Our History
Since 2015, AfricTivistes has been building active digital citizenship in Africa. A look back at the key moments of our journey.
From a bold idea to a pan-African movement
AfricTivistes was born in 2015 in Dakar, Senegal, from the desire of African bloggers and cyber-activists to organize themselves to promote democracy and good governance through digital tools. What started as an informal network has become a structured pan-African organization, present in 45 countries across the continent.
Driven by the conviction that digital technology is a powerful lever for social transformation, the organization quickly brought together change agents committed to a more transparent, inclusive and democratic Africa.
Key milestones in our journey
Foundation and First Summit in Dakar
Launch of the African League of Bloggers and Web Activists for Democracy. Bloggers and cyber-activists from 35 African countries are laying the foundations for a unique pan-African network, driven by the conviction that digital technology is a catalyst for democratic change. Organisation of the first AfricTivistes Summit in Dakar, bringing together activists, bloggers and civil society representatives from across the continent. This landmark event strengthens the network and sets in motion a lasting collective momentum.
Foundation and First Summit in Dakar
Launch of the African League of Bloggers and Web Activists for Democracy. Bloggers and cyber-activists from 35 African countries are laying the foundations for a unique pan-African network, driven by the conviction that digital technology is a catalyst for democratic change. Organisation of the first AfricTivistes Summit in Dakar, bringing together activists, bloggers and civil society representatives from across the continent. This landmark event strengthens the network and sets in motion a lasting collective momentum.
First field actions
Launch of the first digital awareness campaigns and citizen election monitoring initiatives in several African countries. The network is focusing its efforts in particular on the situation in The Gambia.
First field actions
Launch of the first digital awareness campaigns and citizen election monitoring initiatives in several African countries. The network is focusing its efforts in particular on the situation in The Gambia.
Launch of the Africa Media Cybersecurity (AMC) programme
Launch of a comprehensive cybersecurity training programme for over 500 journalists and media professionals in 10 West African countries (Guinea, Senegal, Mauritania, The Gambia, Niger, Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Mali, Benin and Togo).
Launch of the Africa Media Cybersecurity (AMC) programme
Launch of a comprehensive cybersecurity training programme for over 500 journalists and media professionals in 10 West African countries (Guinea, Senegal, Mauritania, The Gambia, Niger, Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Mali, Benin and Togo).
Second AfricTivistes Summit in Ouagadougou
Over 100 change-makers from 32 countries gathered to discuss the theme “Digital Democracy in Africa”. The Africa Media Cybersecurity programme came to a close. The first Anna Gueye Prize was awarded to Rosebell Kagumire (Uganda).
Second AfricTivistes Summit in Ouagadougou
Over 100 change-makers from 32 countries gathered to discuss the theme “Digital Democracy in Africa”. The Africa Media Cybersecurity programme came to a close. The first Anna Gueye Prize was awarded to Rosebell Kagumire (Uganda).
Election Monitoring and Civic Engagement
Taking a stand against proposed constitutional amendments that would allow third terms in office, particularly in Guinea, through press releases and awareness-raising campaigns. Condemning the arrests of activists, journalists and protesters in several African countries. Documentation of digital manipulation (bots, astroturfing, fake narratives) Launch of the Youth Civic Engagement Workshop in Dakar Launch of the AfricTivistes Civic Engagement Tour (ACET)
Election Monitoring and Civic Engagement
Taking a stand against proposed constitutional amendments that would allow third terms in office, particularly in Guinea, through press releases and awareness-raising campaigns. Condemning the arrests of activists, journalists and protesters in several African countries. Documentation of digital manipulation (bots, astroturfing, fake narratives) Launch of the Youth Civic Engagement Workshop in Dakar Launch of the AfricTivistes Civic Engagement Tour (ACET)
Digital resilience in the face of COVID-19
Adaptation of all programmes to a digital format. Launch of campaigns to combat COVID-19-related disinformation and advocacy for freedom of access to information.
Digital resilience in the face of COVID-19
Adaptation of all programmes to a digital format. Launch of campaigns to combat COVID-19-related disinformation and advocacy for freedom of access to information.
Abidjan 2021 : souveraineté numérique et formation citoyenne
Troisième Sommet autour du thème “Promouvoir le développement et la gouvernance démocratique de l’Internet en Afrique”. Lancement du MOOC Charter Project Africa sur la CADEG — plus de 2 000 apprenants inscrits. Remise du Prix Civic Action Prize à Djamila Boubacar Sahabi.
Abidjan 2021 : souveraineté numérique et formation citoyenne
Troisième Sommet autour du thème “Promouvoir le développement et la gouvernance démocratique de l’Internet en Afrique”. Lancement du MOOC Charter Project Africa sur la CADEG — plus de 2 000 apprenants inscrits. Remise du Prix Civic Action Prize à Djamila Boubacar Sahabi.
Sahel Insight, CitizenLab and citizens’s workshops
As part of the Sahel Insight project, a series of public workshops and online campaigns are being rolled out across the Sahel to strengthen civic engagement and demand for government accountability. Launch of CitizenLab Benin. In October 2023, the Media & Democracy Award was presented to Sud FM radio (Senegal). Expansion to 45 countries, with over 400 active members.
Sahel Insight, CitizenLab and citizens’s workshops
As part of the Sahel Insight project, a series of public workshops and online campaigns are being rolled out across the Sahel to strengthen civic engagement and demand for government accountability. Launch of CitizenLab Benin. In October 2023, the Media & Democracy Award was presented to Sud FM radio (Senegal). Expansion to 45 countries, with over 400 active members.
AI innovation and advocacy for internet access
Launch of a MOOC on cybersecurity. In February 2024, a case was brought before the ECOWAS Court of Justice to challenge the internet blackouts imposed by the Senegalese authorities. The gradual integration of AI into the curriculum.
AI innovation and advocacy for internet access
Launch of a MOOC on cybersecurity. In February 2024, a case was brought before the ECOWAS Court of Justice to challenge the internet blackouts imposed by the Senegalese authorities. The gradual integration of AI into the curriculum.
Towards a new decade
Celebration of AfricTivistes’ 10th anniversary. Launch of a strategic vision for the next decade, focused on technological endogeneity, strengthening digital democracy and data sovereignty in Africa.
Towards a new decade
Celebration of AfricTivistes’ 10th anniversary. Launch of a strategic vision for the next decade, focused on technological endogeneity, strengthening digital democracy and data sovereignty in Africa.
Building Africa's digital future
With 10 years of experience and a network of over 400 members in 45 countries, AfricTivistes continues its mission with a renewed vision: making digital technology a tool for citizen empowerment, democratic transparency and sustainable development for the African continent.
Be part of the story
Join the AfricTivistes organization and help write the next chapter of digital citizenship in Africa.
Join us