Empowering Communities through Multilingual Digital Literacy to Achieve Agenda 2063 and the SDGs

Africa, with its rich linguistic and cultural diversity, faces unique challenges in fostering digital inclusion. Access to digital literacy and affordable internet is essential for bridging the digital divide and driving sustainable development, particularly in multilingual and rural areas. Achieving the goals set out in Agenda 2063, the African Union's vision for an integrated and prosperous Africa, and the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) hinges on ensuring that digital skills and resources are accessible to all communities.
This session will explore how multilingual digital literacy can empower African communities, advancing the country's progress toward Agenda 2063 and the SDGs. By focusing on inclusive strategies that address Ethiopia’s diverse linguistic landscape, the session will highlight innovative approaches to delivering digital literacy programs that enable economic participation, educational growth, and gender equity. Participants will discuss ways to overcome barriers to digital inclusion and develop recommendations for sustainable, community-driven digital literacy initiatives.

Objectives
Promote Multilingual Digital Literacy, Connect Digital Literacy with Agenda 2063 and SDGs, Address Barriers to Digital Inclusion and Foster Collaboration and Empower Marginalized Groups

Key Discussion Areas
1. Multilingual Digital Literacy
Overcoming Linguistic Barriers and Culturally Relevant Content
2. Alignment with Agenda 2063 and SDGs
Digital Skills for Economic Empowerment and Localizing Global Goals
3. Gender Inclusion and Empowerment
Bridging the Gender Gap and Youth Empowerment:
4. Collaboration for Sustainable Digital Literacy
Public-Private Partnerships and Community-Based Solutions:

Expected Outcomes
Identification of Key Challenges,
Fostering Collaborations: Build partnerships between key stakeholders, including government, civil society, and the private sector, to promote inclusive digital literacy aligned with Agenda 2063 and the SDGs.
Empowering Marginalized Groups: Ensure that women, youth, and marginalized groups are included in Africa's digital literacy and digital economy efforts.
Actionable Recommendations.

African youths Digital Inclusion for Sustainable Development

The session will be led by the Pan African Youth Ambassadors and facilitators for Internet Governance (PAYAIG) and academics that will address the urgent need for digital inclusion in less developed African communities and how an equitable and fair governance of digital technologies can result in sustainable development. The session engages researchers, digital ambassadors and fellows representing diverse stakeholder groups and countries across Africa to explore innovative approaches and best practices to empower African rural communities digitally, fostering an inclusive internet ecosystem for all.

Through interactive discussions, and showcasing, it will examine technologies, policies, and strategies are crucial for enhancing digital access to the affordable and reliable Internet. Moreover, infrastructure, digital literacy and education for marginalized groups (women, youth) and their rights will be addressed. Digital inclusion and participation across African communities, and policy frameworks will be examined through policy recommendations for fostering an open, secure, and inclusive internet. By aligning with the SDGs and Agenda 2063, the session seeks to determine actionable solutions for bridging the digital divide and realizing Africa's potential in the digital age. As PAYAIG ambassadors, the session will amplify the voices of African youth, where participants will hear firsthand experiences, challenges, and aspirations from our diverse group of 100 ambassadors.

At the end of the session, it is aimed to achieve several concrete outcomes, like actionable recommendations, showcasing digital innovations, policy drafting, and publication of digital inclusion frameworks synthesizing the session's key findings and recommendations. will be developed and disseminated widely among policymakers, practitioners, and relevant stakeholders.

This framework will serve as a roadmap for guiding future initiatives and investments aimed at bridging the universal access and meaningful connectivity and fostering sustainable development in Africa.

Discussion areas:

1. Access to Affordable and Reliable Internet, and infrastructure
• Expanding broadband infrastructure for rural youths
• Policies for affordable data and device access
2. Digital Literacy and Education
• Integrating digital skills into the education system for SGDs
• Community-based digital literacy programs and training for youths
3. Digital Inclusion in Governance
• E-governance and youth engagement
• Policies for youth digital rights inclusion and privacy
4. Youths and girl’s rights Digital Inclusion
• Addressing challenges in technology access and use
• Empowering youth through digital skills

Beyond Awareness: Embedding Digital Security Practices in Marginalized Communities

Session Description:
While digital transformation continues to reshape societies, marginalized communities in Africa often remain excluded from the benefits of secure digital practices. These communities face unique challenges, such as limited access to resources, low levels of digital literacy, and exposure to cyber threats. Despite efforts to raise awareness, a critical gap persists in embedding sustainable digital security practices tailored to the realities of these communities.
This interactive workshop will move beyond theoretical awareness to practical implementation. Participants will explore innovative strategies, grassroots-led initiatives, and actionable tools designed to integrate digital security into the daily lives of underserved populations. Through hands-on demonstrations and real-world case studies, this session will provide a platform to share experiences, foster collaboration, and equip attendees with a framework to address digital security challenges at the local level.

Key Objectives:
Identify Barriers: Explore the unique challenges marginalized communities face in adopting secure digital practices.
Share Innovations: Present creative, low-cost solutions and tools that align with the specific needs of these communities.
Empower Grassroots Organizations: Highlight the pivotal role of grassroots organizations in promoting localized digital safety initiatives.
Provide Practical Frameworks: Equip participants with tools and frameworks to build localized, sustainable digital security programs.

Expected Outcomes:
Participants will leave with:
A deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities in embedding digital security practices in marginalized communities.
Exposure to innovative tools and methods tailored to underserved populations.
A framework for implementing sustainable digital security programs.
Enhanced collaboration between grassroots organizations, policymakers, and digital rights advocates to drive community-centric digital safety initiatives.

Target Audience:
Grassroots organizations working with underserved communities.
Digital rights advocates.
Policymakers focused on inclusivity and digital transformation.
Educators and trainers in the digital literacy space.
Technologists interested in accessible and localized digital security solutions.

Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) and Data Governance for Personal Privacy

Descripction
The rapid expansion of Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) across Africa has great potential to promote inclusive growth, provide essential services, and empower citizens. However, the development and implementation of DPI, which includes digital identity systems and payment platforms, raises important concerns about data governance and the protection of personal privacy. Without strong frameworks and safeguards in place, the advantages of DPI could be compromised by risks such as data breaches, misuse of personal information, and a loss of trust. This session will examine the complex relationship between DPI development and the need to establish robust data governance mechanisms that prioritize and protect personal privacy within the African context.

Objective:
To foster a multi-stakeholder dialogue on the challenges and opportunities of developing and implementing DPI in Africa while ensuring robust data governance frameworks that safeguard personal privacy and build citizen trust.

Key Discussion Areas:
Data Governance Frameworks for DPI in Africa: What are the key elements of effective data governance frameworks for DPI in the African context, considering diverse legal, cultural, and socio-economic landscapes? This includes exploring the roles of data protection authorities, regulatory bodies, and civil society.

Security and Accountability in DPI: What measures are necessary to ensure the security of personal data within DPI and establish clear lines of accountability in case of data breaches or misuse?

Promoting Digital Literacy and Privacy Awareness in the Context of DPI: How can digital literacy initiatives empower citizens to understand their data rights and navigate DPI systems safely and confidently?

International Cooperation and Best Practices: What lessons can be learned from international experiences in developing DPI with strong data governance and privacy safeguards? How can African nations collaborate to establish regional standards and best practices?

Format and Structure:
Panel Presentations: Experts will present from diverse perspectives on the intersection of DPI and data privacy in Africa.

Case Studies: Presentation of relevant case studies from African countries and beyond showcasing both successful and challenging experiences in implementing DPI with a focus on data governance.

Interactive Dialogue: A moderated Q&A session will allow participants to engage directly with panelists, share their experiences, and contribute to the discussion.

Expected Outcomes:
Enhanced Understanding: Increased awareness among stakeholders regarding the critical importance of integrating strong data governance and privacy safeguards into the development and deployment of DPI in Africa.

Identification of Key Challenges and Opportunities: A clearer understanding of the specific challenges and opportunities related to data privacy within the African DPI landscape.

Actionable Recommendations: Development of practical recommendations for policymakers, technology developers, and civil society organizations on how to design, implement, and oversee DPI in a privacy-respecting manner.

Strengthened Collaboration: Fostering dialogue and potential collaborations among diverse stakeholders to advance the agenda of privacy-centric DPI development in Africa.
Contribution to Policy Discourse: Providing valuable insights and recommendations that can inform national and regional policy discussions on DPI and data governance.

Generation Link: Youth-Driven Approaches to Digital Inclusion Advocacy and Policy

The youth of Africa are positioned to seize opportunities and champion the intelligent innovation of technology policies and solutions that enhance access to digital resources on the continent. “Generation Link: Youth-Led Strategies for Digital Inclusion and Policy” will accept proposals from young leaders and policy specialists along with other stakeholders on how they intend to position youth for active participation in digital inclusion advocacy and policy formulation across Africa.

The gap between people who have access to modern information technology and those who do not is so pronounced that it needs urgent action. This session will attempt to outline the aspects of youth inclusivity that could add to the empowerment of sustainable policies and governance in the Africa region policies as it pertains to the digital economy. Addressing the complex nature of achieving digital inclusion, the session will address local content development, digital literacy, policy formulation, entrepreneurship with a strong focus on youth engagement as essential building blocks.

Under the auspices of PAYAIG, this session will tap into the perspectives of initiatives spearheaded by youth aimed at closing the digital divide through innovative digital advocacy, e-learning, civic engagement as well as technology-enabled community empowerment.

Some Of The Specific Focus Areas Are As Follows:

The Role of Youth in Internet Governance Policy Formation: Facilitating the opportunities for youth to actively participate in the formulation of internet governance policies at national and regional levels.

Engagement in E-Learning Activities: Participating and interacting with learning content using various technologies.

Active Participation in Cultural Representation and Creation of Local Content: Promoting the positive online interactions of users with African cultures and languages.

Addressing the Perspectives of Disadvantaged Groups of Youth: Promoting young women, rural youth, and other marginalized groups as active participants and beneficiaries of the digital world.

Creating Opportunities for Young People Initiating New Projects: Supporting emerging social and digital entrepreneurs for their new businesses that advance innovations in their respective regions.

This session will also take a look at how the African Union’s Digital Transformation Strategy, Agenda 2063, and the Global Digital Compact can align with youth-focused initiatives. Participants will collaborate on developing actionable solutions for scaling successful youth-led digital initiatives, cross-border cooperation, and inclusive public-private partnerships - and by the end of the session, participants will have co-created strategies for advancing youth-led digital inclusion, ensuring young people are empowered to be active participants in Africa’s digital policy and transformation agenda.

Networked Africa through Digital Inclusion

This session, Networked Africa through Digital Inclusion addresses the development of an integrated and inclusive digital environment throughout Africa. This discussion will address major challenges to universal internet access, such as infrastructure gaps, socio-economic challenges, and policy fragmentation. It will also focus on youths, gender inclusion, digital literacy, and harmonizing digital policies across African countries. The session will align with Pan-Africanism and Agenda 2063 in support of cross-border collaboration toward digital development to ensure that the marginalized communities, particularly women and rural communities, benefit from reliable and affordable access to the internet. It brings multi-stakeholders, like government, private sector, and civil society representatives, together to develop actionable recommendations that could lead to partnerships for the advancement of digital inclusion in Africa.
This session will be led by PLO Lumumba Foundation Ethiopia Chapter, Pan African Youth Ambassadors for Internet Governance (PAYAIG), Internet Society Ethiopia and Tanzania Chapter.

1. Regional Focus and Collaboration:
What is paramount, however, is that there should be collaboration among different regions of Africa, particularly through regional organizations like the AU and AfCFTA, while the collaboration has been termed very relevant for cross-border gaps about digital infrastructure and connectivity.

2. Sustainability:
It is also important to consider how sustainability and green technology can play into the development of digital infrastructure. This would include the use of renewable energy sources for powering Internet infrastructure in rural areas, at the least, which will be indicative and in support of larger environmental goals under the African Union Agenda 2063.

3. Case Studies and Success Stories:
Include a variety of successful digital inclusion projects that illustrate 'what has worked' across several African countries, demonstrating how they can be replicated. Examples will include public-private partnerships, gender inclusion programs, and cross-border digital policy harmonization.

4. Youth Engagement:
Make sure your message captures that the youth are, in fact, the drivers of Africa's digital future; explain how, therefore, this session is going to be an avenue for active youth participation, particularly concerning digital literacy and entrepreneurial opportunities presented by a digital economy.

5. Pan-African Vision:
-Enhancing "One Africa, One Network" messaging by being more comprehensive in framing: a Pan-African vision, not just about technology, but a socio-economic movement unto itself in the reduction of inequality, the empowerment of the most marginalized, and continental unity.

6. Multilingual Accessibility
- Highlight a call to action toward multilingual digital inclusion, focusing on the development of local African language digital tools and services that can ensure diverse community inclusion across the continent.

7. Outcome-Oriented Approach:
- Point out that this session is outcomes-oriented, and beyond mere discussion, it aims at concrete outputs such as policy recommendations, frameworks for partnerships, and strategies toward scaling successful initiatives across the continent.

Linking Africa: Youth Innovation For Universal And Meaningful Connectivity.

As Africa continues to grow on its path towards digital development, the youth must be seen not just as users of technology, but as pathfinders and drivers of innovation. During the session, "Linking Africa: Youth Innovation for Universal and Meaningful Connectivity," young innovators, policymakers, and other stakeholders come together to critically examine how young people can be at the forefront of universal access and meaningful connectivity on the continent.

Though the digital divide remains a significant barrier, access to the internet is insufficient. During this session, the necessity of constructing an empowering, inclusive, and sustainable digital landscape will be highlighted—one in which African youths are empowered with the tools, competencies, and opportunities to thrive online. Beyond infrastructure, focus will be on the potential of youth-led initiatives to shape the future of digital equity in the domains of content creation, digital literacy, policy-making, and business innovation.

Organized by Pan African Youth Ambassadors for Internet Governance (PAYAIG), the session will bring out the effort of youths' initiatives throughout the continent in digital advocacy, e-learning innovation, and community-based connectivity technologies.

The main areas of theme to be addressed include:

Policy Inclusion: Most effective mobilization of youths' participation in national and regional internet policy formulation.

Digital Literacy & Capacity Building: Empowering young people to have the knowledge and skills to move around in the digital environment safely, imaginatively, and effectively.

Local Content & Language Inclusion: Encouraging indigenous language content creation and context-appropriate digital content.

Gender and Marginalized Youth Empowerment: Bridging the digital divides for young women, rural youth, and marginalized youth, including refugees.

Entrepreneurial Ecosystems: Enabling youth-driven digital startups and social enterprises that address local challenges and opportunities.

In this session, the ways and means through which Agenda 2063, the Global Digital Compact, and the African Union Digital Transformation Strategy can be harmonized with youth priorities will also be explored. Through collaboration and innovation, the participants will go through collective working to co-design implementable solutions that enable cross-border collaborations, inclusive growth, and scalable digital initiatives.

By the end of this session, the hope is to have an Africa where "digital access" is a right that all know about, and young people are not passive recipients but active agents in the shaping of the digital future of the continent.

Unlocking Digital Africa: Leveraging the AfCFTA Digital Trade Protocol for Continental Success

The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) represents a transformative opportunity for economic integration and development across the continent. At its core, the recently adopted Digital Trade Protocol (DTP) is a vital instrument for realizing the full potential of this agreement in the digital age. By aiming to harmonize digital trade regulations, facilitate cross-border data flows, enhance cybersecurity, and promote digital inclusion, the DTP has profound implications for the success of "Digital Africa." Its effective implementation and strategic utilization can unlock new avenues for economic growth, innovation, and social progress, aligning with broader global and regional digital cooperation efforts. This session will critically examine the key provisions of the AfCFTA DTP and explore how African nations can collaboratively leverage it to empower their digital futures and contribute to the global digital landscape.

Objective:
To analyze the potential of the AfCFTA Digital Trade Protocol to accelerate the growth and inclusivity of Africa's digital economy, fostering continental cooperation and aligning with global digital cooperation frameworks.

Key Discussion Areas:
• Harmonizing Digital Ecosystems for Continental Trade
• Boosting Cross-Border Digital Commerce and Services
• Strengthening Digital Infrastructure and Connectivity for AfCFTA Implementation
• Enhancing Cybersecurity and Building Trust in the AfCFTA Digital Space
• The AfCFTA DTP and Global Digital Cooperation Agendas

Panelists:

1. Dr. Talkmore chided (PhD) – Digital Trade expert at (AfCFTA) Secretariat-IGOs talkmorechidede@gmail.com -Zimbabwe
2. Dr. Tsotetsi Makong (PhD)– Director Coordination and Programmes at (AfCFTA) Secretariat– IGOs makongt@gmail.com Speaker (AfDTPA) -Lesotho
3. Assistant Prof. Asrat Mulatu (PhD)- Internet Society Ethiopia Chapter President-asrat.mulatu@aastu.edu.et, Ethiopia
4. Athanase-Bahizire- ISOC Ambassador, Programs Alumni- atholabahizire@gmail.com, Democratic Republic of the Congo

Safeguarding Freedom of Expression and Digital Access During Protests and Elections

Session Description

Internet shutdowns have become a pervasive and alarming trend, particularly during politically sensitive periods such as elections, protests, and civil unrest. These shutdowns directly infringe on fundamental human rights, including freedom of expression, access to information, and the right to peaceful assembly, as guaranteed under international human rights law.
Africa has seen a marked rise in such disruptions, leaving millions of people disconnected from vital communication channels and silenced in critical moments of civic engagement. For example, the 2023 Access Now and #KeepItOn coalition report recorded 283 internet shutdowns in 39 countries, with governments using these disruptions to suppress dissent, restrict access to life-saving information, and conceal human rights abuses. From Ethiopia to India, and Sudan to Myanmar, shutdowns have become a favored tool for silencing opposition and undermining democratic processes.
This panel discussion, organized by Ghana School on Internet Governance (GhanaSIG) Fellows, will provide a comprehensive examination of the human rights violations caused by internet shutdowns. The panel will highlight the legal, policy, and technical measures needed to combat these practices and propose actionable recommendations for ensuring a free and open internet during critical national moments. By fostering dialogue among key stakeholders, this session aims to safeguard internet access and reinforce the importance of an inclusive and secure digital ecosystem.

Session Objectives
Highlight Human Rights Violations:
Examine the specific ways in which internet shutdowns violate fundamental rights such as freedom of expression, access to information, and participation in democratic processes.

Promote Legal and Policy Frameworks:
Identify international, regional, and national legal measures that can hold governments accountable for internet shutdowns and protect digital rights.

Explore Technical and Civil Society Solutions:
Discuss innovative technical solutions, such as VPNs and decentralized networks, as well as advocacy strategies used by civil society to mitigate the impact of shutdowns.

Encourage Multi-Stakeholder Collaboration:
Propose actionable recommendations for governments, civil society, private sector actors, and international organizations to work together in safeguarding internet freedom during elections and protests.

Empower Advocacy Networks:
Strengthen the capacity of grassroots organizations and digital rights advocates to combat internet shutdowns and engage in global coalitions like #KeepItOn.

Safeguarding Freedom of Expression and Digital Access During Protests and Elections

Description
Session Description

Internet shutdowns have become a pervasive and alarming trend, particularly during politically sensitive periods such as elections, protests, and civil unrest. These shutdowns directly infringe on fundamental human rights, including freedom of expression, access to information, and the right to peaceful assembly, as guaranteed under international human rights law.
Africa has seen a marked rise in such disruptions, leaving millions of people disconnected from vital communication channels and silenced in critical moments of civic engagement. For example, the 2023 Access Now and #KeepItOn coalition report recorded 283 internet shutdowns in 39 countries, with governments using these disruptions to suppress dissent, restrict access to life-saving information, and conceal human rights abuses. From Ethiopia to India and Sudan to Myanmar, shutdowns have become a favored tool for silencing opposition and undermining democratic processes.
This panel discussion, organized by Ghana School on Internet Governance (GhanaSIG) Fellows, will provide a comprehensive examination of the human rights violations caused by internet shutdowns. The panel will highlight the legal, policy, and technical measures needed to combat these practices and propose actionable recommendations for ensuring a free and open internet during critical national moments. By fostering dialogue among key stakeholders, this session aims to safeguard internet access and reinforce the importance of an inclusive and secure digital ecosystem.

Session Objectives
Highlight Human Rights Violations:
Examine the specific ways in which internet shutdowns violate fundamental rights such as freedom of expression, access to information, and participation in democratic processes.

Promote Legal and Policy Frameworks:
Identify international, regional, and national legal measures that can hold governments accountable for internet shutdowns and protect digital rights.

Explore Technical and Civil Society Solutions:
Discuss innovative technical solutions, such as VPNs and decentralized networks, as well as advocacy strategies used by civil society to mitigate the impact of shutdowns.

Encourage Multi-Stakeholder Collaboration:
Propose actionable recommendations for governments, civil society, private sector actors, and international organizations to work together in safeguarding internet freedom during elections and protests.

Empower Advocacy Networks:
Strengthen the capacity of grassroots organizations and digital rights advocates to combat internet shutdowns and engage in global coalitions like #KeepItOn.

Promoting Indigenous Knowledge through Digital Platforms in Local Contexts

In an increasingly interconnected world, the pursuit of sustainable development requires innovative approaches that integrate diverse knowledge systems. This essay proposes a research agenda centered on promoting endogenous and indigenous knowledge to achieve a balanced and holistic development paradigm.
We go into detail on how digital platforms can be an effective instrument for promoting and conserving indigenous knowledge in local contexts in the context of IGF Africa2024. Indigenous knowledge provides important insights into sustainable development and cultural legacy. It is firmly anchored in the spiritual, ecological, and reputative practices or wisdom of native societies.
The emergence of the digital era poses special difficulties for preserving this information, especially in linguistically heterogeneous areas like Africa. Learners in rural and marginalized communities have limited access to culturally relevant content due to the underrepresentation of many local languages on digital education platforms.
In-depth scientific and creative approaches to incorporating native knowledge into digital platforms or systems will be covered by participants. We will talk about how important it is to have access to indigenous knowledge and create a workable plan to protect it in the digital age. Come along with us as we work to close the digital divide and safeguard our rich indigenous history for future generations.
Encouraging endogenous and indigenous knowledge is a moral obligation as much as an intellectual endeavor. We can create the conditions for a more sustainable and inclusive future for everybody if we adopt a comprehensive strategy that crosses cultural barriers. Together, let us set out on this journey, aided by the lessons learned from the past and the hope for a brighter future.

Digital Trade and Data Governance: The Future of Digital Africa under AfCFTA

This session led by the African Digital Trade and Professionals Association (AfDTPA) at the African IGF, will discuss the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) as a historic turning point in Africa's economic integration, and digital trade is critical to achieving its full economic potential. By eliminating cross-border trade challenges. AfCFTA boosts the market for digital goods and services, enabling business organizations to use digital platforms and data to accelerate growth in their economies.
However, the effective operation of digital trade across African borders depends on strong data governance policies that ensure the free flow of data while safeguarding privacy and building confidence. Data localization, cybersecurity, and cross-border data flows are all issues that must be handled in order for the internet-based economy to succeed. This session will look at how to swiftly implement digital trade under AfCFTA by adopting harmonized data governance policies which encourage secure, inclusive, and equitable economic growth throughout African nations.

Expected Outcomes: Digital trade Policies and frameworks for Data Governance, Actionable Insights for AfCFTA digital trade Implementation, Stakeholder Collaboration, Empowerment through Digital Trade: A focus on how digital trade can accelerate inclusive economic growth, creating opportunities for small businesses, women, and youth across the continent.
Target audience: Policymakers, Private and government Sectors, Academics and Researchers, Civil Society and business and technology sectors
Preferred session duration: Opening Remarks (10 minutes), Panel Discussion (25 minutes), Interactive Dialogue (15 minutes) and Conclusion and Recommendations (10 minutes)
Hybrid session format (virtual and in person)