More than 800 participants from across the world have registered ahead of the 2026 Digital Rights and Inclusion Forum, set to take place in Abidjan from April 14 to 16.
The event, widely known as DRIF26, is expected to bring together civil society groups, policymakers, technology experts, academics, media professionals, and advocacy organisations to discuss the future of digital rights and inclusion in Africa.
Organisers say interest in this year’s forum has been strong, with 449 session proposals submitted from speakers in 51 countries. This reflects growing global attention on digital rights issues across the continent.
The forum is being organised by Paradigm Initiative in collaboration with its local partner, Coalition Ivoirienne des Défenseurs des Droits Humains, with support from several international partners including the Ford Foundation, Google, International Development Research Centre (IDRC), Luminate, Human Rights Foundation, MacArthur Foundation, Mott Foundation, TikTok, Wellspring Philanthropic Fund, and Wikimedia Foundation
A major highlight of the event will be the launch of the 2025 Londa Report, which examines the state of digital rights and inclusion in Africa. The report will introduce a new Score Index that ranks countries based on how well they protect digital rights and promote inclusion.
The forum will also feature the launch of a new learning platform on digital rights, as well as a report on information integrity in Africa. In addition, participants will take part in workshops, panel discussions, technology demonstrations, and film screenings.
Organisers say the forum will also include engagements with key institutions such as the African Union and internet governance experts, as well as activities linked to the 15th anniversary of the Freedom Online Coalition.
Speaking ahead of the event, Senior Manager for Partnerships and Engagements at Paradigm Initiative, Thobekile Matimbe, described the forum as important to advance global digital rights.
“DRIF26 is more than a forum; it is a digital rights movement. Every year, we are not meeting to talk, we meet to measure our progress and empower as a community and to empower each other to shape digital policies, promote digital inclusion,” she said.
The forum, which started in 2013 as the Internet Freedom Forum, has grown over the years, bringing together nearly 3,000 participants from more than 70 countries.
This year’s event will be the first time it is being held in a French-speaking country. Discussions will focus on key issues including artificial intelligence, data protection, cybersecurity, digital inclusion, and human rights online.
Organisers are encouraging individuals and organisations to support and participate in the forum as efforts continue to strengthen digital rights across Africa.
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Source: www.myjoyonline.com