About the Workshop
This two-day workshop brings together researchers, activists, and development practitioners to examine Africa’s role in the global digital value chain. It creates a space for critical dialogue on digital justice, global responsibility, and equity, with a focus on linking research, policy, and lived experience.
Why it matters
Global digital technologies, from smartphones to AI, depend heavily on African resources, labour, and environments. Yet the social, environmental, and economic costs borne by African communities remain largely invisible in policy discussions. This workshop addresses that gap by centring these overlooked realities.
Approach
The workshop is designed as an interactive, collaborative process. Day one focuses on dialogue and critical reflection, while day two shifts toward co-writing and synthesis. Participants work in facilitated groups to develop shared insights and shape a collective narrative.
Key themes
Participants will explore questions related to mineral extraction and digital supply chains, digital labour and platform economies, and e-waste and environmental justice. These themes highlight how inequality is embedded across the lifecycle of digital technologies.
Outcomes
The main outcome is a collaboratively authored position paper outlining key challenges, principles, and policy recommendations. This document will inform future research, policy engagement, and collaboration on digital justice and global equity.