A Tribute |
Since its inception in 2014, the Forum on Internet Freedom in Africa (FIFAfrica) has grown to become the continent’s leading assembly of actors instrumental in shaping conversations on digital rights, data governance, digital inclusion, and the intersection of technology with society and the economy. It has become the stage for concerted efforts to advance digital rights.
Built upon a multi-stakeholder model on internet governance, the Forum places a free, open and secure internet directly on the agendas of key stakeholders, including policymakers, journalists, activists, global platform operators, telecommunications companies, regulators, human rights defenders, academia, and law enforcement.
At the heart of the Forum is an ecosystem of organisations that have, over the years, stood alongside the Collaboration on International ICT Policy for East and Southern Africa (CIPESA) in its pursuit of effective and inclusive digital governance in Africa.
We appreciate and honour the support, partnership, and solidarity of the institutions, foundations, development agencies, and networks that have made FIFAfrica come alive from its earliest editions hosted in Kampala to more recent convenings across South Africa, Ghana, Ethiopia, Zambia, Tanzania, and Senegal. These supporters have offered resources, strategic insights, and co-created platforms for engagement in addition to supporting the participation of an extended community of actors key to advancing internet freedom in Africa. Additionally, their contributions have supported research, advocacy, community mobilisation, skill-building, and policy engagement not only at the Forum but also across the continent through the work of CIPESA.
The allies and supporters of FIFAfrica have helped create safe spaces for human rights defenders, technologists, policymakers, and researchers to connect and collaborate. It also serves to elevate underrepresented voices, particularly those of women, vulnerable, and marginalised communities. It has created platforms for discourse and pushback against internet shutdowns, online harassment, digital exclusion, and surveillance.
Meet the Allies and Supporters of FIFAfrica Over the Years
Partners in Co-Hosting and Groundwork
FIFAfrica has also benefited immensely from regional and national partners, as well as government ministries that have joined hands to co-host the Forum. These partnerships have helped localise the Forum and build greater awareness with the host country and beyond. Partners have included:
- South Africa 2017: Association for Progressive Communications (APC)
- Ghana 2018: Media Foundation West Africa (MFWA)
- Ethiopia 2019: Ethiopia Ministry of Innovation and Technology
- Hybrid 2020: Hybrid (Kampala and online) in partnership with Paradigm Initiative
- Hybrid 2021: Hybrid (online with six remote hubs in five countries in partnership with Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Slovenia, Presidency of the Council of European Union (EU) – Uganda: International Training Programme on Media Development in a Democratic Framework (ITP) in Entebbe, and the ADOPTABLE Project in Jinja | Dakar, Senegal: Jonction | Harare, Zimbabwe: Afrika Kiburi | Goma, DR Congo: Rudi International | Dar es Salaam, Tanzania: Zaina Foundation
- Zambia 2022: Zambia Ministry of Technology and Science
- Tanzania 2023: Tanzania Ministry of ICT
- Senegal 2024: AfricTivistes
FIFAfrica is in a constant state of evolution and has grown from an assembly of just 80 attendees to well over 500 participants at the most recent Forum in Dakar.
Join the community of Allies and Supporters
From all of us at CIPESA, THANK YOU for being part of this movement. We look forward to strengthening our collaborations and welcoming new allies as we continue evolving the Forum in response to the change digital landscape.
Interested in supporting or partnering for FIFAfrica25? Here is a form to guide you on joining the community of allies and supporters.
The post A Tribute to FIFAfrica’s Allies and Supporters appeared first on Collaboration on International ICT Policy for East and Southern Africa (CIPESA).