African Digital Futures
Excerpt from report:
“different visions of the future of digital in Africa. The values embedded in these stories hold wide-ranging implications for how data is collected, stored, tracked, shared and valued by individuals, communities, governments and businesses. Impetus is for decision-makers to consider collective data and intelligence as a public good used to inform better decision making and benefit the communities who generate it.”
| Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Report location: | source |
| Language: | English |
| Publisher: | NGFP African Digital Futures |
| Publication date: | October 1, 2021 |
| Authors: | Brian Wamukota, Charles Umeh, Chiagozie Udeh, Fasoranti Damilola, Fisayo Oyewale, Frank Ogolla, Gideon Olanrewaju, Iman Bashir, Jesse Forrester, Marizanne Knoesen, Memunat Ibrahim, Mutsa Samuel, Nancy Muigei, Oluwaseun David, Rahma Ben Lazreg, Roselyne Wanjiru, Saraphina Ambale, Shem Omasire, Stephanie Itimi, Zainab Yunusa |
| Time horizon: | 2046 - 2050 |
| Geographic focus: | Africa, Kenya, Nigeria, Pan-Africa |
Methods
The research method involved a group futures process that combined different futures techniques and methodologies, engaging storytellers and futurists to create narratives about the future of digital societies in Africa. Working sessions with participants focused on the development of personal futures derived from personal histories. Working sessions also used the futures triangle and CLA
- Qualitative methods used
- Scenarios are developed
- Futures Workshops
- w. Users
Key Insights
The report presents a collection of eleven stories that envision the future of digital societies in Africa. These narratives delve into the implications of how data is managed, emphasizing the need for policies and technologies that prioritize the public good and community benefits. The stories were crafted by a diverse group of African storytellers and futurists who participated in a group futures process. This process involved various futures techniques and methodologies, aiming to provoke thought and inspire action among policymakers and technologists. The project highlights the importance of collective data and intelligence, urging a shift from individual privacy concerns to a broader perspective on data as a shared resource that can enhance decision-making and empower communities.
Drivers mentioned include:
- data to support good governance
- bio-internet and connectivity
- Technology as a way back and forward (bi-directional)
- Sincere, humane, and co-designed technology
- African voice
Additional Viewpoints
Categories: 2021 publication year | 2040s time horizon | 2046 time horizon | 2050 time horizon | 2050s time horizon | English publication language | Africa geographic scope | Kenya geographic scope | Nigeria geographic scope | Pan-Africa geographic scope | afrofuturism | artificial intelligence | collective intelligence | community | community development | community identity | data | data governance | decision-making | digital societies | governance | personal identity | policymaking | public good | storytelling | technology | values