Diplo Africa Newsletter
April-June 2025
Diplomatic Dialogue on the WSIS+20 Process
Diplo has led a diplomatic dialogue on the WSIS+20 process, dedicated to the permanent missions of African countries to the UN in Geneva on 7 May. Co-sponsored by the Permanent Mission of Tanzania and the Delegation of the EU, the event started with a briefing on the WSIS+20 review process and the broader context of digital governance developments at the UN. This was followed by an informal exchange among diplomats on Africa’s interests, expectations, and potential contributions to the WSIS+20 review. Modalities for ensuring that African countries and stakeholders can engage effectively in shaping the outcomes of the review were also discussed.
Digital Technology in African Elections: Opportunities and Challenges – Webinar Summary
The webinar brought together experts in electoral governance, technology, and policy to explore the opportunities and challenges of implementing digital technology in African elections. Panellists included Ibrahim Lawal Ahmed, James Olabode, Eliud Kibii and Scott Timcke, moderated by Katherine Getao.
Panellists agreed that digital technologies—such as biometric voter registration, electronic voting machines, and electronic results transmission—can improve the efficiency, transparency, and credibility of elections. Examples from Nigeria and Somaliland highlighted how these tools have helped reduce electoral fraud and double voting, while enhancing public trust. However, significant challenges remain. Concerns were raised over high costs, cybersecurity threats, infrastructure weaknesses (e.g., unreliable electricity and internet), and the risk of excluding populations with limited digital access or literacy. Nigeria’s 2023 elections, which experienced cyberattacks on electoral systems, underscored these vulnerabilities.
Robust supporting infrastructure and digital literacy are essential for the success of election technologies. Panellists emphasised the need for gradual, context-aware adoption of digital tools, paired with investments in power, connectivity, and public education. Trust in the electoral process must be built through transparency, inclusive policy design, and strong governance systems.
A recurring theme was the value of hybrid election systems that combine digital and manual processes. Hybrid systems can help navigate infrastructure gaps while leveraging technological benefits. Suggestions included using national IDs for voter verification and transmitting digital results when connectivity allows.
Cybersecurity and voter data protection were highlighted as critical priorities. Experiences from Nigeria and Somaliland reinforced the need for comprehensive data protection laws and secure digital infrastructures.
Social media’s influence on elections, particularly the formation of information bubbles, was flagged as an emerging issue. Panellists stressed the importance of digital literacy to mitigate misinformation and strengthen informed participation.
The panellists expressed cautious optimism about digital technology’s role in African elections. A step-by-step, locally tailored approach—focused on building trust and reinforcing democratic principles—was recommended. The conversation concluded with a call for continued knowledge-sharing across African nations and a preview of a follow-up webinar on the Global Digital Compact scheduled for September 2025.
High-Level Briefing and Workshop on Cyber Diplomacy for ECOWAS Permanent Representatives Committee
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission in partnership with the German Federal Foreign Office delivered a high-level briefing and workshop on cyber diplomacy for the ECOWAS Permanent Representatives Committee and the ECOWAS Commission Management Representatives on 20 May. The event aimed to enhance the understanding of ECOWAS Ambassadors and other participants about the current cybersecurity landscape, the significance of cyber diplomacy, and the framework for responsible state behaviour in cyberspace.
A key takeaway from the highly interactive and engaging discussions was the recognition that capacity building in cyber and digital diplomacy must be a continuous, long-term effort – one that is essential for strengthening national and regional cyber/digital resilience, and fostering strategic and meaningful engagement in global digital governance processes. We thank our colleagues at the ECOWAS Commission and GIZ for facilitating this event.
Interested in publishing internet governance-related blog posts to our Africa digital diplomacy and governance page?
Contact Diplo’s African Initiative Coordinator, Mwende Njiraini.
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