United for an Open Africa: Reclaiming Rights and Inclusion in Digital Spaces 

Technology is advancing exponentially, therefore we must be a part of how it is governed, shape our daily lives and uphold digital rights. CcHUB joined other members of the Africa Internet Rights Alliance (AIRA) at the 2026 convening hosted on the sidelines of the Forum on Internet Freedom in Africa (FIFAFRICA26) in Mauritius. It provided an opportunity for members to reconnect physically, reflect on the past year, assess the health and direction of the Alliance, and identify areas for stronger collaboration and collective action in advancing digital rights in Africa.

“AIRA is an oak tree that will outlive its planter.”

BUILDING A DYNAMIC ALLIANCE

Too often, civil society organizations discover parallel initiatives only after they have been designed or implemented. AIRA is shifting that paradigm –  with a shared vision alignment to safeguard and uphold digital rights in all aspects of life in Africa. Explore what AIRA members are building across the continent. CcHUB works across creative industries, healthcare, education, with a mission to accelerate the application of social capital and technology for economic prosperity across Africa. Paradigm Initiative’s integrated strategy is advancing digital rights and inclusion through regional and global policy platforms, while BudgIT leverages open data and technology to drive citizen participation and institutional transparency. 

On freedom of expression and information, Article19 East Africa is leading the charge. Through research, advocacy, and campaign Amnesty International Kenya actively combats human rights violations. On public interest law and strategic litigation, Legal Resources Centre (LRC) is using the law to challenge injustice, while CIPIT, an evidence-based research and training centre at Strathmore University, Nairobi works on data protection, artificial intelligence, digital rights and IP law. KICTANet is a multistakeholder technology policy, digital governance and regulation think-tank, while CIPESA works with governments, institutions and communities to shape a digital future that is inclusive, innovative, accountable and rights-respecting – and, also the convener of the Forum on Internet Freedom in Africa.

“When technology is deployed into deeply patriarchal and unequal societies without intentional safeguards, it doesn’t neutralize power—it digitizes and accelerates existing oppression.” 

CONFRONTING GENDERED DIGITAL AUTHORITARIANISM 

During the Forum on Internet Freedom in Africa (FIFAfrica) 2026, CcHUB participated in workshops, showcases and exhibitions. While reflecting on the state of internet freedom in Africa, key sessions focused on gendered digital authoritarianism and safeguarding democracy in a digital age; digital safety and resilience of civic actors; strengthening rights and accountability; the real-world consequences of weak DPIs; and the technology ecosystem.

The conversation reveals that during the recent electoral cycle in Africa, weak DPI safeguards combined with gendered digital authoritarianism—network shutdowns, surveillance, and weaponized cross-border data exchanges actively targeted women and human rights defenders, thereby dismantling the hard-won digital safety and resilience of civic actors. We must confront gendered digital authoritarianism because, when access to e-governance platforms requires expensive daily internet bundles, high digital literacy, and structural autonomy, millions of women, persons with disabilities (PWDs), and economically marginalized communities are systematically pushed to the margins.

How do we build digital systems that truly serve all citizens? The convenings offered several points to collective actions.

• Afro-Feminist Co-Design: Designs must be inclusive, marginalized communities and civic organizations must be integrated at the inception of DPI architectures. 
• Data Minimization & Agency: Protect individual agency by restricting unnecessary data collection and establishing strict purpose-specific regulations for public and private data exchanges. 
• Demand Systemic Accountability: Strengthen regulatory bodies to ensure data protection authorities operate with real independence and enforcement power rather than serving state interests.
• Scale Collaboration: Bridge the gap between tech innovators, policymakers, human rights defenders, and key stakeholders—expand partnerships with regional digital rights collectives to safeguard digital public spaces. 

The work ahead requires a resilient digital ecosystem with strategic clarity, and unwavering solidarity. As we look forward from FIFAfrica26, we reaffirm our commitment to an African digital space that is open, safe, equitable, and designed for everyone.