Across Africa, rural broadband connectivity is expanding, opening new pathways for access to information, public services, opportunities and economic participation. Yet, connectivity alone does not guarantee meaningful digital inclusion or the protection of digital rights. This session critically examines whether rural broadband initiatives in the region intentionally integrate digital rights, gender equality, and inclusion, or whether they remain largely infrastructure-driven.

Drawing on WOUGNET’s rural broadband models and lessons from other connectivity initiatives across Africa, the session will demonstrate how digital rights and inclusion determine who truly benefits from rural connectivity. It will show how rural broadband can empower rather than exclude, serving as a tool for social transformation for marginalized communities, including women, youth and underserved populations.

The session will also explore the role of Governments, regulators, and funders, questioning how digital rights considerations are reflected in broadband policies, funding mechanisms, and implementation models. Through an interactive panel, participants will reflect on whether digital exclusion is mainly a connectivity gap or a broader rights and inclusion challenge.

Objective

To ensure rural broadband initiatives advance digital rights and inclusion for marginalized communities.

Outcome

Participants gain actionable insights to make rural connectivity empowering, equitable, and inclusive.