Matilda Mashauri’s Post

In our 10th edition of Africa Spotlight, we delve into how Africa’s digital transformation is shaping the continent's future, highlighting initiatives like the Digital Economy for Africa and the Eastern Africa Youth Digital Readiness Index. These efforts are driving significant growth in internet and mobile penetration, fostering economic development, and empowering communities across the continent. Despite notable advancements in some countries across the continent, disparities remain, emphasizing the need for inclusive digital progress to ensure no African is left behind. #DigitalTransformation #DigitalAfrica #DE4A Written and edited by Nada Nabih

UN to host a Youth led initiative to Contribute Policy Perspectives The UN Office of the Special Adviser on Africa(OSAA) is set to host a youth-led knowledge production exercise pegged to the Summit’s priorities on 9, 16 and 23 September focused on Africa's digital transformation. This upcoming gathering will bring together key stakeholders to discuss the continent's progress and challenges in leveraging digital technologies for sustainable development. The event aims to highlight the importance of digital innovation in driving economic growth, improving public services, and enhancing social inclusion across African nations. Participants will explore strategies to accelerate digital adoption, address infrastructure gaps, and promote digital skills development. The discussions will emphasize the need for collaborative efforts between governments, private sector entities, and international partners to create an enabling environment for Africa's digital economy. #AfricanDigitalTransformation #UnitedNations #TechInnovation #SustainableDevelopment #DigitalEconomy

🚀 Thrilled to share my experience at the #ICANN80 High Level Government Meeting in #Kigali! Over 50 government representatives gathered to discuss Internet governance and digital inclusion. I had the honor of meeting the German delegation led by the Minister of Transport and ICT, Dr. Volker Wissing. 🤝 We delved into the exciting collaboration between Hooza Media and Deutsche Welle, the German public, state owned broadcaster, bringing content through low-tech mobile phone solutions to rural African communities. In Tanzania, our Kiswahili service reaches an impressive 50,000 subscribers who access local news, education, and entertainment on their feature phones in voice format, without the need for internet. This initiative underscores the essential role of innovation in digital inclusion and grassroots participation in social discourse. 📱 The Hooza Mobile Governance service showcases Rwanda's potential for fostering innovative solutions that can thrive across the continent. Currently, we operate in 17 African countries and Haiti, providing a cutting-edge mobile solution for easy access to information, combating #FakeNews and disinformation from an African perspective. 🌍 Additionally, we discussed the pivotal role of the European Business Chamber in Rwanda in creating a conducive business ecosystem, attracting growing investment from the EU private sector. #DigitalInclusion #Innovation #InternetGovernance #MobileGovernance #AfricaTech #FactChecking #HoozaMedia #DW #BusinessGrowth #EUInvestment

By harnessing the power digital transformation, Africa has an immense opportunity to advance innovation and socio-economic development. Citizen portals, when designed for #transparency and #trust, can be a powerful tool in this endeavor. 🚀 In her latest expert comment, our Director of Country Engagement Diana Sang delves into the importance of citizen portals as a driver of participation and inclusion across the continent. Rwanda’s Irembo is one example; the platform offers over 100 services, which are available even to those who may lack internet access. By prioritizing effective peer learning, countries across Africa can glean insights into the successes - and challenges - of Irembo and others like it. To read more about the importance of citizen portals in Africa’s digital transformation journey, check out her piece here 👇 https://lnkd.in/dK3v-3B4

One way to grow your potential is to become part of strategic platforms such as this.

In Nairobi, Kenya🇰🇪at the United Nations🇺🇳Civil Society Conference and participating in discussions on #AI, safety, #smartcities, and #inclusion. The theme is on “Shaping a Future of Global and Sustainable Progress”and looking forward to the recommendations provided during the event. The following sessions are indeed eye opening: 1.Multistakeholder Internet Governance: Enabling a Sustainable Digital Future.-Internet Society 2. People-Centered Smart Cities for an Open, Secure and Inclusive Digital Future-UN-Habitat (United Nations Human Settlements Programme), Amnesty International Kenya 3.Role of CSO Stakeholders in 20 Years of the WSIS Process, towards the Summit of the Future and beyond.- International Telecommunication Union, Research ICT Africa #2024UNCSC

The race to bridging the digital divide in Africa is accelerating. Come, join hands with The Partnership for Digital Access in Africa (PDAA).

ICANN AFRALO and the Coalition for Digital Africa are Paving the Way for Agenda 2063 The African Union's Agenda 2063 aims to transform Africa into a global powerhouse. Central to this vision is affordable internet access for all Africans. ICANN's African Regional At-Large Organization (AFRALO) and the Coalition for Digital Africa are key players in this digital revolution. ICANN AFRALO: Bridging the Digital Divide AFRALO engages and represents African internet users within ICANN's multi-stakeholder model. It fosters local internet governance and community participation, addressing regional challenges and ensuring African voices are heard in global policy discussions. The Coalition for Digital Africa: A Collaborative Approach This initiative harnesses collaboration among governments, the private sector, civil society, and international organizations to promote digital inclusion and economic growth. It focuses on: Infrastructure Development: Investing in robust digital infrastructure for widespread internet access. Policy and Regulation: Creating supportive policies that foster innovation and investment. Capacity Building: Enhancing digital literacy and skills. Advancing Agenda 2063 through Digital Transformation The efforts of ICANN AFRALO and the Coalition for Digital Africa contribute to key aspirations of Agenda 2063: Prosperity: Improved internet accessibility drives economic growth, innovation, and job creation. Integration: Enhanced connectivity facilitates regional integration. People-Driven Development: Digital inclusion empowers individuals and communities. Examples of Impact The Internet Exchange Point of Nigeria (IXPN): Supported by AFRALO, IXPN has reduced internet costs and improved speed by keeping local traffic within Nigeria. Rwanda’s Smart Africa Initiative: Part of the Coalition, Rwanda has made strides in digital literacy and e-governance, fostering a thriving tech ecosystem. The Path Forward As Africa progresses towards Agenda 2063, the roles of ICANN AFRALO and the Coalition for Digital Africa are crucial. By investing in infrastructure, policy development, and capacity building, they lay the groundwork for a digitally empowered Africa, addressing immediate challenges and ensuring long-term sustainable growth. The collaboration between ICANN AFRALO and the Coalition for Digital Africa is a powerful catalyst for achieving Agenda 2063. By promoting internet accessibility and affordability, they help create a more inclusive, prosperous, and integrated Africa, bringing the aspirations of Agenda 2063 within reach. #ICANN #COALITIONFORDIGITALAFRICA #AFRALO #GAC #ICANNFELLOW #AFRICANUNIONAGENDA2063

✅ Wednesday, July 31, at the AU headquarters in #Ethiopia, our Head of Programmes & Markets, Satish Mishra, chaired a pivotal multi-sectoral panel discussion. The insightful session brought together perspectives from government representatives, international organizations, advocacy leaders, and the private sector 🤝. In the commitment to furthering the cause of #AssistiveTechnology in #Africa, the African Union pledged to develop a strategy focused on it. This strategy aims to consolidate the insights shared during the event, sustain the dialogue, and drive progress across the continent. 📝 Outcomes:  ▪ exchange of innovative ideas as local production and regional distribution hubs ▪ establishment of centers of excellence to enhance access to assistive technology #UnLockTheEveryday #AssistiveTechnology #ATChangesLives #UnlockPotential

Women’s inclusion is fundamental to a positive digital society. Yet, we are falling short of that goal, with persistent global gender gaps in internet access and usage. 💻 Digital public infrastructure (DPI) has the potential to bridge these gaps. As our research fellow Teki Akuetteh (Ms.) explains, in Ghana, DPI is presenting enormous opportunities for women’s economic empowerment. But, to fully realize their promise, these systems must be paired with inclusive policies and effective safeguards. To learn more, watch her video here 👇 🎥 : https://lnkd.in/dbvBReaE