Format: Panel discussion – 1 hour
Session link: https://igf.africa/2025-schedule/
Date: Saturday 31st/ May/ 2025 – 9:00 – 10:00 AM EAT – Workshop room 4 (Mikumi)
Session title: Bridging Digital Divides: Advancing Inclusive Access through Rural Broadband Connectivity Models
Abstract:
In an increasingly digital world, reliable and affordable internet access has become a critical enabler for economic development, education, healthcare, and civic participation. However, significant disparities remain, particularly for rural communities in developing African countries. These communities often face deep-rooted barriers to digital inclusion, such as geographic isolation, insufficient infrastructure, socio-economic inequality, and restrictive gender norms. As a result, millions of people, particularly women, youth, and other marginalised groups, are excluded from opportunities within the digital economy and society at large.
This session, convened by WOUGNET and its partners, will explore the transformative role of rural broadband connectivity in bridging the digital divide. It will highlight how inclusive, community-driven connectivity models are closing access gaps and fostering meaningful digital inclusion in rural and underserved regions. Drawing on practical experiences and case studies from Uganda, Kenya, Ghana, and South Africa, the discussion will showcase innovative broadband initiatives, such as community network models and solar-powered internet hubs, that have successfully enhanced connectivity for marginalized populations.
Participants will also engage in a collaborative discussion on the structural and systemic challenges rural communities face in accessing digital technologies. These include inadequate policy and regulatory frameworks, high costs of connectivity, limited access to digital literacy programs, and persistent gender inequalities that limit women’s participation in the digital space. The session will also explore how locally-led, gender-sensitive connectivity initiatives can address these barriers by promoting affordability, sustainability, and community ownership.
By convening stakeholders from various sectors, this session aims to foster dialogue around scalable broadband models and policy recommendations that can be replicated across the continent. The discussion will focus on actionable strategies to empower women and other marginalized groups through inclusive internet access, thereby contributing to sustainable development and a more equitable digital future.
Objectives:
1. To explore the importance of rural broadband connectivity in fostering an inclusive digital economy and society.
2. To identify and discuss key barriers preventing gender-equitable access to digital technologies for marginalized populations in rural areas.
3. To present effective, replicable rural broadband connectivity models and community network approaches from Uganda, Kenya, Ghana, and South Africa.
4. To propose actionable strategies and policy recommendations that ensure all individuals, especially women, youth, and marginalized groups, can meaningfully participate in the digital world.
Moderator: –
Esther Nyapendi – Moderator(Uganda)
Speakers: –
1. Thoko Miya – Speaker (South Africa)
2. Peter Ongom – Speaker (Uganda)
3. Necta Richard – Speaker (Tanzania)
4. Osei Kagyah – Speaker (Ghana)
5. Michelle Wanjiku Thuo – Speaker (Kenya)