A series of articles and podcasts exploring the impact of digitalization on democracy in Africa have been launched amidst preparations for elections in more than 17 African countries in 2024. Hosted by Le Digital Africain, in collaboration with Fatshimetrie, the Tayarisha Center for Digital Excellence, and the Institute of Election Management Services in Africa (IEMSA), this initiative features insights from academics, experts, and researchers from across the continent on how digital technologies shape electoral processes.
The series covers various critical themes, including the spread of disinformation, challenges related to gender bias in elections, the digital divide’s impact on voter participation, potential negative effects of digital governance on democracy, and the importance of digital citizens in advancing democracy during election periods.
Moreover, the youth-focused component of this initiative, known as the “Reference Framework,” has launched a series on platforms like TikTok to engage young voters on influencing democratic outcomes in their respective countries.
The series kicks off with five op-eds by academics and experts focusing on digitalization and governance, to be released over six weeks. Each article will be accompanied by a podcast where authors will delve into their ideas and implications in detail.
Themes addressed in these contributions range from utilizing digital technologies to modernize election management in Africa, to examining how politicians leverage social media to influence post-election narratives, the transition towards electronic voting systems, combating online disinformation by African leaders, and addressing the challenges posed by a lack of ICT skills in effectively managing elections.
To complement the written content, a podcast hosted by Sinethemba Mtshali and Maxwell Maseko will be available for streaming on various platforms, offering a deeper dive into the implications of the articles for democracy in Africa. Overall, this series aims to spark discussions and raise awareness about the intersection of digitalization and democracy on the continent.
Le Digital Africain’s commitment to fostering the digital transformation of Africa drives the initiation of this series, aiming to inspire reflection and innovation in electoral governance across the continent.