Accra, Ghana — est. 2019
Building the case for a digital economy that works for Africa.
ADEF is a Pan-African forum of researchers, advocates and youth ambassadors turning connectivity and digital policy into practical, on-the-ground gains — one country, one school, one policy table at a time.
Digital inclusion, in practice
Skills, access and policy working together.
54
African countries in our ambassador network
$300B+
projected size of Africa's digital economy by 2025
12
countries with active ADEF programs
2019
founded in Accra, Ghana
How we work
Three pillars, one mission
Intelligence
We commission and publish research that tracks how Africa's digital economy is actually developing — infrastructure, policy, investment and adoption — so decisions get made on evidence rather than assumption.
Advocacy
We work alongside governments, regulators and industry to push for the policies that let connectivity, data protection and digital identity work in favour of the people using them.
Inclusion
We run campaigns, workshops and school programs that put digital skills and tools directly in the hands of youth and underserved communities across the continent.
Our mission
To advance policies, research and grassroots action that accelerate an inclusive digital economy across Africa.
Our vision
A continent where every country, business and young person can fully participate in — and benefit from — the digital economy.
On the ground
Programs & campaigns
Web3 Workshop
A two-day, hands-on workshop equipping youth and SMEs with practical Web3 and blockchain skills — from career pathways to income-generating opportunities.
Shelter4Digital
We equip public secondary schools with dedicated 'ADEF Digital Hub' rooms — computers, software and internet access — and train the students inside them.
CampaignDigital Economy Awareness Month
Every November, ADEF leads a continent-wide campaign helping individuals, businesses and institutions understand and act on what the digital economy means for them.
YouthADEF Spelling Bee
A youth competition that builds literacy and confidence while introducing the next generation to ADEF's community and mission.
Sponsor the work
Back the next generation of Africa’s digital economy.
Your sponsorship can equip a school digital hub, support a youth skills workshop, or bring the right voices to the policy table. Together, we can turn opportunity into access.
Make an impact that lasts
- 01 Fund digital tools and training for young people.
- 02 Reach new communities through inclusive programs.
- 03 Align your organisation with practical progress.
In partnership with
Latest
News from ADEF
Sep 6, 2023
ADEF SpellBee Competition
A virtual finale brought together the continent's brightest young spellers for the second year of ADEF's flagship youth literacy competition.
May 1, 2023
A 2-Day Workshop on Web3.0 to Equip & Educate Youths in Ghana
Held in Accra, the workshop paired hands-on blockchain fundamentals with real career and income pathways for participating youth and SMEs.
Jan 9, 2023
ADEF Ambassadors in Ghana Visit Zipline Logistics
Ambassadors toured Zipline's drone logistics operation to see first-hand how technology is closing last-mile access gaps across the continent.
Add your voice to Africa’s digital future.
Membership connects you to policy briefings, research access and a continent-wide network working toward the same goal.