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History

Our History

Since 2015, AfricTivistes has been building active digital citizenship in Africa. A look back at the key moments of our journey.

Origins

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.

Fondation d'AfricTivistes
Timeline

Key milestones in our journey

15
2015

Founded in Dakar

Creation of the League of Bloggers and Cyber-activists for Democracy in Africa during a historic meeting in Dakar, Senegal. The founding members lay the foundations of an unprecedented pan-African network.

16
2016

First field actions

Deployment of the first digital awareness campaigns and citizen election observation in several African countries. AfricTivistes begins to establish itself as a key player in civic tech in Africa.

17
2017

First AfricTivistes Summit

Organization of the first AfricTivistes Summit in Dakar, bringing together activists, bloggers and civil society actors from across the continent. This founding event strengthens the network and launches a lasting collective dynamic.

18
2018

Regional expansion

Expansion of the network to East Africa and Central Africa. Launch of online training programs for bloggers and cyber-activists. First institutional partnerships with international organizations.

19
2019

Civic Tech in 15 countries

Deployment of Civic Tech programs in 15 African countries. Launch of electoral observation platforms and digital tools for government transparency. AfricTivistes establishes itself as a continental reference.

20
2020

Digital resilience

Facing the global pandemic, AfricTivistes adapts its programs to digital formats. Launch of campaigns against COVID-19 disinformation. Strengthening of African online media capacities.

21
2021

MOOC Platform

Launch of the online training platform (MOOC) with over 2,000 learners enrolled in the first year. Creation of the ACET program for supporting digital communities.

22
2022

Second continental Summit

Organization of the second AfricTivistes Summit, gathering over 300 participants from 35 countries. Launch of new programs on cybersecurity for journalists and informational resilience.

23
2023

45 countries, 400+ members

Expansion of the network to 45 African countries with over 400 active members. Consolidation of flagship programs and launch of new initiatives on artificial intelligence and citizen participation.

24
2024-03

Innovation and AI

Integration of artificial intelligence into training and civic tech programs. Development of CitizenLab and new electoral observation tools. Strengthened partnerships with pan-African institutions.

25
2025

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.

Our vision

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.

Vision AfricTivistes

Be part of the story

Join the AfricTivistes organization and help write the next chapter of digital citizenship in Africa.

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