Internet access a human right – experts

Experts from across Africa have underscored that access to the internet and digital technologies is a human right, and no one should be left behind.They have called on action to bridge the digital divide, which is characterised by disparities in internet connectivity, digital literacy and access to technology.This issue was raised during a virtual public dialogue on &#039;Bridging the Digital Divide&#039; in Africa held on 24 October and hosted by Fesmedia Africa, the media project of the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES) in Africa.Fesmedia Africa director Freya Gruenhagen emphasised the need to bridge the digital divide in Africa."Digital rights are enabling rights to be enjoyed by all. The digital divide is not just a technological issue – it&#039;s a matter of social justice”.Lack of access Avani Singh, a panellist and an independent legal consultant specialising in media freedom, information law and digital rights, highlighted that these disparities were especially exposed in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic.“In our increasingly interconnected world, addressing this issue has become critical to social and educational development," she said."A significant portion of the African population still lacks access to the internet and the knowledge necessary for economic and social development."Another panellist, Emsie Erastus, a digital rights specialist at Internews in Zambia, emphasised that “it is somewhat astonishing that, despite all efforts, a sizeable portion of the world’s population still lacks access to Internet services, with significant differences and challenges between countries in Africa.”Quality mattersShe gave the example of Zambia, which has 9.8 million people, around 50% of whom have access to phones, according to a data report analysis.However, the question remains: “What quality of accessibility do these phone users have?”According to Admire Mare, an associate professor from the University of Johannesburg, the concept of "access" often involves a trade-off between giving data and taking information and access to the platforms. This trade-off raises important questions about data privacy, security and the control individuals have over their personal information.Food security Meanwhile, Dickson Kasote, the programme manager at Fesmedia Africa, said digital technology can play a role in addressing food security challenges.“Farmers could utilise information from agricultural extension officers and other sources on digital platforms, which can improve agricultural productivity and food security. However, this digital transformation must occur while upholding digital rights and ensuring equitable access to technology, as the benefits of technology should be accessible to all, not exacerbate existing inequalities.”He added that "internet accessibility is a bread-and-butter issue. It’s not a privilege but a human right.”The dialogue concluded with a commitment to continue pushing the narrative by engaging governments and civil societies to come up with legal frameworks and policies to regulate Big Tech companies and other players. There was a commitment to continue these online dialogues to coordinate regional efforts, monitor progress in achieving digital inclusion targets, and lobby for policies that promote affordable and widespread access to the internet.- jemima@namibiansun.com

Internet access a human right – experts

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Namibian Sun 2025-06-10

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Internet access a human right – experts

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Namibian Sun 2025-06-10

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