Connections and disconnections in technological visions for development in sub-Saharan Africa
Speaker: Araba Sey
When: 22 January 2026, 2-3pm GMT
Where: online (Teams) and in person in the Edinburgh Futures Institute, room 1.60
Abstract:
The perception that digital technologies hold the key to national and social development pervades government, business and social rhetoric across Africa. To what extent do their visions match the actions taken to realize them? And what roles do policy, education and community ecosystems play in the process? Drawing on a study of digital skills development for youth in a Ghanaian community, I will discuss how connections and disconnections in critical ecosystems influence the achievement of technological visions.
Bio:
Araba Sey is a researcher and educator whose work examines digital technologies, socioeconomic development, and social equity. She has held research, teaching and management positions at the University of Washington Information School, UN University Institute in Macau, and Research ICT Africa. Her interests include digital and social inclusion, gender digital equality, artificial intelligence for development, misinformation and disinformation in Africa, digital and data governance in Africa, and inclusive research practices for community development. Through evidence-building, training students and mentoring researchers, she aims to support current leaders with realistic insights for crafting policies and programs and prepare the next generation of leaders to pursue truly equitable development.
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