2024 State of Internet Freedom in Africa Report

Dakar, Senegal – There has been a surge in digital authoritarianism as majority of governments selectively deployed technology to entrench their power, according to the 2024 State of Internet Freedom in Africa Report.

The report, released on Friday in Dakar, Senegal during the 2024 Forum of Internet Freedom in Africa,  highlights the growing influence of technology in African elections, stating that there is a significant decline in democratic governance in Africa.

“Digital authoritarianism is a growing concern in Africa as governments continue to deploy a combination of tools and tactics of repression, such as internet shutdowns, censorship of news outlets, targeted surveillance, and regressive laws to limit civic participation and suppress dissent”.

These practices have significant social and economic impacts resulting in an environment where technology and democratic processes can be exploited to undermine democracy rather than strengthen it.

According to the study,  the continent is at a crossroads as the use of technology in Africa’s 2024 elections presents both promises and pitfalls.

“On the one hand, technology has the potential to improve electoral transparency, promote citizen engagement, and ensure credible elections. On the other hand, the misuse of digital tools by authoritarian regimes, combined with the digital divide, the rise of disinformation, and declining constitutional governance risks undermining the democratic process.

“Democratic Governance is Under Siege”

There is a significant decline in the state of democratic governance in Africa, according to 2024 State of Internet Freedom in Africa Report, with growing authoritarianism, coups, hereditary presidencies, weakened oversight institutions, political instability, and restricted political competition.

“The persistent failure to address corruption, social divisions, and economic inequality continues to undermine electoral integrity and public trust. In these contexts, political elites manipulate elections and exploit historical tensions and unresolved economic grievances to maintain power, thus eroding public trust in the democratic foundations necessary for fair and fair elections”.

The 2024 State of Internet Freedom in Africa Report also highlights a Persistent Digital Divide, and the Rise of AI-enabled disinformation Narratives and observes a notable Progress and Innovation in the Use of Technology during Elections among it’s key findings.

“Persistent Digital Divide Deepening Political Inequalities and Exclusion”

Africa’s digital divide remains a significant barrier to inclusive political participation, with rural, underserved communities and marginalised groups disproportionately affected.

High internet usage costs, expensive digital devices, inadequate digital infrastructure, and low digital literacy compound political inequalities, thus limiting citizens’ ability to engage in political discourse and access critical electoral information. In the year of elections, such a disconnect is profound.

“The Rise of AI-Enabled Disinformation Narratives”

The study underscores the growing threat of misinformation and disinformation, particularly AI-generated content, in shaping electoral outcomes. AI tools were used in countries such as Rwanda and South Africa Rwanda to create deep fakes and synthetic media, manipulating public perception.

Social media platforms have been slow to address this issue, and where they have, the approaches have not been uniform across countries. Disinformation campaigns can make it difficult for voters to access credible information, stifle democratic participation online, and erode citizens’ trust in democratic processes.

Progress and Innovation in the Use of Technology during Elections: The study has established the progress in the adoption of technologies in elections by African countries such as Ghana, Namibia, and South Africa for voter registration, results tallying and transmission, voter education, and engagement.

“Despite challenges in deployment, these technologies have the potential to improve electoral transparency, efficiency, and accountability. Also notable were the various initiatives to combat disinformation, build solidarity for good governance, and increase access to election information,”.

The report recommends governments, election management bodies, and civil society to collaborate to safeguard digital rights, promote digital inclusion, and build robust frameworks for the ethical use of technology in elections.

While technology played a central role in the 2024 elections in several countries, one of the highlights has been the use of AI in ways that illuminate both its promises and dangers for electoral integrity and democracy.

“ Clearly, few African countries have adopted the use of AI in elections, and this holds true for various election stakeholders, such as election observers, political parties, candidates, and Election Management Bodies (EMBs)”.