#AfricaFlows Closing Plenary – Keep Flowing: Africa Reimagined

Venue: iClub, Tshimologong

Session Format: Panel Discussion

Host: CTIN & Jamlab Africa

MC: Prof. Geci Karuri-Sebina, Organiser, CTIN & Tayarisha Centre, Wits School of Governance

Vote of thanks: Lindokuhle Nzuza, Project Coordinator, Jamlab Africa

Conference Reflections: Yasmin Shapurjee and Nkosinathi Mcetywa, CTIN

Keynote Speaker: Prof. Themba Maseko, Acting Head of School, Wits School of Governance

Panel Moderator: Koketso Moeti, Founder, amandla.mobi

Panel speakers:

1. Dr. Niousha Roshani, Founder, CEO, The Black Entrepreneurs Club (BEC) 
2. Aidan Eyakuze, VC, OGP; Executive Director, Twaweza East Africa
3. Angella Ndaka, The Centre for African Epistemic Justice (CAEJ)
4.  Adam Oxford; Consultant: Area of Effect 

Session Overview: 

Artificial Intelligence (AI), in the contemporary, globalised world presents both opportunities and risks in the digital realm. Using the lens of collaboration, imagination, and innovation, CTIF23 highlights how Africa flows between and across sectors of society. Civic Tech innovators and media innovators are seizing this moment to drive positive change on the continent, forging new pathways for greater citizen engagement and participation. At the forefront of advocating and protecting digital rights is both the civic tech and media industries. In the context of widespread corruption, a disengaged citizenry and where citizen trust levels are at an all-time low across African countries, civic tech tools and media campaigns provide opportunities for communities to interface with their governments to hold them accountable, while also opening up transparent communication engagement channels. 

The Closing Plenary of CTIF & Jamfest ‘23: #AfrIcaFlows will reflect on the influence of Artificial Intelligence in the work of media and civic tech innovators on the African continent. The panel will tie together key themes and ideas that have come out of the discussions during the conference. Speakers will be encouraged to highlight the creative and dynamic ways Africa is flowing and how this momentum could be carried forward. What types of support do we need in the civic tech and media innovation industry to keep flowing? What are the barriers (existing and future) that may hinder or deflect this flow? In planning for Africa’s digital transformation wave, what is the role of innovation, collaboration and partnerships? Who will likely be the key stakeholders in this process? The Closing Plenary will prompt a call to action from CTIF & Jamfest participants to take the key learnings, experiences and networking opportunities from the conference and apply new knowledge and wisdom to their respective practices and spheres of influence. In this regard, this session aims to serve as a catalyst for more flow to inspire civic tech and media innovators to creatively collaborate on solutions that can achieve greater impact in the communities in which they serve.