ADEF focus
What we work on, and why.
ADEF promotes and conducts strategic work across six areas that reflect our overall goals and vision for the African continent, from research that grounds decisions in evidence, to campaigns that put those priorities in front of the people who can act on them.
Intelligence
Strategic research that turns evidence into decisions.
ADEF promotes and conducts strategic research in areas of the digital economy that reflect its overall goals and vision for the African continent. Our research is designed to positively and sustainably impact the largest possible number of people, generating evidence and insights that can influence the adoption and scale-up of high-impact, cost-effective programmes and policies.
Through strategic intelligence and research, ADEF identifies emerging trends, opportunities, challenges and innovations shaping Africa's digital economy, and translates these findings into knowledge that supports informed decision-making by governments, businesses, policymakers, innovators and other stakeholders.
Education
Courses and training that build real digital capability.
In partnership with our stakeholders and members, ADEF offers a comprehensive range of educational courses, capacity-building programmes and training designed to address current industry issues, emerging technologies and trends within the digital economy.
Through education and skills development, ADEF equips individuals, businesses, policymakers, entrepreneurs and other stakeholders with the knowledge and competencies required to participate meaningfully in Africa's digital transformation.
Advocacy
A seat at the policy table, not a voice outside it.
ADEF works with other stakeholders to advocate for appropriate policies, causes and actions that enable sustainable development in Africa's digital economy, engaging governments, policymakers, regulators, the private sector, academia and civil society.
We promote policies and institutional frameworks that support digital inclusion, affordable connectivity, innovation, digital skills, responsible technology adoption and sustainable economic development, and advocate for our members' interests directly with policymakers and regulators.
Policy & regulatory advocacy
Engage on policies and regulations, identify gaps and advocate for practical, inclusive frameworks.
Research & policy insights
Generate research and evidence that inform policy discussions and digital economy decisions.
Stakeholder engagement
Connect governments, regulators, businesses, academia, innovators and development partners to drive collaboration.
Digital inclusion advocacy
Promote connectivity, affordable data, digital skills and access to digital opportunities.
Campaigns & public engagement
Use forums, publications, media and digital campaigns to raise awareness and mobilise action on key issues.
Strategic partnerships
Build partnerships that turn advocacy priorities into practical programmes and measurable outcomes.
Campaigning
Public-awareness work built around what we stand for.
ADEF conducts a variety of campaigns and public-awareness initiatives designed around its programmes and objectives, to promote and achieve a sustainable, inclusive and beneficial digital economy in Africa.
Our campaigning takes whatever form gets the result: live events, conferences, real-life and virtual symposia, workshops, stakeholder engagements, letters to government officials, press releases, email campaigns and social-media campaigns, creating public awareness and mobilizing communities around initiatives that advance Africa's digital transformation.
Connections
A networking platform that drives everything else.
Creating a networking platform for our members is central to driving ADEF's initiatives. We create opportunities for members, partners and stakeholders to connect, share knowledge, exchange experiences and develop new business relationships.
Through forums, conferences, workshops, networking events and other engagements, ADEF facilitates meaningful connections among technology leaders, entrepreneurs, investors, businesses, policymakers, academics and development institutions across Africa and beyond.
Fundraising
Resourcing the work sustainably, without unnecessary limits.
ADEF conducts fundraising activities for specific initiatives, programmes or projects as required from time to time: soliciting grants, running digital fundraising campaigns, and encouraging volunteers to independently host fundraising events within their communities.
Funds raised support programmes aligned with ADEF's mission: research, education, advocacy, campaigning, digital inclusion, innovation, capacity development and other activities that contribute to the sustainable development of Africa's digital economy.
How we campaign
From evidence to action
ADEF uses practical advocacy approaches to influence policy, strengthen collaboration and advance Africa’s digital economy.
ADEF, advocating for digital possibilities in Africa.
Policy dialogues & forums
Bring policymakers, industry leaders and stakeholders together to address key digital issues.
Research & policy briefs
Turn evidence and industry insights into clear recommendations for decision-makers.
Workshops & conferences
Create platforms for knowledge sharing, engagement and collective action.
Government engagement
Use formal letters, submissions and consultations to communicate advocacy priorities.
Media & digital campaigns
Amplify critical issues through press, social media and public awareness campaigns.
Strategic partnerships
Build coalitions that strengthen our collective voice and drive meaningful outcomes.
Our approach
We don’t just discuss Africa’s digital future; we advocate for the policies, partnerships and actions that can shape it.
Our advocacy focus
Partner with us
Sponsorship opportunities
Organizations that share our mission can support ADEF’s research, events and school programs directly. Sponsorship puts your brand alongside the policymakers, operators and young leaders shaping the continent’s digital future.