About
This program supports policy research in Africa as it relates to the digital transformation within African countries and across the continent. Through engaging primarily with African scholars, both on the continent and in the diaspora, the program supports research relevant to Africa and to its relations on the global stage, emphasizing the local and domestic contexts within African countries while also increasing the visibility and dissemination of research by African scholars. CIGI is currently working to expand its Africa-focused program offerings.
Current program activities include:
- Digital Sovereignty and Partnerships: The policy research project Negotiating Africa’s Digital Partnerships, in partnership with the Blavatnik School of Government at the University of Oxford, is led by CIGI Senior Fellow Folashadé Soulé. Building on the lessons learned from the first phase of the project, the second phase will focus on increasing whole-of-government approaches to digital partnerships and these lessons will be applied through programming in Senegal, Kenya and South Africa. A special report on the first phase of the project, Negotiating Africa’s Digital Partnerships amid Geopolitical Competition, was published by CIGI in September 2024.
- Policy Expert Panel Series: In partnership with the Balsillie School of International Affairs (BSIA), CIGI is producing the Africa Forum. This forum showcases African scholars and experts through a series of public panel discussions advancing critical understanding of contemporary issues shaping Africa.
- Policy Briefs: A series of policy briefs will explore a range of topics, including country case studies, the regional governance of transformative technology, and issues such as artificial intelligence and data and technology governance.