Using Community Networks to Bridge the Access Gap in Francophone Africa

Community networks (CNs) are a holistic approach to digital inclusion.

They are citizen-driven networks that are deployed, operated, and maintained by communities in a way that aligns with their local needs and priorities. However, the deployment of community networks is scarce in the francophone part of Africa despite the lack of accessibility.

This session looked at how the use of community networks could contribute in reducing the gaps. We explored the following questions, and more:

What is a community network?
How to assess them as an alternative for access?
What are the experiences across some African countries?
How can we create community networks as solutions to the access gap in Africa?

Watch the recording

Speakers

Chako Armant

Head of Project, La Difference (PamojaNET Community Network)

Chako Armant is the "Head of Project" of Difference, where she oversees project planning and execution. She guides Project Managers in the activities to be carried out for each project.… Read more about Chako Armant

Jean Louis Fendji

Senior Lecturer, University of Ngaoundere and Research Director, AfroLeadership/Chargé de Cours, l'Université de Ngaoundéré et Directeur de recherche, AfroLeadership

Dr. Eng. Jean Louis Fendji holds a PhD from the University of Bremen in Germany since 2015. His PhD work was focused on how to turn Community Telecentres into Community… Read more about Jean Louis Fendji

Keita Aboubacar Sitan Sidiki

Founding Member and Treasurer, Internet Society Guinea Chapter/Membre fondateur et Trésorier, Internet Society Chapitre Guinéen

Graduate in Chemistry. Founding member of the Internet Society Guinea Chapter. Treasurer of the Internet Society Guinea Chapter. Project leader, Capacity building of policy makers on the regulation of community… Read more about Keita Aboubacar Sitan Sidiki

Patrick Byamungu

Co-founder and Director, La Différence/Fondateur et Directeur, La Différence

Patrick Byamungu, is an entrepreneur and activist. He is the co-founder and director of La Différence a social entrepreneurship lab and accelerator in DR Congo, as well as an Internet… Read more about Patrick Byamungu

Tidjani Mahamat Adoum

President, Internet Society Chad Chapter/Président, Internet Society Chapitre Tchad

Telecom Network Engineer President of Internet Society Chad Chapter ACSIS Central Africa Coordinator Français Ingénieur Réseau Télécom Président d'Internet Society Chapitre Tchad Coordinateur Afrique Centrale d'ACSIS Read more about Tidjani Mahamat Adoum