capacity Building” which underscored on the importance of cybersecurity and data privacy in an increasingly digital world. The speakers discussed the threats that individuals and organizations face in cyberspace and the steps that can be taken to mitigate these threats.

As an organization that is passionate about accessibility, we were particularly interested in the session on “Digital accessibility: eliminating digital barriers among persons with disabilities”. Speakers discussed the challenges that people with disabilities face in accessing digital platforms, particularly in Africa where accessibility standards may not be well-established. They also highlighted the potential of digital platforms to promote inclusion and diversity, particularly if accessibility is prioritized. The session emphasized the need for policymakers and digital platform developers to create accessible and inclusive platforms for all users, regardless of their abilities.

The session on “Information and Communication Technology and Education in the Post COVID-19 recovery era” explored the role of technology in education, particularly in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Speakers discussed the challenges of remote learning, particularly in areas with limited internet access or technology infrastructure. They also highlighted the potential of technology to improve access to education and to promote innovative teaching methods. The session emphasized the need for policymakers to prioritize digital education, particularly in the post-COVID recovery era.

Last but not the least, the launch of the Londa Report 2022 was the highlight of the event. The report provides an in-depth analysis of the state of digital rights and inclusion across 24 countries in Africa. The report highlighted both the progress that has been made in digital policy in Africa, as well as the challenges that still need to be addressed. The Londa report is available in English version (EN), French version (FR), and Swahili version (SW). The report is also available in a series of individual Londa country reports and can be downloaded from the link below.

https://paradigmhq.org/report/londa-digital-rights-and-inclusion-annual-report-2022/

And finally, our presentation on Rural Digitalization to combat Rural-Urban Migration focused on the potential of digital technologies to address the challenge of rural-urban migration in Africa. We discussed the economic and social costs of rural-urban migration, particularly in terms of unemployment, overcrowding, and strain on urban infrastructure.

Our presentation highlighted the potential of digital technologies, such as e-commerce and telemedicine, to create economic opportunities and improve access to services in rural areas. We also emphasized the need for policymakers to create an enabling environment for rural digitalization, including policies that promote investment in rural infrastructure and innovation. As well as the importance of partnerships between government, the private sector, and civil society organizations to create sustainable and inclusive digital ecosystems in rural areas. Overall, our presentation provided valuable insights on the potential of digital technologies to create inclusive and sustainable rural economies, while also addressing the challenge of rural-urban migration.

DRIF23 was an incredibly valuable event that provided a deep dive into Africa’s digital policy landscape. We left the event feeling inspired and energized, and with a renewed commitment to continuing our work in Somalia. The conversations and discussions we had during the event have given us new insights and perspectives that we will carry with us in our future work in the digital space.

See you all in Accra, Ghana for DRIF24!

Authored by Ayaan Khalif, Co-founder and Program Manager of Digital Shelter, You can find her on Twitter @KhalifAyaan