AB WYDE
WYDE Accountability Hubs

With the support of the Kofi Annan Foundation, JAMAA Grands Lacs has launched the first phase of the Citizen Voice Lab project, aimed at integrating the latest generation of digital tools into the field of participatory democracy in sub-Saharan Africa. The project was born out of a desire to address the under-representation of young people, particularly those from marginalized groups, in political processes, while seeking to remedy the economic, educational and informational barriers that limit their participation.


Citizen Voice Lab project objectives

The main objective of this initial phase of the project is to give young people direct access to digital tools that enable them to actively engage in democratic processes. In sub-Saharan Africa, the growing use of digital technologies can play a key role in overcoming traditional barriers to civic participation, such as geographical remoteness from decision-making centers and low levels of political literacy.

 

Citizen Voice Lab has focused on several key areas:

  • Training in digital tools : The first stage of this project involved training young leaders and citizens in the use of digital tools to facilitate democratic participation. This includes sessions on the use of social networks to advocate transparent governance, online platforms for political debate and mobile applications for monitoring elections and interacting directly with the authorities.
  • Access to information : Another key aspect of the project was to provide young people with educational resources and reliable information on electoral processes, civil rights and the importance of political involvement. One of the major challenges in sub-Saharan Africa is the lack of accessible information, particularly in rural areas and marginalized communities. The Kofi Annan Foundation has set up interactive digital platforms and social networks to provide this information in real time.
  • Active participation platforms : Online platforms have been created to enable young people to submit their opinions, ask questions, and interact with policy-makers. These platforms serve to facilitate the direct participation of citizens in public decision-making, enhance the transparency of political processes and encourage constructive dialogue between governments and civil society.
  • Encouraging political engagement : The project also focused on mobilizing young people for elections and local governance. By providing digital tools to inform, mobilize and connect young people with political parties, Citizen Voice Lab helped strengthen young people's democratic participation in local and national elections.
Citizen Voice Lab project objectives

The first phase of the project has had a significant impact on the way young people perceive their role in democratic processes. Thanks to digital tools, many young people have been able to access information they would not otherwise have had. They have also been able to express themselves more freely on local and national political issues, interact with politicians and raise awareness among other young people of the importance of their involvement.

 

The results observed showed a strengthening of digital skills among young people, who are now better equipped to navigate the digital ecosystem of democratic governance. A number of local initiatives, including online discussions and forums on key political topics, have emerged, encouraging more direct civic engagement.