BRIDGING THE
DIGITAL IDENTITY
GAP IN THE SADC REGION.
WHEN:
18 - 20 February 2025
WHERE:
STIAS: Stellenbosch Institute for Advanced Study
REGISTER
What is 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.
Kick-off: African-Focused Digital Identity Program
The event will commence with an African-Focused Digital Identity Program on the afternoon of 18 February. This session will 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.
A 2-Day IIW Inspired Open Space UnConference
Following the kick-off, DID:UNCONF AFRICA will continue with a 2-Day Internet Identity Workshop Inspired™ Regionally Focused Open Space UnConference. Open Space UnConferences are particularly generative: with a professional facilitator, the agenda will be co-created live each day of the event. There will be no keynotes or panels; instead, the focus will be on exploring the topic collaboratively with professional peers from various areas of identity, providing an environment to discuss, co-create, and shape the future of digital identity. Click here to learn more.
Who is this event for?
Passionate about digital identity or part of its ecosystem? Whether you're a researcher, technologist, government leader, startup founder, working with a global NGO, in banking or just curious, join us to mould the future, establish connections, and contribute to the ongoing dialogue in digital identity.
We aim to create a space where every voice can be heard, from startups to industry giants, with public and private sector interaction as one of the primary focal points.
Important Areas to be Discussed in the SADC Region
- Assessing Readiness for Digital Identity at Scale in Africa
- Protective Identity Systems Against Surveillance
- Economically Sustainable Digital ID Models for Citizen Services
- Decentralized Identity & IoT in Africa
- Global Digital Identity Standards in the African Context
- Financial Inclusion Through Digital Identity
- Low & No Data Solutions: Leaving No-One Behind in Digital Identity
- Innovative Solutions for African Use-Cases
DID:UNCONF AFRICA serves as an efficient platform to meet and discuss, share your knowledge, work on and learn about anything & everything related to Digital and Decentralized Identity in the SADC region today.
See the growing list of potential topics put forth by those who have already registered for the DID:UNCONF AFRICA .
Why DID:UNCONF AFRICA Now?
Intention - Vision - Aim - Dedication
Broadening Participation:
Our primary aim is to provide a place and time for local innovators, entrepreneurs, and thought leaders to actively engage in discussions and collaborations with international experts.
Facilitating Local and International Exchange:
Our vision is to attract a diverse audience from the South African Development Community (SADC) region and beyond. We see DID:UNCONF AFRICA as a bridge connecting local and international participants, enriching the global discourse on digital identity.
Promoting Self-Sovereign Identity (SSI) and Digital Identity:
We intend to raise awareness and accelerate the adoption of Self-Sovereign Identity (SSI) and digital identity solutions. Our goal is to create a thriving ecosystem where SSI can flourish, addressing pressing identity issues and empowering individuals across Africa.
Fostering Inclusive Innovation:
We are dedicated to breaking down barriers that may have limited participation in tech events, particularly by underrepresented groups such as women and marginalised communities.
Empowering Digital Identity Startups:
DID:UNCONF AFRICA will provide a platform for startups to showcase their solutions, connect with potential investors and partners, and gain valuable insights from industry experts. By fostering a supportive ecosystem for digital identity startups, we aim to accelerate the adoption of groundbreaking technologies in the field.
