Africa’s young population is innovative and fast growing, all while facing complex challenges.
Technology is often presented as the silver bullet to address socio-economic problems. But the reality is that technology, including artificial intelligence (AI) and other emerging technologies, could easily contribute to or reinforce some of these challenges.
Technology has the power to transform lives and systems, but it also carries significant risks and harms. The tech industry remains largely unregulated, leaving users vulnerable to enormous costs – sometimes with their lives.
Algorithmic engineering means social media platforms, and certain tech tools and AI technologies, are fast reinforcing and widening existing gender gaps across Africa.
Inadequate or absent regulations, minimal implementation and monitoring frameworks, weak institutions, and authoritarianism in Africa are all risks that, when amplified, have devastating effects on African online users.
In some instances, technology has been used as a weapon to illegitimise and villify human rights defenders. This contributes to the ongoing reduction of civic freedoms and undermines the African philosophy of Ubuntu - the principle that 'I am because we are, and since we are, therefore I am'.
Hosted by Paradigm Initiative, the 2025 Digital Rights and Inclusion Forum in Lusaka, Zambia, brought these issues to the fore. A clear, common thread woven through both plenary and side events was this: as technology continues to evolve, the Ubuntu principle of collective responsibility calls for a balanced approach—one that maximises the benefits of innovation while addressing its potential harms.
DRIF 2025 Funders' Session
This interactive session provided an opportunity for DRIF participants, particularly growing civil society organisations (CSO), to gain valuable insights into the funding landscape from the perspective of philanthropic foundations.
DRIF 2025 Funders' Session
The forum fostered meaningful connections between CSOs and potential funders.
DRIF 2025 Funders' Session
It also served as a platform for CSOs to understand the challenges and opportunities in securing funding from major foundations.
DRIF 2025 Funders' Session
By understanding funders' perspectives, CSOs may be better positioned to identify and pursue relevant funding opportunities.
DRIF 2025 Funders' Session
Speakers include Luminate's Toyin Akinniyi and African Philanthropy Forum's Yinka Shittu, in a conversation moderated by Paradigm Initiative's 'Gbenga Sesan.
Achieving this balance in the fight for tech accountability demands stronger regulations, resilient institutions, and steadfast commitment to human rights and social justice.