Date: 25th February 2025;
8:15 Taipei Time
12:15 PM GMT
1:15 PM WAT
2:15 PM CAT
3:15 PM EAT
Those interested in joining this meetup can place an order for a community (online) ticket. The ticket fee is a sliding scale $0-100. They can just put down $0 and get the ticket for free.
Introduction
KICTANet will participate in the 13th edition of RightsCon, which will be held in Taipei and online from February 24 to 27, 2025. This annual convening of diverse stakeholders aims to tackle pressing issues at the intersection of human rights and technology.
As an active participant, KICTANet will host the 2025 Africa Meetup for RightsCon 2025 to allow participants to network and build trusted relationships before the main RightsCon events. As Africa’s digital landscape evolves, the region faces critical challenges and opportunities in shaping a rights-respecting internet. The 1- hour virtual session will highlight the unique challenges and opportunities shaping Africa’s digital rights landscape and facilitate a platform for meaningful engagement.
Background and Context
2024 saw a surge in youth-led digital activism characterized by widespread online mobilization, protests, and extensive use of social media to voice dissent. Citizens utilized platforms such as X, TikTok, Facebook, and WhatsApp to share information, organize protests, and coordinate collective action. Additionally, many African nations have been in their election cycle between 2024-2027, which has increased the use of digital platforms to mobilize civic engagement and foster democratic participation.
However, digital activism has been met with significant hostility from African governments through internet controls, which have severely restricted civic spaces and undermined democratic processes. In 2024 alone, we witnessed a troubling resurgence of election-related internet shutdowns and censorship in countries with a history of shutting down the internet during political events. These shutdowns violate voters’ right to access information, which interferes with the credibility and fairness of results. In addition, authoritarian regimes employ misinformation and disinformation tactics to impede the flow of information and surveillance to create fear and uncertainty. It is therefore important to discuss how to mitigate internet controls to protect the civic space essential for healthy democratic engagement and electoral integrity.
Another recent challenge is the unprecedented shift in priorities of major donors, as observed by the executive order to pause United States foreign development assistance by President Trump. This order has resulted in the sudden exit of USAID and raised critical questions about the sustainability of digital rights funding. While initiatives like the Africa Digital Rights Fund (ADRF) continue to provide crucial support across the continent, many such programs depend on major donors whose exit would significantly impede efforts towards an open, inclusive, secure, and rights-based internet. Therefore, there is a need for Africa to discuss sustainable funding models that leverage both local capacity and global partnerships.
The third pertinent issue is data governance, particularly Africa’s lack of unified data governance frameworks. The African Union developed the Data Policy Framework (AU DPF), which aims to address this challenge by enhancing regional data governance and promoting a data-driven African economy. The AU DPF’s vision is a comprehensive approach to data management that balances cross-border data flows with citizens’ data rights. Despite its potential to strengthen data governance across the continent, the implementation of the AU DPF remains a work in progress. Challenges such as varying levels of digital readiness among member states, the lack of robust data protection laws, and insufficient resources for enforcement hinder its effectiveness. RightsCon stakeholders must, therefore, identify strategies to support the successful operationalization of the AU DPF and promote responsible and inclusive use of data for Africa’s economic growth.
KICTANet will facilitate a dynamic flow of discussions about these three key thematic areas for the hour. The meetup will be structured to allow guided conversations and organic networking, with facilitators designated to lead thematic areas where necessary. The format remains open and flexible, and we encourage participants to share insights and collectively shape the digital rights agenda for Africa.
Objectives
- Understand how digital platforms shape voter engagement, campaign dynamics, and electoral outcomes in Africa’s 2025 elections.
- Assess the impact of USAID funding cuts on digital rights initiatives and identify sustainable alternative funding strategies.
- Analyze the African Union Data Policy Framework to determine its potential to enhance data sovereignty and strengthen regional data governance.
Expected Outcomes
- Develop actionable strategies and best practices to secure digital election processes, enhance transparency, and counter misinformation during Africa’s 2025 general elections.
- Identify and promote alternative funding models and partnerships that offset USAID cuts, ensuring sustainable support for digital rights and civic technology initiatives across Africa.
- Generate concrete recommendations for implementing the African Union Data Policy Framework to boost data governance, reinforce data sovereignty, and foster regional collaboration.
Thematic Areas:
- Elections in Africa and the Role of Technology
Session Lead: Ms. Cherie Oyier
2025 marks a pivotal election year for Africa, with over 20 nations set to hold general elections. This session explores how digital tools reshape voter engagement, campaign strategies, and the flow of information versus misinformation. Participants will identify practical steps to secure online spaces, enhance election monitoring, and support transparent voting processes. The goal is to deliver actionable insights that empower policymakers and civil society to ensure fair, accountable, and democratic elections across the continent.
- Rethinking Digital Rights Funding in Africa: The Implications of USAID’s Exit
Session Lead: Mr. Victor Kapiyo
The recent freeze on USAID funding sent shockwaves across civil society organisations in Africa, particularly those working in the digital rights space. USAID has been a key funder of initiatives focused on internet freedom, digital inclusion, and cybersecurity. Its sudden exit raises urgent questions about the sustainability of advocacy efforts, as many organisations now face funding gaps that threaten ongoing programs and long-term impact.
The discussion will reflect on the risks of donor dependency, the need for diversified funding streams, and how African digital rights organisations can reframe their financial strategies to remain resilient in a rapidly changing funding landscape.
- Data Governance in Africa: A Deep-Dive on African Union Data Policy Framework
Session Lead: Ms. Valarie Waswa
This session will focus on the African Union Data Policy Framework and its role in strengthening data governance in Africa. Recently, we have seen countries like Kenya and Nigeria facing challenges with state surveillance and data privacy, making the AU framework an important tool for improving data sovereignty. We will discuss barriers like limited infrastructure and regulatory delays, and explore practical solutions for implementing digital policies that promote sustainable growth while protecting citizens’ rights. Participants will leave with clear insights and strategies for advancing data governance across the continent.