Celebrating a decade of relentless advocacy, innovation, and community-building, the Forum on Internet Freedom in Africa (FIFAfrica) marked its 10th anniversary with a powerful and timely theme: “The Internet Freedom We Want for Africa.” Hosted by the Collaboration on International ICT Policy for East and Southern Africa (CIPESA) and co-hosted by the Tanzania Ministry of ICT  in the scenic city of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

As the digital revolution continues to sweep the globe, Africa stands at a crucial crossroads, navigating the delicate balance between innovation and integrity, connectivity and privacy. This forum serves as a crucial platform for stakeholders to come together, exchange ideas, and formulate strategies to ensure that the Internet remains a tool for empowerment rather than oppression.

In an era where the internet has become an integral part of daily life, one of the central themes of this year’s forum was the challenge of balancing security concerns with the preservation of individual freedoms. In many African nations, governments have implemented stringent measures in the name of national security, often suppressing free speech and violating privacy rights. Participants at the forum were vocal in their call for transparent and accountable governance, emphasizing the need for laws and policies that protect citizens’ digital rights.

The forum also tackled the issue of internet shutdowns, a troubling trend that has been on the rise across Africa. Internet shutdowns, often implemented during political unrest or elections, have severe economic and social repercussions, stifling communication and hindering access to information. The forum attendees were united in their condemnation of this practice, advocating for establishing legal frameworks that prohibit arbitrary internet shutdowns and protect the digital rights of all citizens.

In addition to discussions on policy and governance, the forum also served as a platform for sharing innovative solutions and best practices. Entrepreneurs and tech experts showcased tools and initiatives to enhance digital literacy, protect user privacy, and promote online safety. These exchanges highlighted the vital role that technology can play in safeguarding internet freedom and advancing human rights.

The Forum for Internet Freedom in Africa also underscored the importance of inclusion, recognizing that the benefits of the Internet should be accessible to all, regardless of gender, age, or socio-economic status. Workshops and panels focused on bridging the digital divide, ensuring that marginalized communities are included in the digital age.

Our participation at FIFAfrica 2023 was both profound and transformative. This year, we made the most pronounced appearance for the first time, with a significant increase in delegates from Digital Shelter and the Somali community. This wasn’t just about numbers; it was a clear testament to our unwavering commitment and evolving role in digital rights advocacy in Somalia. We actively sought and successfully established invaluable connections with like-minded institutions throughout the forum. These connections have set the stage for potential collaborations to amplify our shared vision for internet freedom and digital rights across the continent.

At the end of the forum, CIPESA launched the 2023 edition of the State of Internet Freedom in Africa report, titled ‘A Decade of Internet Freedom in Africa: Recounting the Past, Shaping the Future of Internet Freedom in Africa.’ The report provides an in-depth analysis of Africa’s ever-changing state of internet freedom. It aims to raise awareness about issues related to internet freedom on the continent and influence the discourse among digital rights advocates throughout Africa.

The full report is available online and can be downloaded from here.

Lastly, the discussions and debates that took place over the course of the event served as a powerful reminder of the work that still needs to be done to secure internet freedom in Africa. The Forum for Internet Freedom in Africa is more than just a conference; it is a movement, a rallying cry for all those who believe in the Internet’s transformative power.

As we navigate the complexities of the digital age, the lessons learned, and connections made at this forum will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping the future of internet freedom on the continent.

For more details on Digital Shelter’s work,

• Website: https://digitalshelter.org
  
• Email: info@digitalshelter.org
  

Authored by Ayaan Khalif, Co-founder and Program Manager of Digital Shelter, You can find her on Twitter https://twitter.com/KhalifAyaan