On Wednesday, November 19, at 9:00 a.m. ET, the Atlantic Council’s Democracy + Tech Initiative will host a conversation on biometric and digital identification systems in Africa. This event will also launch a fundamental report on how these technologies are transforming governance, elections, and public service delivery across the continent. It highlights both the opportunities and risks associated with digital ID systems, including challenges related to privacy, data protection, inclusion, transparency, and accountability.
At this event, researchers and civil society experts will discuss biometrics and digital ID systems and explore practical approaches for developing digital systems that enhance democratic governance and protect citizens’ rights.
This report was made possible with support from the Embassy of Denmark in the United States and the Paradigm Initiative (PIN), a nonprofit organization that shapes policy, defends rights, and builds capacity in the digital environment toward a digitally inclusive and rights-respecting world.
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Speakers
Iria Puyosa
Senior Research Fellow, Democracy + Tech Initiative
Atlantic Council
Aïcha Thiendella Fall
Visiting Fellow, Democracy + Tech Initiative
Atlantic Council
Sani Suleiman
Programmes Officer
Paradigm Initiative
Grace Mutung’u
Researcher (ICT Policy)
Research ICT Africa
Thobekile Matimbe
Senior Manager, Partnerships and Engagements
Paradigm Initiative
Juliet Nanfuka
Research and Communications Officer
CIPESA
Agenda
9:00-9:05 a.m. ET | Opening remarks
Iria Puyosa
Senior Research Fellow, Democracy + Tech Initiative
Atlantic Council
9:05-9:25 a.m. ET | Keynote presentation of “Biometrics and digital identification systems in Africa: Assessment of governance, vendors, and human rights”
Speaker:
Sani Suleiman
Programmes Officer
Paradigm Initiative
Moderator:
Aïcha Thiendella Fall
Visiting Fellow, Democracy + Tech Initiative
Atlantic Council
9:25–9:45 a.m. ET | Panel discussion
Speakers:
Grace Mutung’u
Researcher (ICT Policy)
Research ICT Africa
Thobekile Matimbe
Senior Manager, Partnerships and Engagements
Paradigm Initiative
Moderator:
Juliet Nanfuka
Research and Communications Officer
CIPESA
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The Democracy + Tech Initiative creates policy practices that align global stakeholders toward tech and governance that reinforces, rather than undermines, open societies. It builds on the DFRLab’s established track record and leadership in the open-source field, empowering global communities to promote transparency and accountability online and around the world.
The Atlantic Council’s Digital Forensic Research Lab (DFRLab) has operationalized the study of disinformation by exposing falsehoods and fake news, documenting human rights abuses, and building digital resilience worldwide.
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