1. Background and Rationale
Despite significant progress in the digital space, Africa remains the region with the lowest internet penetration rate globally. The gap in internet access disproportionately affects marginalized communities, especially women, youth, and rural populations. Barriers such as inadequate infrastructure, affordability, and a lack of digital literacy further widen the digital divide, leaving millions unable to fully benefit from digital opportunities.
This session aims to address these issues, focusing on ensuring universal access and meaningful connectivity. Gender inclusion, infrastructure development, and enhancing digital literacy are key pillars in overcoming these challenges. The session will provide a platform for stakeholders, including policymakers, the private sector, and civil society, to discuss solutions and strategies to foster inclusivity and sustainable development through improved internet access.
2. Objectives
Identify Barriers: Examine key barriers to achieving affordable and reliable internet access in Africa, with a focus on infrastructure, costs, and digital skills.
Promote Gender Inclusion: Highlight gender-specific challenges faced by women and girls in accessing and using the internet and discuss strategies to bridge the gender digital divide.
Foster Collaboration: Facilitate dialogue among stakeholders, including government representatives, tech experts, civil society organizations, and private sector players, to identify and share best practices.
Propose Solutions: Develop actionable recommendations for improving digital literacy, expanding infrastructure, and implementing policies that ensure equitable and meaningful connectivity.
3. Key Discussion Areas
Infrastructure Development: Challenges in building resilient and affordable broadband infrastructure in underserved and rural communities and strategies for addressing these issues through public-private partnerships and innovative solutions.
Affordability and Cost: Exploring ways to reduce the cost of internet access through regulatory frameworks, competition policies, and community networks to make connectivity affordable for all.
Gender Inclusion: Addressing the gender digital divide by understanding socio-cultural barriers, improving access to digital resources for women and girls, and promoting gender-responsive policies and programs.
Digital Literacy: Promoting digital skills development as a critical aspect of meaningful connectivity, with a focus on capacity-building initiatives for marginalized communities and rural populations.
4. Session Format
Opening Remarks (10 minutes): Introduction and overview of the session by the moderator.
Panel Discussion (20 minutes): A diverse panel of experts, including policymakers, tech innovators, digital inclusion advocates, and representatives from gender-focused organizations, will discuss challenges and solutions.
Interactive Dialogue (20 minutes): Open discussion where participants engage with the panelists through Q&A and share experiences and insights from different regions across Africa.
Conclusion and Recommendations (10 minutes): Summary of key takeaways and formulation of actionable recommendations for stakeholders and participants.
5. Proposed Speakers and Moderators
We aim to have a diverse panel that represents different regions and expertise areas, ensuring gender balance and inclusivity. We propose inviting:
Government Representative: Expert in ICT policy and digital transformation.
Private Sector Leader: Telecom provider or infrastructure developer with experience in African markets.
Gender and Digital Inclusion Advocate: Representative from a women’s rights organization or UN Women.
Tech Innovator: Entrepreneur focused on affordable connectivity solutions and local community networks.
Civil Society Representative: An expert on digital literacy programs targeting marginalized groups.
Moderation will be led by a PAYAIG Ambassador experienced in facilitating inclusive discussions and well-versed in the challenges of digital transformation across Africa.
6. Expected Outcomes
Identification of key barriers and challenges to universal access and meaningful connectivity in Africa.
Actionable recommendations for stakeholders, including governments, private sector actors, and civil society, to promote gender inclusion, infrastructure development, and digital literacy.
A collaborative action plan for stakeholders to implement policies and initiatives aimed at bridging the digital divide in Africa.
7. Target Audience
The session is open to:
Policymakers and government officials involved in ICT and infrastructure development.
Civil society organizations and NGOs working on digital inclusion and literacy programs.
Private sector representatives, particularly from the tech and telecommunications industries.
Youth ambassadors, gender advocates, and community leaders committed to promoting universal internet access.
African IGF participants interested in digital transformation and inclusion.
8. Logistics and Requirements
Platform: In-person (African IGF venue) with virtual participation via video conferencing for inclusivity.
Technical Support: Audio-visual setup for panel discussions, presentation materials.