ICT4D.atMatt Haikin, Anne Muchiri, and Jack Odunga were in Nairobi for the ICT4D 2026 Conference, engaging in critical conversations about the future of digital development. A major highlight of the conference was the “Shifting AI Digital Power” workshop, which took centre stage in the discussions. Hosted by Matt Haikin and facilitated by Anne Muchiri, Jack Odunga, Nyagaki Gichia, and Mala Ram, the session successfully moved the dialogue beyond AI hype toward responsible, human-centered implementation.
The workshop tackled essential themes like South-to-South cooperation, control including data sovereignty, and practical capacity building, reinforcing a vital takeaway: true digital transformation requires local ownership and agency. It is clear that technology must be grounded in local realities, ensuring that communities are active participants in shaping their digital futures rather than just consumers.
Read the full reflections from the team here: https://www.ict4d.at/2026/06/reflections-from-the-ict4d-2026-conference-beyond-the-ai-hype/