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Advancing Africa’s Digital Agenda
AIFAT Staff Papers | December 1, 2025
Africa is at a decisive moment in global digital governance. As countries negotiate the WSIS+20 outcome in New York this month, AIFAT sets out a clear, practical path for a Pan-African position that is ambitious, rights-respecting, and financially realistic.
This new staff paper compares AIFAT’s propositions with the current WSIS+20 Rev1 text (Nov 21, 2025). It shows where Africa’s asks already align, where they fall short, and where we can lead—drawing strength from G77 priorities, the Global Digital Compact (GDC), and recent BRICS positions.
What the paper covers:
- Five Pillars, One Strategy: Connectivity & affordability; digital sovereignty & data governance; human rights online; finance & investment; and DPI & innovation.
- Concrete Targets: Examples include a benchmark of 2% GNI per capita for 2GB mobile data, interoperable DPI aligned with AfCFTA, and lifecycle human-rights safeguards.
- Alliances that Work: How G77 cohesion and BRICS positions (e.g., Brazil’s 2025 declarations on AI governance) can strengthen Africa’s hand.
- Finance that Delivers: Blended and debt-linked mechanisms to close gaps without duplicating GDC commitments.
- Sovereignty with Guardrails: Sovereign data models (e.g., POPIA-inspired approaches) and ethical AI frameworks that protect vulnerable groups.
- Negotiation Reality Check: Where Western brackets dilute substance and how to respond with precise, Africa-centric language.
Why this matters now:
- Timing: WSIS+20 high-level meeting is December 16–17, 2025. Decisions made now will shape funding, standards, and market access for years.
- Coherence: Aligning WSIS+20 with the GDC avoids duplication and speeds implementation through joint roadmaps and UN-centered mechanisms.
- Leverage: Coordinated positions with G77 and BRICS amplify Africa’s voice on affordability, technology transfer, and inclusive AI.
Who should read this:
- Government negotiators and diplomats
- Regulators and data-protection authorities
- Digital economy, telecoms, and DPI leaders
- Civil society, academia, and development partners
Ready to use this in negotiations and policy design?
