DID:UNCONF AFRICA

DID:UNCONF AFRICA brings together local and international innovators, leaders, and activists to shape the future of digital identity in the SADC region. This event fosters innovation, collaboration, and interoperability, making a significant impact on the inclusive development of digital identity in Africa.

We will kick off with an African-Focused Digital Identity Program on the afternoon of 18 February, where we’ll explore the current state of digital identity in South Africa and the SADC region through insightful presentations and engaging panel discussions, focusing on local challenges, opportunities, and innovations.

Following this, we’ll dive into the 2-Day IIW Inspired™ Open Space UnConference, providing a collaborative environment to discuss, co-create, and build the future of digital identity.

Why You Should Attend:

• Local and Global Insights: Gain a blend of local and international perspectives to better navigate the complexities of digital identity in Africa.
• Interactive and Inclusive Format: With no fixed speakers or panels, every participant is encouraged to contribute, ensuring a wide range of voices and insights.
• Network with Peers and Experts: Connect with like-minded professionals during sessions and our sponsored meals, fostering both formal and informal collaborations.

Who Should Attend?
This conference is designed for anyone involved in the digital identity ecosystem—whether you are a government official, tech entrepreneur, researcher, or a part of an NGO. It’s a must-attend for those looking to influence and shape the future of digital identity in Africa.

Key Focus Areas:

• Digital Identity at Scale: Explore what it takes to implement scalable identity solutions across diverse African contexts.
• Surveillance and Privacy: Tackle the balance between security and privacy in identity systems.
• Inclusion and Accessibility: Discuss strategies to ensure digital services reach all, particularly marginalized and remote populations.
• Innovative Tech Solutions: Delve into decentralized technologies, IoT integrations, and other tech advancements that could redefine identity management in Africa.

This is a participatory two days and it’s all about exploring the agenda topics with professional peers from a range of identity areas. Like the Internet Identity Workshop, we will co-create the agenda together live each morning. The OpenSpace UnConference process is professionally facilitated and once agenda creation is complete there will be a full Agenda Wall of sessions posted, each with the time and place it will occur.

Through dozens of sessions, lunches & an event dinner (Provided by our Generous Sponsors) you'll have plenty of chances to exchange ideas and make new professional connections. The Open Space UnConference format is perfect for a rapidly moving field where the organizing team cannot predetermine what needs to be discussed.

See the growing list of potential topics put forth by those who have already registered for DID:UNCONF AFRICA.

This is the time and place that you get to discuss, share your knowledge, work on and learn about anything & everything related to Internet Identity in the region today!

We are excited to welcome you to Cape Town in February 2025 for an event that promises to be a milestone in the advancement of digital identity within the SADC region. Join us at for a deep dive into the future of identity technologies, tailored to our unique challenges and opportunities.

February is a time when the Cape is buzzing with energy, making it the ideal backdrop for Africa’s first Internet Identity Workshop Inspired™ Regionally Focused event. Picture warm, sunny days perfect for networking and enjoying the picturesque surroundings of Stellenbosch during the peak season.

Venue:

The venue for DID:UNCONF AFRICA is the prestigeous Stellenbosch Institute for Advanced Study (STIAS) Wallenberg Conference Center ~ A Creative Space for the Mind.

Join Us:
Immerse yourself in the rich discussions and networking opportunities at DID:UNCONF AFRICA. Secure your spot today and be a part of shaping the digital identity landscape in the SADC region!

What’s Included:

• Full access to all program and unconference sessions.
• Opportunities to contribute to and lead sessions relevant to your work or interest.
• Breakfast and lunch provided during the 2 Days of unConference
• A sponsored pre-event networking / Welcome reception on the 18th
• A sponsored conference dinner after the evening of the 19th
• A separate Women’s Breakfast one hour before the start of the event on the second day.
• Access to Qiqo Workshop Hub and Online Collaboration Space (where session notes are collected).
• On-site barista and snack tables available throughout
• The opportunity to meet and work with policymakers, industry leaders, innovators and other attendees

• An environment that celebrates and harnesses local expertise and innovation.

Contact Information:
For more details, please visit our website: https://didunconf.africa

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

STIAS: Stellenbosch Institute for Advanced Study, Marais Road, Stellenbosch, South Africa