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Excitement is mounting as the Digital Rights and Inclusion Forum (DRIF24) approaches, scheduled for April 23 to April 25, 2024, in Accra, Ghana. This significant event, hosted by the pan-African organization Paradigm Initiative (PIN), is set to draw participants from 61 countries to engage in vital conversations about the future of digital policy across Africa.
The forum, themed “Fostering Rights and Inclusion in the Digital Age,” is collaboratively organized with several partner organizations including 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).
DRIF24 boasts a strong backing from sponsors like Wikimedia, African Digital Rights Network, Ford Foundation, Luminate, Google, and the Kingdom of The Netherlands, among others.
The agenda for this year’s forum will cover a range of sub-themes such as Trust and Accountability, Data Protection, Privacy and Surveillance, Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Technologies, and Digital Inclusion for Marginalised Groups. The event is expected to draw a diverse array of stakeholders from the global south, who will share their experiences and develop strategies that transcend borders.
DRIF has established itself as a premier platform for addressing pressing global digital rights and inclusion issues, welcoming input from civil society, tech companies, government representatives, academia, and more.
This year marks the 11th edition of the DRIF, with the forum planning to host over 80 sessions—up from 70 last year. Among the highlights are panel discussions, technology demonstrations, pre-event workshops, lightning talks, and exhibitions covering digital rights, inclusion, and security. Special events include the exclusive premiere of PIN’s fourth short film, “Undersight,” and the launch of the annual digital rights and inclusion report, “Londa,” which this year expands its coverage to 26 African countries.
The previous DRIF, held in Nairobi, Kenya, saw 601 attendees from 54 countries and featured discussions on topics such as Internet shutdowns, the Universal Service Fund (USF), data protection, content moderation, and censorship. The forum also saw the launch of several significant research projects, platforms, and networks.
Thobekile Matimbe, PIN’s Senior Manager of Partnerships and Engagements, emphasized that the forum is not just a convergence of ideas but a demonstration of a shared commitment to fostering a digital environment that prioritizes rights, inclusion, and empowerment for everyone.
The forthcoming edition of DRIF aims to build on the outcomes of the last year’s discussions, focusing on creating a sustainable Internet future that includes everyone.
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