Abidjan to Host DRIF 2026 as International Talks on Virtual Rights and Inclusion Open for Registration

The global digital rights community is gearing up for a landmark event as Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, prepares to host the Digital Rights and Inclusion Forum (DRIF) 2026. This international gathering will bring together hundreds of delegates from around the world to address critical issues surrounding digital rights, inclusion, and the future of technology in the Global South.

Key Points

Background

The Digital Rights and Inclusion Forum has evolved significantly since its inception in 2013. Originally launched as the Internet Freedom Forum (IFF) in Nigeria with just 53 delegates from 30 countries, the event has grown into a major international platform. The forum was renamed DRIF in 2019 to better reflect its expanded focus on digital inclusion issues alongside internet freedom.

Over the past decade, DRIF has convened nearly 3,000 participants from more than 70 countries, establishing itself as a crucial space for dialogue on digital rights in the Global South. Previous editions have been held in various African cities including Lusaka (2025), Accra (2024), and Nairobi (2023), with each location bringing unique regional perspectives to the discussions.

Analysis

The selection of Abidjan as the host city for DRIF 2026 carries significant symbolic and practical importance. As Côte d’Ivoire’s economic capital and a major Francophone hub, Abidjan represents a strategic location for expanding the reach of digital rights conversations into French-speaking Africa. This choice reflects a deliberate effort to ensure that Francophone perspectives and challenges are adequately represented in global digital rights discourse.

The forum’s theme, “Building Inclusive and Resilient Digital Futures,” directly addresses the pressing challenges facing digital rights advocates today. These include the digital divide, unequal internet access, increased surveillance, shrinking civic space, and the particular vulnerabilities of innovators and activists in the Global South. By building on the 2025 theme of “Promoting Digital Ubuntu in Approaches to Technology,” DRIF 2026 emphasizes the importance of cooperation and collective approaches to advancing digital rights.

The significant increase in session proposals—from 346 in 2025 to 449 for 2026—demonstrates growing interest and engagement in digital rights issues across the continent and beyond. This surge in participation suggests that digital rights and inclusion have become increasingly central to discussions about technology, governance, and human rights in the digital age.

Practical Advice

For those interested in participating in DRIF 2026, early registration is recommended as the event is expected to attract hundreds of delegates from diverse sectors. Participants should prepare to engage in discussions on a wide range of topics including artificial intelligence, data protection, privacy and cybersecurity, digital inclusion for marginalized groups, and human rights in the digital space.

Those planning to submit session proposals should note that feedback on submissions will be provided by February 28, 2026. The forum welcomes various session formats including workshops, day-zero events, entrepreneur demonstrations, product launches, lightning talks, and panel discussions. Participants are encouraged to bring concrete case studies and practical solutions that can be implemented across borders.

FAQ

Conclusion

DRIF 2026 represents a pivotal moment for digital rights advocacy in Africa and the Global South. By bringing together diverse stakeholders in Abidjan, the forum creates a unique opportunity to address the complex challenges of building inclusive and resilient digital futures. The significant growth in participation and session proposals indicates a rising awareness of the importance of digital rights and inclusion in shaping our technological future.

As digital technologies continue to transform societies, forums like DRIF play a crucial role in ensuring that these transformations benefit everyone, particularly those in marginalized communities. The conversations and collaborations that emerge from DRIF 2026 will likely influence digital rights policies and practices for years to come, making it an essential event for anyone concerned with the future of technology and human rights.