More than 800 participants from across the world have registered for the 2026 Digital Rights and Inclusion Forum (DRIF26) scheduled to hold in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, from April 14 to 16, organisers have announced.
The forum, which focuses on advancing digital rights, inclusion, and policy development in Africa, will bring together civil society organisations, policymakers, technology innovators, academics, media practitioners, and advocacy groups to discuss key issues shaping the continent’s digital future.
According to organisers, the 2026 edition has already attracted 449 session proposals from speakers in 51 countries, reflecting growing global interest in Africa’s evolving digital ecosystem.
DRIF26 is being organised in partnership with the Coalition Ivoirienne des Défenseurs des Droits Humains (CIDDH) and is supported by several international partners, including the Ford Foundation, Google, International Development Research Centre (IDRC), Luminate, Human Rights Foundation, MacArthur Foundation, Mott Foundation, TikTok, Wellspring Philanthropic Fund, and Wikimedia Foundation.
One of the major highlights of the forum will be the unveiling of the 2025 Londa Report, which provides insights into the state of digital rights and inclusion across Africa. The report will introduce a Score Index that ranks African countries based on their adherence to key digital rights and inclusion principles.
The Londa report is expected to serve as a tool for governments, civil society organisations, and technology stakeholders, offering recommendations aimed at strengthening inclusive and accountable digital ecosystems across the continent.
Organisers also said the forum will feature the launch of the Digital Rights On-Demand Learning (DROL) platform, designed to support digital rights education and capacity building. In addition, a new report on information integrity in Africa, supported by the International Development Research Centre, will be presented during the event.
Other activities lined up for the forum include panel discussions, technology demonstrations, film screenings, interactive workshops, and engagements with high-level stakeholders, including representatives from global technology companies, the African Union, and internet governance experts.
The Freedom Online Coalition is also expected to engage participants during the forum as part of activities leading up to its 15th anniversary celebration.
Speaking ahead of the event, Thobekile Matimbe, Senior Manager for Partnerships and Engagements at Paradigm Initiative (PIN), described the forum as more than a conference.
“DRIF26 is more than a forum; it is a digital rights movement. Each year we come together not just to talk, but to measure our progress as a community and empower ourselves to shape digital policies, promote inclusion, and develop collective strategies,” she said.
Matimbe also acknowledged the support of partners and participants despite the challenges facing funding for digital rights initiatives.
The forum, formerly known as the Internet Freedom Forum (IFF), has been held annually since 2013 and has brought together nearly 3,000 participants from more than 70 countries.
This year’s gathering will mark the first time the forum is being hosted in a French-speaking African country, reflecting efforts to broaden participation across the continent.
Key thematic areas for discussions at the 2026 edition include Artificial Intelligence and emerging technologies, trust and accountability, data protection, privacy and cybersecurity, digital inclusion for marginalised communities, digital security, and human rights online.
Organisers said individuals and organisations are also invited to support the initiative as preparations continue for the three-day event.