0
0
A new report by the pan-African organization, Paradigm Initiative (PIN), has shed light on the state of digital rights and inclusion across 26 African countries. The 2023 Londa report was unveiled during the Digital Rights and Inclusion Forum (DRIF) in Accra, Ghana, marking the culmination of a three-day event that convened hundreds of delegates from 61 countries.
The report delves into critical issues such as Internet shutdowns and disruptions, data protection, disinformation during elections, online gender-based violence, cybersecurity, surveillance, digital divide, access to the Universal Service Fund (USF), freedom of expression, and access to information. It provides insights into challenges faced by countries across the continent and offers recommendations for addressing them.
During the forum, which took place from April 23rd to April 25th, 2024, participants engaged in vibrant discussions, panel sessions, tech demonstrations, pre-event workshops, lightning talks, and exhibitions under diverse tracks including digital rights, digital inclusion, and digital security. With over 80 sessions hosted and more than 1,000 registered delegates, the event served as a platform to shape conversations on digital policy in Africa and forge partnerships for action.
Dr. Aida Opoku-Mensah, Paradigm Initiative’s Board Vice Chair, expressed hope that the insights gained and connections forged during the forum would inspire tangible action and positive change towards a more equitable and just digital future.
Dr. Albert Antwi-Boasiako, Director General of the Ghana Cyber Security Authority (CSA), highlighted the importance of guaranteeing affordable internet access for all segments of society as a key pillar of digital inclusion. He cited initiatives such as the National Broadband Infrastructure Project and free Wi-Fi for senior high schools as examples of efforts to expand internet access in underserved communities and bridge the digital divide in Ghana.
In addition to the release of the Londa report, PIN also launched its digital toolkits, Ripoti and Ayeta, at the event. Delegates had the opportunity to preview the organization’s fourth film, Undersight, scheduled for premiere in May 2024.
The Londa report identifies 2023 as a progressive year for digital rights, with countries like Nigeria and Malawi enacting data protection laws. However, it raises concerns about online gender-based violence hindering women’s inclusion on online platforms and highlights instances of information disorders during elections, particularly in Nigeria.
The report also documents internet disruptions in five out of the 26 monitored countries in 2023, underscoring the ongoing challenges of digital divide and access to the USF. It commends the adoption of the African Union Convention on Cyber Security and Personal Data Protection (Malabo Convention) and urges African states to accede to the treaty to enhance data protection practices and foster regional cooperation.
The DRIF24 in Ghana was made possible through collaboration with partner organizations including E-Governance and Internet Governance Foundation for Africa (EGIGFA), University of Media, Arts and Communication—Institute of Journalism, Media Foundation for West Africa, Inclusive Tech Group, Internet Society (ISOC) Ghana Chapter, and Human Security Research Centre (HSRC). The event was sponsored by Wikimedia, African Digital Rights Network, Ford Foundation, Luminate, Google, Kingdom of The Netherlands, Mott Foundation, Open Technology Fund (OTF), Internews, Small Media, International Justice Clinic UC Irvine School of Law, among others.
This report serves as a testament to the collective effort and commitment towards advancing digital rights and inclusion in Africa, underscoring the importance of collaborative action in addressing the multifaceted challenges of the digital era.
