Stronger digital voices from Africa
Stronger digital voices from Africa
Date
2022-11
Authors
Teleanu, Sorina
Kurbalija, Jovan
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
DiploFoundation
Abstract
As of October 2022, no African country had a digital foreign policy strategy codified in one
dedicated document. However, many of them have started developing principles and practices
as building blocks for digital foreign policy strategies.
Our study identifies these building blocks in the holistic approach of African countries to digital
transformation as well as in their policies dedicated to several focus areas (digital infrastructure
and standards; cybersecurity, cybercrime, and child protection online; digital economy; human
rights; sociocultural issues; and artificial intelligence (AI)). We do so through a two-tier approach.
We first look at official digital and information and communications technology (ICT) policies
and strategies of selected countries, identifying aspects that relate to international relations,
engagement in international processes, and positioning on international markets.
Our study then focuses on the participation of African stakeholders – governments, businesses,
the tech community, and civil society, as relevant – in global processes such as the UN Open Ended Working Group (OEWG) on security of and in the use of information and communications
technologies (previously known as OEWG on developments in the field of information and
telecommunications in the context of international security), ITU, the IGF, and the Global Forum
on Cyber Expertise (GFCE).
Finally, the study provides concrete recommendations on what African countries can do to
strengthen their voices in global digital governance. This starts with low-hanging fruit, such as
strengthening participation in digital negotiations happening in International Geneva, one of the
global digital capitals hosting many intergovernmental organisations. It then shifts into more
medium-term perspectives, such as galvanising existing national capacities in the business and
tech sector to enhance the countries’ participation in international digital policy, and strengthening
diplomatic capacities. Also included are recommendations for long-term approaches for building
academic, research, and policy capacities of the next generation of African diplomats and
policymakers.
In sum, this study identifies existing building blocks (and missing pieces) for African digital foreign
policies and diplomacy, and outlines the picture of African involvement in international policy
processes in the digital realm. It also proposes practical steps for the development of African
digital diplomacy by strengthening the voices of national and regional actors.
Description
As late-comers to digitalisation and digital transformation processes, countries in Africa lag
behind in terms of digital development. But while internet penetration rates are still at low levels
(although the growth rates are considerable) and digital divides within countries remain high,
governments and regional institutions are putting in place policies and strategies to encourage the
uptake of digital technologies as drivers of development and to foster inclusive digital economies
and societies.
Beyond initiatives focused on advancing digital development at a national, regional, and
continental level, Africa also needs stronger voices in global digital governance. And while
countries across the continent do not have dedicated digital foreign policy strategies, elements
of such policy can be found in various digital strategies and other national documents, as well
as identified in contributions of African countries to global digital policy processes. Our study
explores such elements and makes the case for a more active engagement of African stakeholders
in organisations and processes that tackle key internet and digital policy issues.
There is a strong opinion that Africa could – and should – use digital transformation as an
opportunity to take the destiny of countries, citizens, and communities in the continent’s own
hands, instead of being on the receiving end of global geopolitical and geoeconomic battles (as
has happened many times in the past). A sustained engagement in global digital governance
could contribute to this, by ensuring that African interests, priorities, and goals are meaningfully
considered.