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A growing number of citizens worldwide are using Information and Communications Technology (ICT) regularly, which has made digital technologies pivotal to the enjoyment of their rights and the improvement of their livelihoods. Unfortunately, many governments in Sub-Saharan Africa, especially in the central and southern regions, have been taking steps that undermine this enjoyment and weaken the potential of digital technologies to catalyse free expression and civic participation or to drive innovation. The Democratic Republic of Congo’s block of access to the internet ahead of the 2018 general election is just an example in many.
There has also been an increase in digital rights violations, such as arrests and intimidation of online users, and a proliferation of laws and regulations that undermine the potential of technology to drive socioeconomic and political development on the continent. Furthermore, the regions experience a deep digital divide. Apart from the high price of internet connectivity, internet access is generally limited to urban areas, unduly restricting access to information for communities living in rural areas. Considering the patriarchal system in most of the countries and communities in the region, women in rural areas are most affected by this situation.