Digital rights, inclusion forum kicks off in Ghana
Apr 24, 2024
According to a press release from the forum's website, the sub-themes at the conference will focus on trust and accountability, data protection, privacy and surveillance, artificial intelligence and emerging technologies, digital inclusion, and marginalised groups.
The Digital Rights and Inclusion Forum has kicked off at Alisa Hotel in Accra Ghana. (Courtesy photo)
Hannington Mutabazi
Journalist @New Vision
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The Digital Rights and Inclusion Forum (DRIF24) aiming at addressing pressing issues in the digital realm in Africa has kicked off in Accra, Ghana.
The three-day conference themed under: Fostering Rights and Inclusion in the Digital Age, kicked off on Tuesday, April 23, 2024.
Paradigm Initiative (PIN) is hosting the event, in collaboration with 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) at Alisa Hotel.
According to a press release from the forum's website, the sub-themes at the conference will focus on trust and accountability, data protection, privacy and surveillance, artificial intelligence and emerging technologies, digital inclusion, and marginalised groups.
The event has attracted 61 stakeholders from the Global South to share experiences and map strategies that transcend geographical boundaries.
“The basic idea is to have conclusive solutions on how to improve the state of digital rights on the African continent. DRIF is not a platform for conversation, it’s for actions,” Paradigm Initiative executive director Gbenga Sesan said during an interview with journalists after the opening ceremony.
Starting with the very first edition in 2013, PIN and its partners have successfully held 10 DRIF editions, making this year the 11th.
"The organisation received 245 session proposals for DRIF 2024 and is looking forward to hosting about 80 sessions, an increase from last year’s 70 sessions. This year’s event will incorporate a blend of panel sessions, launches, tech demos, lightning talks, and exhibitions under diverse tracks, including digital rights, digital inclusion, and digital security," reads the release.
Last year's DRIF was held in Nairobi, Kenya, and was attended by 601 participants drawn from 54 countries across the world.
The forum hosted 70 sessions focusing on, among other themes, Internet shutdowns, utilisation of the Universal Service Fund (USF), data protection, content moderation, and censorship. There were also key launches of research, platforms, and networks.
Speaking about the 2024 event on the forum’s website, PIN senior manager, of partnerships and engagements Thobekile Matimbe said Paradigm Initiative was looking forward to vibrant, unique, engaging, and enriching sessions.
“The proposals we received this year are outstanding, and we are being deliberate about a Global South convening and ensuring a good blend of thematic areas. We don’t doubt that the DRIF Community will be enriched,” she said.
About DRIF
The forum is an important platform where conversations on digital policy in Africa are shaped, policy directions debated, and partnerships forged for action. The Digital Rights and Inclusion Forum has carved a niche as the arena for tough topical global issues on digital rights and inclusion, accommodating views and opinions from civil society, technology companies, government, academia, and other stakeholders.
The 2024 edition will build on the discussions from the 10th edition, which focused on a sustainable Internet future that leaves no one behind.
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