Recently, I had the privilege of travelling to Kenya for an advisory committee meeting on a subject close to my heart: bridging the digital divide across Africa. Our discussion focused on the transformative potential of community-centred connectivity initiatives and the strategies to bring sustainable digital infrastructure to underserved communities across the continent.
This was the first in-person meeting for the participatory design of a regional training strategy for the strengthening of community networks in Africa, developed by a joint effort of the Local Networks Initiative (LocNet), coordinated by the Association for Progressive Communication (APC) and Rhizomatica, and the African Advanced Level Telecommunications Institute (AFRALTI), with the support and advice of Redes por la Diversidad, Equidad y Sustentabilidad AC (REDES AC).
From the moment I stepped off the plane in the city of Nairobi, there was an electric sense of possibility in the air. Kenya, often dubbed the “Silicon Savannah”, is already recognised as a trailblazer in digital innovation across Africa; but even here, the need for inclusive, community-driven connectivity solutions remains crucial. I was eager to dive into our meeting, knowing that the conversations and collaborations we were about to engage in could have a lasting impact on Africa’s digital future.
The urgency of bridging the digital divide
While urban centres across Africa have seen rapid digital advancement, rural and remote communities struggle to access reliable internet and digital services. This digital divide leaves millions isolated from the opportunities offered by the global economy, education , and services. This is not just a technology gap – it’s a gap in access to health care, education and economic development. Yet, hope lies in initiatives like community-centred connectivity that are empowering local communities to take control of their digital futures.
Community networks: A grassroots solution to Africa
Our meeting explored how community networks have emerged as an innovative, sustainable solution to address the digital divide. These initiatives are built by communities, for communities, allowing locals to take ownership of their digital infrastructure. It’s an approach that shifts the power dynamic, offering not just access but also autonomy. The essence of these networks is that they don't simply provide internet connectivity, but they foster a broader digital ecosystem, tailored to the community’s needs, culture and way of life.
The focus on sustainability and self-reliance was particularly striking at the meeting. As we heard from several experts, the success of these networks depends on building local capacity. It’s not enough to provide the technology; we need to ensure that people on the ground are equipped with the skills to manage and maintain these networks independently. This was a central theme throughout our discussions.
A participatory approach to capacity building
One of the highlights of the trip was participating in a three-day workshop on creating regional training strategies for community networks in Africa. The workshop, held at the Lukenya Gateway on the outskirts of Nairobi, brought together stakeholders from across the continent to design solutions tailored to the unique needs of Indigenous, rural and urban informal communities.
The participatory approach embraced at the workshop was key: by involving community members in the design process, we ensure that training programmes are not only relevant but also deeply rooted in local realities. The workshop highlighted the need for training strategies that account for different learning models and languages, and the challenges faced by the specific regions. The result? A stronger sense of ownership critical for long-term success.
Lessons from Latin America’s Techio Comunitario Initiative
One of the most inspiring moments of the meeting was learning about the success of the Techio Comunitario initiative in Latin America. Launched in Mexico in 2016, this programme has since expanded across the region, providing a powerful model for community-centred connectivity. What makes Techio Comunitario so impactful is its hybrid approach, which offers both in-person and online bootcamps that cover a wide range of technical topics, from basic electricity to developing community ICT projects.
The key takeaway from this initiative is the participatory action research methodology, which ensures that training is not just theoretical, but also deeply intertwined with the community’s context. A holistic hands-on approach that is worth learning as we build similar programmes across Africa.
The African experience: Challenges and opportunities
The Kenyan experience revealed both the incredible potential and the hurdles that lie ahead. From issues of language barriers, technical literacy and gender inclusion to the struggle for consistent funding, we heard from case studies across the continent. One thing that becomes clear is that tailored solutions are needed to address each community’s unique circumstances. In Nigeria, for example, cultural norms around gender dynamics have impacted women’s participation in technical training, an issue that requires careful, culturally sensitive intervention.
On the bright side, there are several success stories. In Kenya, for instance, community networks have begun to work closely with local regulators to legitimise their operation and secure necessary licences. This regulatory support is crucial for the long-term sustainability of these networks.
Building a sustainable ecosystem: The path forward
As our meeting came to a close, there was a sense of urgency, but also optimism. The road to closing the digital divide in Africa is long, but the solutions are within reach. By investing in capacity building, creating community-owned digital infrastructure and fostering collaboration between governments, non-governmental organisations and local communities, we can pave the way for a more inclusive digital future.
The meeting offered us a window to what’s possible when communities take over the reins of their digital destiny. The next step is to expand these initiatives across Africa, with the first generation of Africa-focused community network training programmes developed with this methodology set to roll out in 2025.
As I boarded my flight back to my beautiful home country Nigeria, I carried with me the stories of those communities eager to shape their digital futures. Africa’s journey toward bridging the digital divide is not just about internet access; it is also about ensuring that every community has the opportunity to thrive in an increasingly digital world.
The trip was more than just a meeting; it was a reminder that the future of connectivity in Africa is not something to be imposed from the outside, but one that must be built from the ground up, by the people and for the people.
This blog would be incomplete without mentioning the hospitality shown by the great people of Kenya, and their food – especially the famous ugali, which reminded me of my grandmom’s tuwon masara, as we call it in Nigeria – as well as the Swahili delicacies I enjoyed. A big shout-out to the Nigerian restaurants in Kenya that came to my aid when I was craving for my naija jollof rice.
Asante sana!
Harira Wakili is a gender and digital rights advocate, dedicated to promoting digital inclusion and literacy. She serves as the Africa regional gender coordinator for the Local Networks Initiative (LocNet) with the Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD).