Bridging Africa’s digital divide: The rise of community Internet

There were 25 Internet shutdowns in Africa last year, up from 21 a year earlier, according to the African Digital Rights Network (ADRN) think-tank. — Banner photo created by wirestock - www.freepik.com

JOHANNESBURG: As a child growing up in war-torn northern Uganda, Daniel Komakech’s education was interrupted every time he had to flee rebels and hide in the bush for days to avoid being abducted.

Today, Komakech, 34, helps run a locally owned Internet network that ensures villagers in the former conflict zone can study and stay in touch with each other – without unwanted interruptions.