New reports funded by the European Union have been published, highlighting Open Internet approaches in four African countries: Burundi, Kenya, Senegal, and South Africa.
By examining case studies in these countries, the reports delve into Open Internet connectivity as a driver of human-centered development. They also underscore the critical importance of a free, global, reliable, affordable, and secure internet in fostering social and economic growth, aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and the African Union's Agenda 2063.
According to the new reports prepared by a team of independent experts contracted by the European Commission, "Digital technologies and the Open Internet are two distinct concepts that, if integrated into a coherent policy approach, create a digitization process that maximizes opportunities for social and economic growth."
Realizing the potential of Open Internet for locally driven growth requires a holistic approach, separate but intrinsic to investment in technology and connectivity, focused on deploying Open Internet digital infrastructure, developing enabling policy and regulatory environments for Open Internet, investing in Open Internet skills and competencies, creating an Open Internet economy, and participating in Open Internet governance.
“ A roadmap for other countries and regions, showing how Open Internet approaches can create an environment that will enable and support digital development, capitalize on its economic potential, while respecting fundamental rights and values”
Each of the four reports serves as a roadmap for other countries and regions, showing how Open Internet approaches can create an environment that will enable and support digital development, capitalize on its economic potential, while respecting fundamental rights and values.
As part of the EU's policy to promote an open, free, global, stable, and secure internet based on the multi-stakeholder model of internet governance, the reports build on the ideas covered in a previous report on the Open Internet as a cornerstone of digitalization. As European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated in her 2024 State of the Union address, "The internet was born as an instrument for sharing knowledge, opening minds, and connecting people. But it has also given rise to serious challenges (...) In response, Europe has become the global pioneer of citizens' rights in the digital world."
The reports were produced as part of the "Promotion and Development of the Open Internet in Africa" project, funded by the EU Global Gateway.
Consult the reports: Burundi, Kenya, Senegal South Africa
