By Selphar Musungu When artificial intelligence first began making its way into Kenyan newsrooms, many female journalists watched with curiosity, eager to learn but unsure where to begin. That uncertainty is now fading, thanks to a new initiative by the International Association of Women in Radio and Television (IAWRT–Kenya), supported by Google, APC, and the Kenya Correspondents Association. The programme has opened a powerful path for female journalists in the media industry to claim their space in a rapidly evolving digital landscape. Launched in August, the project has rolled out training sessions month by month, each one designed to deepen participants’ understanding of the artificial intelligence tools reshaping modern journalism. From foundational AI concepts to advanced digital applications in storytelling, the sessions are practical, engaging, and intentionally tailored for women journalists. “The media space is changing faster than ever. Journalists have to adapt to growing technology. Female journalists especially need digital confidence and the right tools to compete in this evolving industry,” said Josephine, one of the trainers, during a recent session. The first workshop introduced participants to Gemini, Google’s AI tool, demonstrating how it can support in-depth research and help generate strong, well-informed story ideas. From there, the training became increasingly hands-on, exposing journalists to a range of AI tools now influencing the craft of reporting. Google’s Gemini proved not only useful for research but also for quick fact-checking and generating responsible visual concepts. NotebookLM helped participants organise interviews, summarise long documents, come up with videos and audios from written stories and streamline story outlines with greater efficiency. Investigative journalists found Google Pinpoint especially powerful, using it to analyse thousands of documents, filter information and spot patterns that would take days, or weeks, to uncover manually. Creative tools such as Nonabanana expanded storytelling possibilities, allowing reporters to experiment with new formats and visuals. Beyond technical skills, the sessions placed strong emphasis on ethics and transparency. Journalists were trained to acknowledge any information generated using AI and to disclose when AI tools contribute to their work. “For us not to lose trust with our audience, who also understand technology, it’s essential to acknowledge when we use AI tools. Whether in print, broadcast, or digital stories, transparency is crucial,” said another facilitator. For many female journalists in the cohort, the experience has been transformative. The training has not only expanded their digital capacity but also strengthened their confidence to navigate online spaces, pitch innovative story ideas, and produce journalism that meets global standards. “These sessions are incredible. I can’t wait to apply the knowledge I’ve gained to my stories,” said Irene, one of the participants. As the programme continues, IAWRT–Kenya and its partners hope to build a strong network of digitally savvy women journalists equipped to lead innovation in Kenyan media. For the participants, one message stands out clearly: the future of journalism is here—and they are ready for it.

By Loise Lenser In a country that has taken the lead in the use of AI across the world, journalists have not been left behind. Kenya’s young reporters are now stepping into a new wave of digital storytelling through a structured training programme designed to help them understand and use modern tools in their daily work. The initiative, led by IAWRT–Kenya with support from APC, Google and the Kenya Correspondents Association, is giving youth journalists the practical skills they need to thrive in a media landscape that is changing faster than ever. Since its launch in August, the sessions have unfolded month by month, each one deliberately crafted to deepen the participants’ understanding of how technology is reshaping the craft of reporting. The first session introduced the cohort to the emerging space where journalism meets artificial intelligence. What could have been a technical conversation instead became a practical exploration of how prompts, machine learning and automated checks are already making way into global newsroom routines. The young reporters left with a clearer sense that AI is not replacing human judgment, but it is expanding what journalists can do. This opened the room to a deeper attention to the heart of every strong story: research. Through NotebookLM, participants experienced a new way of handling interviews, transcripts and dense reports. Instead of being overwhelmed by scattered notes and long recordings, they watched their materials transform into neatly organised summaries, insightful highlights and structured themes in a matter of moments. For many, it was the first time seeing a research process that keeps pace with the urgency of modern storytelling. Following NotebookLM was Google Pinpoint, a tool that opened an entirely new dimension of reporting. Young journalists worked with archives, scanned documents, voice files and large collections of materials that would traditionally take days to sort through. Pinpoint revealed patterns, keywords and connections with ease, showing the cohort what evidence-based journalism looks like when supported by the right technology. The programme is still unfolding. The coming months will introduce the cohort to new forms of multimedia storytelling, ethical considerations around AI, and the growing role of digital tools in shaping newsroom culture. What stands out most is not just the tools themselves, but the shift in mindset: young Kenyan journalists are beginning to see technology as part of their creative process, not as an obstacle. The training is preparing a future media workforce that is sharper, faster and more capable of navigating the complexities of the digital age. And as these young reporters continue their journey, one thing is increasingly clear, Kenya’s next era of storytelling will be led by a generation that understands both the power of technology and the responsibility of the newsroom.

By Martha ENTEBBE, Uganda — Female journalists across Africa are being urged to use a new digital platform to track and report attacks, harassment and abuse they face in their work, writes Martha Nakhate Phonera. The organization hopes the data collected will strengthen accountability for those who target women journalists and create safer working conditions across the continent. IAWRT-Kenya Chairperson Josephine Karani delivering her address The International Association of Women in Radio and Television -Kenya Chapter made the call during a two-day training session on Tuesday and Wednesday in Entebbe.IAWRT Chairperson Josephine Karani emphasized the need for vigilance against both physical and electronic harassment, including the misuse of Artificial Intelligence. “In an era where harassment is not only physical but also electronic, there’s a need to be vigilant and act,” Karani said. The IAWRT safety mapping tool, launched in August, has recorded more than 100 cases since its creation in 2023. Reported incidents include cyberbullying, intimidation, sexual harassment, denial of access to information and arrests. Karani said increased reporting in some African regions doesn’t necessarily indicate higher rates of abuse, but rather greater awareness of the platform. “Just because there are more reported cases in other parts of Africa on the platform doesn’t mean that side has more abuse than other parts,” she said. The training aims to build a comprehensive database on attacks against women in media that can be used by law enforcement and legal institutions to investigate and prosecute perpetrators. IAWRT is calling on female journalists to collaborate with legal entities to ensure their rights are protected through consistent use of the reporting platform. The organisation hopes the data collected will strengthen accountability for those who target women journalists and create safer working conditions across the continent.

By Naomi Cheruiyot October 27, 2025 Standing Up for Women Journalists: A Powerful Step Forward in Digital Protection Gender advocates and development partners in Uasin Gishu County are calling for urgent recognition of unpaid care work (UCW) as a major contributor to Kenya’s economy and a barrier to women’s economic participation. Speaking during a community sensitisation forum organised by SDGs Kenya in partnership with the Uasin Gishu County Directorate of Gender, John Otieno from SDGs Kenya said the burden of unpaid care work continues to limit women’s access to paid employment and business opportunities. “Women spend nearly five times more hours on unpaid care work than men, the equivalent of losing 196 working days every year. This is not just a gender issue, it’s an economic one,” said Otieno. County Director of Gender, Betsy Chepkemoi, noted that most women’s time is consumed by child-rearing, home care, and attending to the sick and elderly, leaving little opportunity for economic growth. “Care work is the backbone of our homes and communities. It must be recognised, supported, and shared fairly between men and women,” she said. Unpaid care work’s contribution to Kenya’s GDP According to a report discussed at the forum, unpaid care work contributes an estimated 39.9 per cent of Kenya’s GDP, yet remains uncounted in national statistics. The study by the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) and UN Women shows that Kenyan women spend an average of 4 hours and 38 minutes daily on unpaid work compared to 1 hour for men. Chepkemoi said Uasin Gishu County is aligning its efforts with the National Care Policy (NCP), which follows the International Labour Organisation’s “5Rs Framework” — Recognise, Reduce, Redistribute, Reward, and Represent care work. “Investing in childcare centres, clean water, and reliable energy directly supports women’s economic empowerment and county development,” she added. Otieno urged both national and county governments to expand subsidised childcare and care infrastructure, noting that such initiatives have increased women’s employment rates by up to 17 per cent in pilot projects. Community members participating in the session noted that many rural women in Uasin Gishu face acute “time poverty” due to the lack of basic amenities and echoed the call, highlighting the heavy “time poverty” faced by rural women. “We spend hours fetching water and caring for our families, leaving no time to work or train,” said a participant from Kesses. The meeting ended with a call for joint action from all sectors to recognise care work as essential labour. “When we invest in the care economy, we invest in productivity and family well-being,” Otieno said. Tools and skills used in developing this story are courtesy of training by the International Association of Women in Radio and Television – Kenya Chapter (IAWRT-KE) in partnership with Google News Initiative which the writer recently participated in.

By Raylenne Kambua The International Association of Women in Radio and Television (IAWRT) Kenya continues to lead efforts toward creating safer online and offline spaces for female journalists, a core mandate of our organization. Speaking during a recent training on monitoring and reporting violations against women journalists, Josephine Karani, IAWRT Kenya chapter head, stressed the importance of documenting such cases accurately. Evidence-building continues to be crucial as without data, we cannot meaningfully influence policy or push for systemic change that ensures women journalists’ safety. Gendered Risks in Journalism The session brought into sharp focus the gender-specific threats women face in journalism. Police commissioner Polycarp Ngufor from Cameroon underscored the hostile environment in which many operate. He explained that journalists in Cameroon are often targeted by state security forces, non-state actors, and criminal networks. But for women, these risks are magnified  into gender-specific threats such as harassment, assault, and online abuse.  “Female journalists in Cameroon, as well as across Africa, face a distinct set of gender threats that combine traditional risks to press freedom with gender-based violence in both physical and digital spaces,” he remarked. The Commissioner cited stark cases of female journalists’ harassments, including the 2022 assault on sports reporter Eyong Magdela Bissong, who was attacked by stadium officials and police, and the 2006 abduction of radio presenter Agnes Kalle Indwala. Testimonies further revealed cases where women reporting in crisis zones were threatened with sexual violence, or harassed by male sources demanding sexual favours in exchange for information. These cases, Commissioner Ngufor noted, reflect entrenched power imbalances and systemic impunity that silence women and weaken the media’s watchdog role. He further pointed out that the consequences of gender-based violence against journalists extend beyond the individual, silencing critical reporting on corruption, women’s rights, and minority issues, while instilling fear in others. Weak legal frameworks, stigma, underreporting, and lack of workplace protections continue to exacerbate the problem. The Commissioner emphasized the need for stronger policy actions, civil society engagement, and the implementation of international human rights standards such as the Maputo Protocol. Lessons from Iraq: Building Systems to Break Silence Dhea Subhee from UNESCO, drawing from Iraq’s experience, emphasized how entrenched impunity worsens journalist vulnerability. Between 2006 and 2020, Iraq lost more than 537 journalists to killings by militias, terrorists, and government forces. In response, UNESCO and partners established a national committee on the safety of journalists, which set up special investigation units, media courts, and a transformative digital reporting platform tailored for female journalists, such as the one developed by IAWRT.  “We discovered that female journalists were in complete silence, never raising their voices to report violations. That is why we created a safe platform—so they no longer have to go to police stations, but can instead report directly to trusted bodies who will act on their behalf,” Dhea explained. In just four years, the platform received more than 5,000 reports, 68% of which involved online threats, blackmail, and sexualized disinformation campaigns. Drawing from Iraq’s model, it is evident that safe, trusted, and independent reporting mechanisms can break the culture of silence. In just four years, the platform received more than 5,000 reports, 68% of which involved online threats, blackmail, and sexualized disinformation campaigns. Drawing from Iraq’s model, it is evident that safe, trusted, and independent reporting mechanisms can break the culture of silence. The Call for Collaboration and Legal Action Other speakers emphasized collective solutions. Rachael Nakitare from  IAWRT-kenya  raised the painful reality of impunity in cases where journalists are attacked. “Who do we run to for protection?” She asked, highlighting the importance of tripartite agreements between law enforcement, legal practitioners, and media stakeholders. She explained how such frameworks ensure that cases are pursued with urgency and supported by pro bono legal aid when needed. From a legal perspective, William Oketch representing the Pan African Lawyers Union,  emphasized the need for accessible legal aid, media defence funds, and regional guidelines. He explained that in countries like Kenya, lawyers are mandated to dedicate hours to free legal service, which could be directed toward defending journalists. He further called for open-access libraries on media law, threat-tracking systems, and regional advocacy mechanisms. “Journalism is the most sacred profession, and God , whoever the different religions design Him to be was the first Editorial Manager” . Mr. Oketch  reflected. “I encourage all of us, let us not give up, and let us pull together in this partnership for the defence of journalism, and particularly our women journalists who face more harsher realities. We must defend it with all the tools available legal, institutional, and social.” Towards Safer Spaces for Women in Media When journalists, especially women, can report safely and have their cases acted upon, societies are better positioned to uphold press freedom and strengthen democracy. From the overview provided by the IAWRT Kenya chapter head, the journey towards enhancing press freedom and journalists safety continues through  reporting and monitoring of violation cases. IAWRT’s observatory supported by UNESCO captures cases across all African countries, connecting media workers with legal and enforcement partners. The platform also provides for language localization, enabling users across the globe to interact with it seamlessly. IAWRT Kenya continues to stand at the forefront of this fight, ensuring that no woman journalist is left voiceless or unprotected. To report a violation, visit the secure reporting platform here: Report a Violation

By Natalie Kakai What if doing your job puts your life at risk- just because you’re a woman speaking the truth? For many women journalists across Africa, this is the harsh reality. From online abuse to physical and sexual threats, the profession presents real danger. This is not just for what they report, but because of who they are. A tool that will change how the threats are documented and addressed is now here. “We are moving from mapping to action, “ declared Racheal Nakitare, project coordinator for the International Association of Women in Radio and Television (IAWRT) at the official launch of the second phase of the IAWRT led initiative to protect women journalists. SAFETY ON THE MAP In partnership with UNESCO’s international Programme for Development of Communication (IPDC), IAWRT launched a digital platform  report.iawrt.or.ke to track and report attacks against women journalists across Africa. Developed with Kenya ICT Action Network (KICTANet) and powered by Ushahidi technology, the platform allows users to log incidents in real time, tag locations, and categorize threats, from harassment and censorship to physical and sexual violence. “This map is not just a tool. It’s a call to action, said Josephine Karani, Chairperson of IAWRT Kenya. Already over 120 stories have been documented from 16 countries, including Kenya, Uganda, Nigeria, Cameroon and Zambia. THE THREATS IN NUMBERS According to UNESCO’s Research on safety of women journalists: 73% have faced online violence 25% have been physically threatened 18% have been victims of sexual violence 20% of those attacked online have later been attacked offline. “Most female journalists in Africa don’t even speak about what they go through-because of fear, lack of legal support and isolation after speaking out”, Eunice Nankwanga, a journalist  from Uganda said. The initiative is a regional force with focal points in each sub region. The participating countries are Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Ethiopia, South Sudan , Nigeria, Ghana, Sierra Leone, The Gambia, Zambia, Malawi, Botswana, Cameroon. The platform has regional leads for East Africa, Central Africa, West Africa, and Southern Africa. Phase one of the project focused on the training and documentation, while the recently launched phase two is on institutional engagement. IAWRT is now partnering with the Pan African Lawyers Union (PALU) and national enforcement agencies for evidence-based intervention. “Despite global efforts, journalism remains a dangerous profession.  Women face disproportionate threats- not only for what they report, but simply because they are women.” Said Lea Simonini, Freedom of Expression and Safety of Journalists, UNESCO Regional Office. “Too often, these attacks are met with silence, impunity, inaction. We aim to create coordinated pathways for institutional response.” She added Law enforcement agencies across the continent have pledged support to the initiative. “The rights of female journalists are human rights,” said Commissioner Polycarp Ngufor of Cameroon. This project is at the heart of our work.” Kenya’s police representative Jared Ojuok, Zambia’s Jimmy Mhango, Nigeria’s Buhari Abdullahi and Uganda’s Beyanga Cornelius among other police representatives backed the project.  ACTION The monitoring and reporting platform is open for use. If you are a journalist or know someone at risk, help map the truth. Report here: https://report.iawrt.or.ke/views/map For years, attacks on journalists both online and offline have largely gone unreported for fear of reprisal or simply not knowing where to report. During the International Day to End Impunity Against Journalists in 2022, IAWRT Kenya and Human Rights Journalists Network -Uganda launched an initiative to combat violence against women journalists. The project’s core component in partnership with UNESCO was the creation of a crowd sourcing digital map under the banner  “Applying Modern Technologies To Enhance Mechanisms for Monitoring and Reporting Attacks against journalists in Africa”. The project has had a significant impact, successfully applying emerging digital innovations to promote the safety of journalists and combat impunity for crimes against them. The initiative has also enhanced the capacity of media monitors to use modern technologies, leading to increased awareness of crimes against journalists in Africa, particularly for women in the media. Going forward, the availability of real time data on attacks will empower duty bearers, such as law enforcement and legal institutions, strengthening their role in investigating and prosecuting perpetrators. The launch marks a pivotal moment in IAWRT’s mission to protect female journalists in Africa. By effectively mapping and documenting these cases, a robust body of data is built. This is not just a reporting tool but a powerful instrument for advocacy and change. IAWRT-Kenya is deeply committed to the protection of women journalists and are confident that sustained and collaborative action is the path to a safer environment for professionals across Africa and beyond.

By Eva Wanja- IAWRT Kenya August 1, 2025 Standing Up for Women Journalists: A Powerful Step Forward in Digital Protection Today, I had the privilege of attending the virtual launch of a powerful tool that marks a critical turning point for women journalists across Africa. The Monitoring and Reporting Platform for Online Gender-Based Violence (OGBV) now officially live is more than just a digital system; it’s a lifeline. Hosted by the International Association of Women in Radio and Television- Kenya (IAWRT) in partnership with Pan African Lawyers Union (PALU) and Law enforcement agencies and supported by IPDC through UNESCO, the event brought together voices from across the continent, with over 45 delegates all united by one purpose: making journalism safer for women. What struck me the most was the urgency and raw honesty in the conversations. From doxxing and digital surveillance to physical assault and even killings, the threats women journalists face are relentless and deeply gendered. These aren’t just personal attacks; they’re part of a bigger strategy to silence truth-tellers and undermine press freedom. We were taken through how the platform works powered by AI and crowdsourced data with a live map showing real-time cases of harassment across countries. It was jarring to see so many dots on that map, each one a story of pain, fear, and sometimes silence. I couldn’t help but imagine the mental toll the self-censorship, the anxiety, the forced exits from the profession. One of the most impactful moments came from Jared Ojuok, speaking on behalf of law enforcement in Kenya. He reassured us of their commitment to protecting journalists, even emphasizing that violations perpetrated by the police would not be ignored. That kind of accountability, especially from security forces, is rare and necessary. The platform also does more than just document abuse. It connects victims to pro bono legal aid, engages law enforcement in training and sensitization, and builds evidence for policy advocacy. It’s a holistic response to a deep-rooted problem. This wasn’t just a launch. It felt like the beginning of a movement one that says: we see you, we hear you, and we are not backing down.

By Raylenne Kambua As the Africa Internet Governance Forum (AfIGF) commemorates 20 years of dialogue and impact since the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) 2005, the conversations this year were grounded in reflection and action. With more than 62% of the African population still offline, the call to build inclusive, resilient, and sovereign digital systems persists. In his opening keynote at the AIGF, Dr. Mactar Seck, Chief of Section for Emerging Frontiers Technologies, Innovation, and Digital Transformation at UNECA, set the tone: “Africa is the least connected continent in the world… Yet, we lead in mobile money transactions, accounting for 74% of global activity. This proves we have the potential and now we must channel it into digital resilience and innovation.” Dr. Mactar underscored the paradox that defines Africa’s digital journey. Despite being at the forefront of financial tech innovation, particularly mobile money, the continent still grapples with foundational issues such as low connectivity, underrepresentation of local languages online, and limited youth-focused digital capacity-building and support. His rallying call? Build resilient digital public infrastructure (DPIs) Remove trade barriers within the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Strengthen cybersecurity management Support private sector growth Continue engaging multi stakeholders in shaping Internet governance policies Equip Africa’s youth- who make up 42% of the world’s population with relevant digital competencies and support Dr. Mactar Seck- UNECA These priorities echoed in the remarks of Mr. Mohammed Hamis Abdula, Permanent Secretary at Tanzania’s Ministry of Communication and Information Technology. Framing the current era as a gateway between the 4th and 5th Industrial Revolutions, he reminded delegates that the speed of technological advancement through AI, robotics, IoT, drones, and big data, demands proactive governance. “We cannot ignore technologies considering their potential to transform all aspects of life. But transformation needs accommodative and impactful laws, policies,” he said. These priorities echoed in the remarks of Mr. Mohammed Hamis Abdula, Permanent Secretary at Tanzania’s Ministry of Communication and Information Technology. Framing the current era as a gateway between the 4th and 5th Industrial Revolutions, he reminded delegates that the speed of technological advancement through AI, robotics, IoT, drones, and big data, demands proactive governance. Tanzania, under President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s leadership, has made strategic moves towards a digital-first economy. The National Digital Economy Strategy and supporting legislative instruments ,including the National ICT Policy, the Cybercrimes Act, the Data Protection Act, and the E-Government Act , illustrate how governments can create enabling environments that safeguard innovation while promoting safe and inclusive tech ecosystems. Still, Mr. Abdula acknowledged that gender and digital disparities remain pressing concerns, calling on all stakeholders to collaborate in bridging the gaps that keep communities offline or underserved. Hon. Jerry William Silaha, Tanzania’s Minister for Communication and ICT, reinforced the fellow speakers sentiments and also celebrated the IGF’s 20-year milestone with a focus on future readiness. Hon. Jerry William Silaha, Tanzania’s Minister for Communication and ICT “We must reflect on our achievements and challenges and align our strategies with the Global Digital Compact.” Minister Silaha emphasized the importance of regional digital integration, citing Tanzania’s commitment to expanding mobile broadband infrastructure, now reaching up to 5G speeds for wide segments of the population. These investments are not only transforming connectivity in urban centers but are also empowering economies across neighboring countries. The AfIGF 2025 is a mirror reflecting both progress and the work that lies ahead. Across all sessions delegates were encouraged to shape Africa’s digital destiny with its people, languages, values, and innovation at the center.This means: Putting youth at the heart of digital transformation Creating digital literacy pipelines that don’t leave rural or marginalized populations behind Embedding inclusion in every policy, from cybersecurity to data governance Making Internet access not just a priority, but a right.    

By Raylenne Kambua On May 29, 2025, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, became the epicenter of a powerful youth-led digital revolution. Held as a pre-event to the 14th Africa Internet Governance Forum (AfIGF), the Africa Youth Internet Governance Forum Youth Track brought together energetic and passionate young delegates from over 40 African countries. The goal? To equip Gen Z and other young Africans with the knowledge, tools, and inspiration to shape digital policies and assert their rightful place in internet governance dialogues. The central theme resounded clearly-Youth must be at the heart of internet governance. As digital natives, young people navigate and build the online world daily, yet their voices are often underrepresented in the policy spaces shaping that very ecosystem. Stakeholders, including Members of Parliament (MPs), emphasized that empowering youth in digital spaces is a collective responsibility, not solely that of governments but a shared duty among civil society, the private sector, and youth themselves. The day kicked off with a session on Digital Identity & Borderless Opportunity, a workshop designed to demystify digital identity systems and their connection to economic opportunities under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). Using real-life examples like Rwanda’s e-ID and Ghana’s mobile wallet interoperability, youth learned how secure digital IDs can unlock access to banking, healthcare, and even cross-border business. The session drove home a critical point: when youths understand their digital rights and identities, they gain power to transcend limitations and engage in Africa’s digital economy meaningfully. The African Youth brought to light pressing challenges faced in the digital space. The delegates from across the continent shared personal stories of losing access to their accounts without explanation, experiencing complete social media shutdowns during elections or protests, and facing repressive internet laws that stifled their ability to speak out or conduct online businesses. These experiences underscored a growing concern that content moderation, when applied without transparency or local context, often becomes a tool for silencing dissent and minority voices rather than protecting users. The sentiment that echoed clearly was that:         “Content moderation must not become a tool to silence minority voices.” Participants emphasized the urgent need for youth-inclusive digital policies and accountability from both governments and tech platforms. They called for clearer guidelines, better appeals processes, and a rights-based approach to content governance that protects freedom of expression while upholding digital safety. Kenyan Senator- Catherine Muyeka addressing the youths during the AfYIGF session One of the most impactful moments of the day came during the session Youth and MPs – Intergenerational Dialogue on Digital Governance. In a rare show of unity, young people sat face-to-face with parliamentarians from across Africa to candidly discuss their digital realities. In her comment, Kenyan Senator Catherine Muyeka reminded the attendees of their duty in shaping internet policies and procedures, “While laws must follow due legislative processes, youth engagement is key to crafting inclusive digital frameworks,” she affirmed.  MPs assured the young leaders that their concerns were heard and encouraged them to use formal channels to influence change. With the rapid digital transformation and the need to adopt digital identity systems in African countries, another important session explored how digital IDs, like Rwanda’s e-ID and Ghana’s mobile wallets can unlock cross-border opportunities under AfCFTA. While digital IDs promise access to services, trade, and mobility, challenges such as limited connectivity, lack of awareness, and exclusion from ID systems persist. Youth also voiced concerns about data privacy and the need for inclusive design. Despite these hurdles, the session emphasized that with the right support, digital IDs can be powerful tools for youth to thrive in Africa’s digital economy. The forum concluded with critical recommendations: Governments and stakeholders must invest in digital education Making tech and digital-focused courses free, accessible, and relevant. National digital strategies should reflect youth priorities, aspirations, amplify their innovations, and include them in decision-making processes. Most importantly, youth participation in governance must move beyond tokenism to genuine influence and co-creation As the Africa young IGF 2025 came to an end, the youth were reminded that they are responsible for the continent’s digital destiny. And they’re constantly  prepared to lead, not merely take part, as the culture in similar Youth IGF engagements. The Youth Track of the AfIGF serves as a platform to empower young people to engage meaningfully in Internet governance. Through targeted workshops, interactive sessions, and mentorship, it builds the capacity of Africa’s emerging digital leaders by equipping them with the tools, insights, and connections necessary to shape a more inclusive, open, and forward-looking digital future. It is a space where youth voices actively contribute to the development of internet policy and technology across the continent.