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An African think tank for Africa's digital age

Digital Foundation Africa was founded in 2019 in Accra to make sure the continent's digital transition is understood, governed and shaped by Africans.

Who we are

An independent, non-partisan, not-for-profit think-and-do tank. We produce knowledge, build skills, strengthen technical capacity and foster dialogue on using digital technology for development.

Mission

Produce independent knowledge, build skills and technical capacity, and foster dialogue on ICTs for development at local, national and continental level.

Vision

Every African digitally capable, through skills, education and policy dialogue that invites citizens to take part in decisions about technology.

Office

Accra, Ghana

Status

Not-for-profit, independent and non-partisan

Our values

What we stand for

These principles guide what we research, who we work with and how we publish.

Independent

Our conclusions follow the evidence, not funders, parties or platforms.

Evidence first

We measure before we advise, and we show our methods.

African-led

Questions framed in Africa, by people who live with the answers.

Practical

Ideas are tested in the real world before we scale them.

Inclusive

Young people, women and rural communities are at the centre of the work.

How we work

From think to do, and back again

Every programme moves through the same cycle. What we learn in practice shapes the next round of research.

Step 1

Evidence

Research, indices and field studies establish what is really happening.

Step 2

Dialogue

We bring government, industry and citizens together around the findings.

Step 3

Action

Policy support, pilots, training and campaigns put ideas to work.

Step 4

Learning

We measure results and publish what worked and what did not.

Our story

Milestones

2019

Digital Foundation Africa is founded

Established in Accra as a not-for-profit focused on ICTs for development.

2023

Ghana Education Technology Network concept

DFA sets out its ICT-in-education concept for connecting schools and learners.

2026

GATEKEEPER v3, WADI, ADAI and GDRFI

A national accountability pilot, the West Africa Digital Index (WADI) and continental ADAI methodologies, and a digital rights coalition.

Gallery

In the field

DFA team members at a programme launch
Camera handling session
Participants in a photography workshop
Facilitator leading a session
Makeup artistry training
Youth engagement with partners
Workshop in progress
Leadership

Meet the people behind DFA

Our team →
Partners

Who we work with

  • MEST Africa
  • GIZ
  • YAI
  • YWS
  • GetHer