By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo
Digital Rights and Inclusion Forum (DRIF26) has been scheduled to take place from April 14 to 16, 2026, at the Radisson Blu Abidjan Airport Hotel. Registration has began and this year marks a significant milestone as the forum will be held in a Francophone nation for the first time, attracting hundreds of delegates from around the globe.
Themed “Building Inclusive and Resilient Digital Futures,” DRIF26 aims to address the pressing challenges posed by rapid digital expansion, uneven internet access, escalating surveillance, diminishing civic spaces, and funding inequalities, particularly in the Global South.
According to the organisers, this theme builds on the previous year’s focus on “Promoting Digital Ubuntu in Approaches to Technology,” which emphasized the need for collaboration and inclusivity in advancing digital rights.
Hosted by the Paradigm Initiative in partnership with the Coalition Ivoirienne des Défenseurs des Droits Humains (CIDDH), this year’s forum is backed by prominent sponsors, including the Ford Foundation, International Development Research Centre, Human Rights Foundation, and several others.
Since its inception in 2013, the forum has evolved from its earlier incarnation as the Internet Freedom Forum (IFF), altering its name to DRIF in 2019 to include the dimensions of digital inclusion.
Over the years, attendance has grown remarkably, with almost 3,000 delegates representing over 70 countries. The inaugural event convened just 53 attendees from 30 nations, highlighting the forum’s exponential growth and its relevance in the global conversation on digital rights.
This year, Paradigm Initiative has received an impressive 449 session proposals, a notable increase from last year’s 346. Proposed sessions will encompass a variety of formats, including workshops, tech demonstrations, product launches, and panel discussions. Session hosts can expect feedback regarding their proposals by February 28, 2026.
The forum will feature a diverse range of participants, including representatives from civil society, NGOs, academia, and the private sector. It serves as a vital platform for discussing sensitive global issues related to digital rights and inclusion, facilitating dialogue among stakeholders from various sectors including technology, funding, governance, and media.
As digital landscapes continue to evolve, the DRIF26 aims to bolster collective efforts towards creating more equitable and inclusive digital environments, transcending geographical barriers and fostering collaboration among all stakeholders involved.
