CcHUB, as the Regional Partner of the Civic Tech Innovation Network CTIN in West Africa has participated in the 2024 Civic Tech Innovation Forum, CTIF, held at the University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg, South Africa.
The event brought together civic tech leaders and partners from across Africa and the world to explore how technology can drive societal change.
At the opening plenary, CcHUB’s Project Manager for GoVote, Eweka Yvonne, addressed the intersection between technology, community, and self, shedding light on what lies “Under The Hood” of these critical areas.
Eweka spoke passionately about how technology can be leveraged for good, emphasizing the importance of making tech accessible to all through digital literacy programs, skills development, and local language support. She also called for improved internet connectivity in West Africa, noting that this is key to ensuring wider access to the benefits of technology.
In her discussion on community, Yvonne highlighted the importance of building resilience within communities to adopt civic tech tools. She suggested that community stakeholders and gatekeepers play an essential role in harnessing technology to empower citizens and bridge the gap between governments and the people they serve.
Eweka also explored the impact of technology on individual identity, noting how it shapes personal understanding, enhances productivity, fosters collaboration, and drives societal change. She emphasized how technology is integral to navigating the complexities of modern life.
This year’s CTIF, with the theme: “#UnderTheHood: Tech, Community & Self,” provided a platform to delve into the opportunities and challenges facing the civic tech sector. The forum aimed to examine how technology can drive innovation and empower communities to address pressing issues, strengthening the bond between citizens, technology, and governance.