DID:UNCONF AFRICA 2027

OPEN SPACE UNCONFERENCE FORMAT / Days 2 & 3

An Open Space unConference is a participant-driven event that uses the Open Space format to enable real-time collaboration on topics that matter most to participants over the second two days.

This format is well suited for complex and evolving fields such as digital identity where the organizing team cannot predetermine what needs to be discussed.

There is no fixed agenda. Participants create the agenda live at the start of each day Open Space unConference day by proposing and hosting sessions on topics that matter to them. The format is professionally facilitated to provide structure while keeping content ownership with the participants and enabling real-time collaboration.

This Open Space format differs from traditional events by creating a space where every voice can be heard, from students and startups to established organizations. It supports practical discussion of digital identity challenges while also strengthening connections across the ecosystem in Africa and beyond.

Through dozens of sessions, lunches, and an event dinner (Provided by our Generous Sponsors) you'll have plenty of chances to exchange ideas and make new professional connections. The Open Space format is perfect for a rapidly moving field where the organizing team cannot predetermine what needs to be discussed.

When people register we have asked that they list potential topics of interest to them, you can see the growing list of potential topics here. However, nothing is decided until the day of the event and all topics are welcome at that time. This is the time and place that you get to discuss, share your knowledge, work on and learn about anything and everything related to Internet Identity in the region today!

Join Us: Immerse yourself in the rich discussions and networking opportunities at DID:UNCONF AFRICA. Secure your spot today and be a part of shaping the digital identity landscape in Africa!

Through dozens of sessions, welcome reception, lunches and conference dinner (provided by our generous Sponsors) you will have plenty of chances to exchange ideas and make new professional connections.

Ticket Includes:

• DAy 1 ½ Day African-Focused Digital Identity Program where we’ll explore the current state of digital identity in Africa through insightful presentations and engaging panel discussions, focusing on local challenges, opportunities, and innovations
• Welcome Reception on Tuesday the 16th of March directly following the ½ day program
• Opportunities to contribute to and lead sessions relevant to your work or interest during Open Space unConference days 2 & 3
• Breakfast and lunch provided during Days 2 & 3
• On-site barista and snack tables available throughout
• Conference Dinner on Wednesday the evening of the 17th of March
• Women’s Breakfast one hour before the start of the event on Thursday 18th of February
• Access to the event Online Collaboration Space where you can connect with other participants, read Session Notes and easy access to all relevant event information
• The opportunity to meet and work with policymakers, industry leaders, innovators and other attendees.

This is the time and place that you get to discuss, share your knowledge, work on and learn about anything & everything related to Digital Identity today. You can find books of proceedings for all previous DID:UNCONF AFRICA events here.

Group Discounts (3+ Attendees)

Collaboration is stronger with colleagues at your side. Register as a group of 3 or more from the same organisation or network and receive a 10% discount on your tickets.

Register Your Team Today and get a 10% Discount:

Enter 3 or more under the ticket type you are purchasing, click "NEXT" and a 10% discount will be automatically applied.

Contact Information:

For more details, please visit our website: https://didunconf.africa

DID:UNCONF AFRICA is made possible by the generous support of partners whose commitment to inclusive, secure, and people-centred digital identity systems aligns with our vision.

Join us as a sponsor at DID:UNCONF AFRICA, the premier platform for pioneering discussions on digital and decentralized identity in Africa. This event is tailored for a diverse audience, from researchers and technologists to government leaders and entrepreneurs, all dedicated to shaping the future of digital identity. By sponsoring, you will connect with key stakeholders, contribute to critical conversations, and showcase your commitment to innovative identity solutions.

We offer a variety of sponsorship packages designed to maximise your organisation's visibility and impact. Whether you're looking to partner on a large scale or interested in targeted sponsorship opportunities, we have options to suit your goals. These partnerships are crucial in facilitating a rich dialogue and ensuring the conference is accessible to a broad spectrum of participants.

Find full Sponsorship / Partner information and opportunities HERE

For more details on our sponsorship packages and how you can get involved, please contact us at [email protected]

Meeting the Moment

Digital identity has moved from concept to rollout. South Africa's national Digital ID is being stood up, credentials are going live in markets around the world, and the standards underneath them are being finalised in real time. DID:UNCONF AFRICA is where the people building, regulating, and using these systems on this continent work through what that actually means.

Broadening Participation

Our primary aim is to provide a place and time for local innovators, entrepreneurs, and thought leaders to actively engage in discussions and collaborations with international experts.

Facilitating Local and International Exchange

Our vision is to attract a diverse audience from the immediate South African ecosystem, the greater African context, and beyond. Identity infrastructure is being built out in parallel across the world right now, and the choices made in one region increasingly shape what is possible in the others. DID:UNCONF AFRICA puts local and international participants in the same room, enriching the global discourse on digital identity.

Advancing Digital and Decentralised Identity

Raise awareness and accelerate the adoption of verifiable credentials, user-held wallets, and the open standards that make them interoperable. Our goal is to create a thriving ecosystem where these technologies address pressing identity issues and empower individuals across Africa - with privacy, consent, and data minimisation designed in from the start rather than bolted on afterwards.

Fostering Inclusive Innovation

We are dedicated to breaking down barriers that may have limited participation in tech events, particularly by underrepresented groups such as women and marginalised communities — and to keeping the question of who gets left out of new identity systems on the agenda alongside the technical work.

Empowering Digital Identity Startups

DID:UNCONF AFRICA will provide a platform for startups to showcase their solutions, connect with potential investors & partners, and gain valuable insights from industry experts. By fostering a supportive ecosystem for digital identity startups, we aim to accelerate the adoption of groundbreaking technologies in the field.

You can find extensive Travel Tips and a link to a PDF of Suggested Lodging in Stellenbosch HERE

STIAS – Stellenbosch Institute for Advanced Study

Located in the heart of Stellenbosch, STIAS is a serene and modern venue designed to spark creativity, collaboration, and innovation. Surrounded by mountain views and tranquil gardens, it offers an inspiring setting for meaningful dialogue and forward-thinking ideas.

With state-of-the-art facilities, sustainable design, and warm, light-filled spaces, STIAS provides the perfect environment for DID:Unconf Africa. Its ethos of openness and knowledge exchange aligns seamlessly with the event’s vision to reimagine digital identity in Africa.

Conveniently situated near central Stellenbosch, the venue offers ample parking and easy accessibility for a smooth and enjoyable experience.