Dear colleagues,

Almost three years ago, I published a blogpost on CircleID titled “Internet Governance: Why Africa Should Take the Lead.” I argued that African Internet stakeholders use a ‘wait and see approach’ in matters as critical as Internet governance,” and that African voices are missing in key Internet governance discussion fora. Additionally, I suggested that some reasons for this approach, including that Africa lacks well-trained Internet governance experts and Africans see foreign affairs and international relations as an East versus West dynamic. I further urged for a change in this situation, as the “wait and see approach” is gravely interfering with the basic human rights of Africans.

As a follow-up to the post above, and building on previous work on the African Media Law and Digital Native Roundup with the University of Pennsylvania, I am pleased to enclose a summary of a major forthcoming publication focused on the 2014-2016 period that highlights  the regional trends concerning Internet governance and information and communications technology (ICT) policy making processes in Africa. The post can be found here: https://ephraimkenyanito.com/2016/10/17/what-steps-can-africans-take-and-lead-in-internet-governance-and-social-justice/

I have further republished the post today on Medium and can be found here: https://medium.com/@ekenyanito/what-steps-can-africans-take-and-lead-in-internet-governance-and-social-justice-546a0ca4e2c3#.11ckov701

This post is divided in two parts. The first relays my observations about trends over the past three years in African ICT policy, human rights, and development processes, and highlights key challenges and opportunities. The second provides recommendations for African citizens on what can be improved.

I will be happy to set up some time to discuss further (via skype/ or in person) this upcoming publication, additionally, please feel free to let me know if you're interested to receive this major forthcoming publication focused on the 2014-2016 period as a PDF to your email​.