Navigating the digital space: African diaspora activism and online risks

The Centre of Pan-African Studies (CPAS), in partnership with Meta and Shabaka, are pleased to organise a panel discussion on the topic of ‘Navigating the Digital Space: African Diaspora Activism and Online Risks’. This forms part of the CPAS/ Meta/ Shabaka project on ‘Decolonising Digital Spaces and the Diaspora’ project,’ which aims to explore the growing use of Social Media Platforms (SMPs) by the African diaspora as a tool for political activism.

African diaspora communities increasingly use social media for information-sharing, advocacy, and financial contributions to their countries of origin, while actively participating in local and global political discourse. However, their experiences on these platforms can leave them vulnerable to several risks, including exposure to hateful content, mis- and disinformation, surveillance by governments, and online scams.

The panel discussion will focus on the opportunities and risks associated with leveraging these platforms, particularly for marginalized communities and individuals at risk both offline and online. The panel brings together the perspectives and insights of African diaspora communities, tech companies, civil society groups, researchers, and digital rights advocates to explore the role of social media in political activism and the protection of digital rights. 

About the speakers

Eiman Kheir is Public Policy Manager at Meta, where she strategically oversees initiatives targeting high-risk users with a focus on migrants and diasporas across Africa, the Middle East, and Turkey. With a background in Engineering and International Development, Eiman's work has made a significant impact in crisis response, social good, and inspiring diaspora communities to engage in positive change. 

Prior to joining Meta she headed the African Union Diaspora Office, and worked with several UN mission and agencies in Governance, Democracy and Peace and Security. 

Elvina Quaison is Interim CEO at Shabaka, a diaspora-led research and advocacy organisation specialising in diaspora humanitarian response. Elvina has worked in the international development field, with a focus on African diaspora, for over 20 years with experience spanning diaspora engagement in humanitarianism, development, private and public sector as well as within civil society.  

Diana Boafo was Shabaka Research Intern for the CPAS/Meta/ Shabaka project on ‘Decolonising Digital Spaces and the Diaspora’ project from July to September 2024. As an Arabic and Politics undergraduate from SOAS, Diana has four years of experience in post-colonial studies with particular focus on the politics of gender, African politics, and world decolonisation. She has also recently completed a master’s degree in international public policy at UCL.  

More speakers to be confirmed

Moderator: The panel discussion will be moderated by Dr Mikal Woldu at the Centre for Pan-African Studies (CPAS) at SOAS.

Image credit: Emmanuel Ikwuegbu via unsplash