The Integrated Refugee Organization (IRO) was proud to take part in the Digital Resilience Clinic facilitated by the Collaboration on International ICT Policy for East and Southern Africa (CIPESA) during DataFest Africa 2025, hosted by Pollicy at the National ICT Innovation Hub in Kampala.
IRO was represented by its Executive Director, Donatien Niyongendako, who joined regional and international experts, activists, technologists, and civil society actors to explore strategies for building digital resilience and reclaiming Africa’s digital future.
About DataFest Africa 2025
Under the inspiring theme “Reclaiming Our Data Futures,” DataFest Africa 2025 brought together stakeholders from across the data, technology, and human rights ecosystem including government representatives, civil society organizations, creatives, feminists, academics, and policymakers.
Organized by Pollicy, the festival is a celebration of data innovation, community empowerment, and digital rights in Africa. Each year, DataFest provides a vibrant platform to discover new ideas, skills, connections, and trends shaping the continent’s data-driven future.
This year’s edition featured keynote talks, interactive workshops, innovation showcases, and hands-on learning sessions. Participants explored how communities are using data to improve livelihoods, develop local technologies, and challenge extractive data systems, all while promoting inclusion, transparency, and digital sovereignty.
CIPESA’s Digital Resilience Clinic
One of the key highlights of the festival is the Digital Resilience Clinic hosted by CIPESA, focusing on strengthening the digital security and safety of civil society organizations, journalists, and human rights defenders.
The clinic provided a practical, hands-on space for participants to:
- Identify digital threats and vulnerabilities in their organizations;
- Learn about secure communication and device protection tools;
- Develop data protection and crisis response strategies;
- Build networks of trust and collaboration to counter online harassment and surveillance;
- Share lessons and real-world experiences in defending digital civic spaces.
IRO’s Participation and Contribution
For IRO, participation in DataFest Africa 2025 aligned perfectly with its mission to support the digital resilience of human rights defenders, journalists, and activists across Africa.
During the clinic, Executive Director Donatien Niyongendako shared IRO’s experiences operating a Digital Security Helpdesk (https://helpdesk.integratedrefugee.org/) and Resource Center: a service that provides real-time technical assistance, training, and rapid response support to at-risk HRDs.
He also contributed insights on:
- How HRDs navigate digital repression and surveillance;
- The importance of tailored security support for HRDs;
- The value of peer networks and regional collaboration in sustaining digital safety;
Looking Ahead
IRO remains committed to working with partners such as CIPESA and Pollicy to advance digital rights, data protection, and online safety for at-risk communities across the region. Building on the momentum of DataFest Africa 2025, IRO plans to:
- Expand its digital resilience programs to reach more exiled defenders in Uganda, Kenya, and Rwanda;
- Host community-based follow-up clinics and trainings to localize the lessons from DataFest;
- Strengthen partnerships with regional and international digital rights networks; and
- Contribute to Africa’s growing data justice movement by ensuring displaced voices are included in shaping a safer digital future.
About DataFest Africa
DataFest Africa is an annual regional event organized by Pollicy that celebrates data-driven innovation, governance, and storytelling across Africa. The 2025 edition took place from October 30 to 31 at the National ICT Innovation Hub in Kampala, Uganda, under the theme “Reclaiming Our Data Futures.”
