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Youth Voices at the Heart of FIFAfrica25: My Journey from Ghana to Namibia

By Diana Abiba Wahab, G-CAT Member

“Who pays the cost of connection?” — this powerful question echoed in my mind as I boarded my flight from Ghana to Windhoek, Namibia, to represent the Ghana Community Advisory Team (G-CAT) at the 2025 Forum on Internet Freedom in Africa (FIFAFRICA25). The excitement was palpable, but so was the sense of responsibility. From 23rd to 26th September, youth, advocates, policymakers, and digital rights experts from across the continent converged to deliberate on issues shaping Africa’s digital future. Yet, amidst the brilliant conversations, one truth stood out clearly to me — youth voices remain rare and often underrepresented in these global spaces.

The days leading up to our session were rich with insights and learning. I had the privilege to participate in several pre-events that deepened my understanding of digital governance and its implications for human rights. One such session, organised by Paradigm Initiative, examined Digital Rights and Governance in Artificial Intelligence. It challenged governments and private actors alike to prioritise human rights as they design AI frameworks and deploy emerging technologies. The call was simple but urgent — Africa must build technology ecosystems that protect, not exploit, its people.

Another memorable session was hosted by CIPESA, in collaboration with Utrecht University and the Thomson Reuters Foundation. This discussion unpacked the complexities surrounding the need for effective laws to regulate artificial intelligence in Africa, a continent where digital transformation is rapidly outpacing policy development. Listening to experts dissect these issues reminded me that while technology offers immense opportunities, it also comes with risks—particularly for vulnerable populations whose rights can easily be overlooked.

Equally fascinating was a roundtable exploring how human rights, development, and internet governance intersect within the WSIS+20 process. The emphasis on a multistakeholder approach resonated deeply with me, as it mirrors the core principle of the Digital Health and Rights Project (DHRP)—bringing diverse voices, especially those of young people and marginalized groups, into decision-making spaces where their perspectives matter most.

Then came 26th September, the day of our session titled “Paying the Cost of Connection: An Intergenerational Dialogue on Youth Engagement in Digital Health and Human Rights.” It was a proud and emotional moment for me to stand before an audience of regional and international stakeholders to share stories from Ghana and insights from our community-driven research. Representing the Ghana Community Advisory Team (G-CAT) under the DHRP banner, I reflected on how digital inequalities, online harms, and technology-facilitated abuses continue to affect young people and persons living with HIV.

Through our presentation, we emphasised that digital inclusion is not just about access—it’s about safety, rights, and agency. The session offered a space where we could bridge evidence from the ground with advocacy at the global level. It was deeply fulfilling to see the audience engage with our work, ask questions, and recognise the importance of community-led approaches in shaping digital health and rights.

The Digital Health and Rights Project stood out at FIFAfrica25 as the only youth-led initiative represented at that scale. This reinforced a message I hold dear: meaningful youth participation is not optional—it’s essential. When young people are trusted, equipped, and included, they don’t just contribute; they transform conversations and influence policies.

As I returned home to Ghana, I carried more than just memories of Namibia. I carried lessons, partnerships, and a renewed commitment to amplify youth voices within the digital rights and health landscape. Because in the end, the question “Who pays the cost of connection?” reminds us that the cost is shared—but the burden often falls on those whose voices are least heard. And that must change.

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