Apologies for spamming your inbox. If you are attending IAMCR in Colombia this year, please consider our pre-conference call. We have just signed a contract with the *Amsterdam University Press *to publish all entries in an edited collection early 2018. If you are not attending IAMCR but are interested in participating in the book project, do let us know (esp if you can join us via Google Hangout or Skype on July 15 at 9 am local time) We have few spots available. Thanks Massimo Ragnedda and Bruce Mutsvairo *Call for papers* *Mapping New Perspectives and Debates on Digital Divide in Africa* *​* Social media platforms are being considered new podiums for political transformation as political dictatorships supposedly convert to overnight democracies as more and more people are not only able to gain access to information but also gather and disseminate news from a perspective of their own. When looking at the situation in several sub-Saharan African countries, it becomes clear there are several challenges standing in the way of social media and its palpable yet considerably constrained ability to influence political and social changes. Access to the Internet or lack of it thereof, is a recognized social stratification causing “digital divide” thanks to existing inequalities within African and several other societies throughout the world. Despite issues associated with the digital divide, mobile telephony is growing on the continent and the rise of smartphones has given citizens easy access to social networking sites. But the digital divide, which mostly reflects on one’s race, gender, socioeconomic status or geographical location, stands in the way of digital progress. What opportunities are available to tame digital disparities? How are different societies in Africa handling digital problems? What innovative methods are being used to provide citizens with access to critical information that can help improve their lives? This call will be seeking original contributions focusing on experiences from various locations in several sub-Saharan African countries with the aim of providing an updated, critical account on the digital divide and its impact in Africa. We seek theoretical and empirical contributions exploring these or any related themes: -Defining and redefining digital divide with specific reference to Africa and its Diaspora -Theoretical interpretations of the concept - Exploring the Afro-centered relationships between digital divide and digital inequalities -Differences between the first, second and third levels of digital divide -Protest cultures in Africa and how they have fallen prey to digital divide Please send your abstracts to mutsvairo.bruce@uts.edu.au and massimo.ragnedda@northumbria.ac.uk • Abstracts due: *May 15 2017* (In English only please) • Decisions on proposals: May 20, 2017 • Chapter drafts: July 10, 2017​ -- Massimo Ragnedda Senior Lecturer in Mass Communication Northumbria University (Newcastle, UK) mragnedda.wordpress.com skype: massimo.ragnedda http://northumbria.academia.edu/MassimoRagnedda Connect with me on *Linkedin, Twitter, Facebook*