Research ICT Africa

READ | 💡 The T20 has published five new policy briefs containing recommendations from RIA researchers and partners on :

- Equitable data governance
- Demand-side data collection
- Governance of digital public infrastructure
- Governing computational infrastructure for just AI economies

These evidence-based research outputs aim to inform the G20 agenda, and ultimately facilitate digital transformation, bringing humanity closer to the achievement of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. Find the pieces below 🌆

🔗 https://bit.ly/3YhsObI

Many thanks to RIA's valued partners and co-authors, who continue to push for human rights-based change and development. RIA authors include Alison Gillwald, Andrew Partridge, Dr. Andrew Rens and Jamie Ann Fuller.

New Policy Briefs from T20 Task Force on Inclusive Digital Transformation RIA’s G20 engagements and participation within the T20 Task Force on Inclusive Digital Transformation are coming to fruition with several newly published policy briefs. The T20 (Think20) is a G20 engagement group [...]

RIA's Executive Director, Alison Gillwald, reflects on the recent adoption of Global Digital Compact and publication of the AI for Humanity report in this article by Tech Policy Press.

"Unlike with traditional telecom, the [digital] divide is not only between those online and offline but between those who have the technical and financial resources to optimize access to the Internet and OTT era and those who are barely online, without the resources to realize the benefits of access, to improve their livelihoods, never mind innovate or contribute to the prosperity of nations."

https://www.techpolicy.press/reactions-to-the-adoption-of-the-un-global-digital-compact/

Reactions to the Adoption of the UN Global Digital Compact | TechPolicy.Press Experts shared perspectives on the document, adopted by the UN General Assembly during September's Summit of the Future in New York.

READ I The September Newsletter is out, offering a comprehensive overview of RIA's significant engagements and research outputs during the United Nations General Assembly and the Summit of the Future. 💡

This release spotlights the need to leverage multistakeholder cooperation as we work towards digital equality, meaningful access and more efficient global digital governance frameworks — all of which are vital to achieving the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. Click the link below if you're interested in RIA's commentary on the Global Digital Compact, the Governing AI for Humanity Report, as well as a number of other policy briefs, blogs and events.

🖇️ 📗 https://bit.ly/47SuNXf

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Join Prof Faizel Ismail and ODI's highly esteemed speakers as they explore the challenges and opportunities of greening production, trade, and industrial development, focusing on African perspectives.

When: Tuesday, 17 September 2024
Topic: Changing the dynamics and advancing a just green trade and industrial transition
Time: 12:30 14:00 (BST)
Register now: https://odi.org/en/events/changing-the-dynamics-and-advancing-a-just-green-trade-and-industrial-transition/

This webinar will delve into the diverse perspectives within the G20, with a specific focus on African interests, seeking solutions to reshape current dynamics and advance a more equitable greening trade agenda.

Alison Gillwald attended the Government Technical Advisory Centre SA (GTAC) Public Economics Conference, which is themed 'Harnessing Technology and Data: Shaping the Future of South African Public Services'.

She presented "Understanding the complexities of technology and digitisation: A continental perspective on digital transformation" today. Follow the YouTube live stream to see more of RIA's contributions on Day 2 tomorrow: https://www.youtube.com/live/cIGq2M94jRI

The RIA Newsletter is out 🔔 📨

We look ahead to the United Nations General Assembly and the Summit of the Future, where we will engage with alliance partners and call for equity and inclusion in our move towards realising the SDGs. Plus, we share featured research on Generative AI, After Access findings and regulations to curtail platform decay.

Not subscribed? Get our monthly newsletter in your inbox:
https://bit.ly/3L5jHDt

Otherwise, find it in the archive: https://bit.ly/3X7a9xv

The Africa Law Tech Festival has begun ⚖ 🌍

Senior Researcher and Economist Sandra Makumbirofa, PhD will be speaking alongside researchers from the Center for Global Development, Harvard University, Utrecht University, Slickcity Media and the OECD - OCDE.

Makumbirofa's presentation, 'Shaping the AI Policy Landscape for a Digital Africa' begins at 12:00 SAST. Register here:

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The Nelson Mandela School will convene a series of Brown Bag sessions to share insights and understand the practicalities and challenges of implementing AfCFTA protocols.

Join the sessions to hear from experts and leading voices in African trade policy.

First session: Thursday, 29 August 2024
Time: 12:00 (SAST)
RSVP to attend virtually: https://bit.ly/4cAaKgW

"Considering the enormous investments flowing into AI one must ask what problems will it actually solve? What are the real goods being produced with all this investment? And are shareholders prepared to let executives bet entire business models on the hope that middling AI will improve with more spending on data and computing power?"

Senior Researcher Scott Timcke on the AI Bubble for Business Day Live 🗯 Analyse its returns versus investments here:

SCOTT TIMCKE: AI bubble? Big promises and bigger questions There is potential with artificial intelligence, though we must all demand greater scrutiny of its promised returns

Dr Taliha Folorunso : Artificial intelligence for women in aquaculture ''AI4WA'' Aquaculture plays an indispensable role in the livelihoods of the world's population as a whole, from its various levels of production to its significant con...

Newsletter alert: Voicing majority world perspectives 🚨

May has come to a close, and June promises some exciting outputs and engagements.

In case you missed it, here's a wrap of the past month at RIA🔻
https://bit.ly/3VqdPuv