AfricTivistes is hosting the Information and Democracy Seminar in Dakar, on October 2’th and 25th, 2023, to foster an inclusive and responsible digital information environment in a bid to strengthen democracy and citizen participation in Senegal. Specifically, the Seminar provides a platform for dialogue and exchange between the various stakeholders involved in promoting democracy and transparency of information in Senegal.

Recently, Senegalese democracy, like that of other African countries, has faced a number of challenges, such as the management and dissemination of information in the digital era and in a context of pre-electoral political crisis.

Information and communication technologies play an essential role in the functioning and strengthening of modern democracies.  They help to strengthen democracy by facilitating access to information, enhancing citizen participation, providing mechanisms and tools for transparency and accountability of public institutions, and supporting civic education and social mobilisation.

A number of challenges also need to be addressed. These include disinformation, cyber-crime, digital sovereignty, citizen participation, government transparency, digital infrastructure, the protection of human rights online and the violations of privacy.

AfricTivistes, in partnership with the Seminar on Information and Democracy, will bring together key players from civil society, government, the media and the ICT sector to discuss and exchange ideas on how to strengthen Senegalese democracy through digital innovation and transparency of information.

For this purpose, national and international experts will present case studies, research and best practice in media development, digital innovation and transparency of information.

The seminar’s specific objectives are to:

1- Analyse the impact of social media on citizen engagement and democracy in Senegal.

2- Identify the challenges of regulating fake news and disinformation in a democratic context.

3- Highlight the importance of media and information literacy in promoting civic participation.

4- Present innovative digital initiatives that facilitate access to information and citizen participation in Senegal.

5- Discuss the role of civil society organisations and independent media in promoting democracy and protecting fundamental freedoms.

6- Identify opportunities for international cooperation (GAFA) and partnerships to support the development of ICTs in the service of democracy.

For more information, please send an e-mail to info@africtivistes.org.

About AfricTivistes

AfricTivistes is a pan-African organisation that promotes democracy, good governance and human rights through digital technology and information and communication technologies, in particular through the following thematic areas: (i) good governance; (ii) transparency and accountability; (iii) participatory democracy; (iv) cybersecurity; (v) social development; (vi) the fight against corruption; and (vii) the culture of peace.

AfricTivistes advocates for a participatory democracy based on “enhanced citizenship”, by building capacity and a culture of leadership, by encouraging and propelling civic engagement among young people, and by supporting the creation and deployment of innovative projects with a strong social impact.