Libraries were present at the 13th Africa Internet Governance Forum held in Addis- Ababa from 20th to 22nd November 2024. The forum was organized by the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) in collaboration with the Ministry of Innovation and Technology of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia and Africa Union. This prestigious event falls under the framework of the Global Internet Governance Forum, serving as a regional platform for inclusive dialogue on Internet governance and digital public policy. 

In an age and time where access to services relies heavily on Internet connectivity and the ability to use digital technologies,  libraries in Africa have been resilient in approaches and engagement in serving the evolving needs of their communities. However, limitations do exist around electricity, internet access, library digital infrastructure development and maintenance, emerging technologies skills among many others. 

This event was an opportunity to share with partners the on-going Libraries Boosting Connectivity Project: an initiative designed to expand digital opportunities for and through libraries, and to connect with ecosystem stakeholders to chart collaborative approaches and build strategies to prioritize libraries Internet governance and digital public policy. 

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IFLA, through its global and regional advocacy priority efforts, was represented by Damilare Oyedele, the Co-Founder and Chief Executive of Library Aid Africa, also serving as a member of the IFLA Sub-Saharan African Regional Division Committee.

The project is charting a pathway to create a more comprehensive picture of how libraries are adapting to the digital age and to identify possible areas of need and opportunity that will inform strategies aimed at improving Internet access, building digital skills, fostering partnerships and increasing educational opportunities for communities worldwide.

Additional regional efforts by LIbrary Aid Africa called Libraries for Digital Futures entail building a community of libraries and librarians willing to transform library spaces into digital tech hubs by providing training, and resources to deliver tech based programs and engage in technology-driven opportunities.

Undoubtedly, as library ecosystem partners, we are aware of the emerging roles of technology and its applications towards transforming our society, and how libraries are strategically positioned to as access points in achieving digital transformation and digital future in Africa. This awareness has charted our path to actions in reimaging libraries’ role in our evolving digital age, and our essential contribution towards an equitable digital future in Africa. 

Moving forward, libraries will be actively engaging at the Internet Governance Forum in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia through sessions on Measuring Digital Inclusion & Dynamic Coalition on Public Access in Libraries, Library Internet Governance Ambassadors Program among other strategic activities.

Learn more about Libraries Boosting Connectivity Project, a SIGL funded initiative designed to expand digital opportunities for and through libraries.