Nigeria is gearing up to host the 2023 Africa Internet Governance Forum (AfIGF 2023), where it will welcome delegates from 54 African nations and various continental Internet governance stakeholders.
This 12th edition of the annual forum, organized by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) on behalf of the Federal Government, is slated for September 18th to 21st, 2023, and will be held at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel in Abuja. The event carries the theme “Transforming Africa’s Digital Landscape: Empowering Inclusion, Security, and Innovation.”
The AfIGF 2023 serves as a pivotal platform for fostering constructive discourse and collaboration among African nations across various sectors and regional initiatives. Its overarching goal is to advance digital connectivity, address Internet Governance challenges, and drive Africa’s digital transformation forward.
Preceding the main event is the African Youth Internet Governance Forum, scheduled from September 13th to 18th, 2023. This youth-focused forum sets the stage for the larger discussions to come.
The AfIGF 2023 will kick off with the Parliamentarian Symposium, happening on September 18th and 19th, 2023. During this session, members of Parliament from African countries will engage in roundtable discussions to deepen their understanding of the legislature’s role and foster synergy on Internet Governance matters in Africa.
This gathering is poised to attract key stakeholders from government, civil society, academia, the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) sector, and various private sector actors, all coming together to deliberate on critical aspects related to Africa’s Internet development, accessibility, and governance.
The AfIGF 2023 is structured to encompass a diverse range of activities, such as dialogues, workshops, panel sessions, symposia, and roundtables. It provides an inclusive platform where stakeholders from across the African continent and international partners can participate in discussions that will shape the future of Internet Governance.
Crucial sessions at the forum will delve into topics like Digital Inclusion and Connectivity, Cyber Security, Data Protection, Digital Rights and Freedom of Expression, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Emerging Technologies, E-Commerce, Digital Economy, and Data Governance and Trust. These discussions will provide a comprehensive view of the Internet’s multifaceted dimensions.
Participants will also delve into the 17 Sustainable Development Goals in the context of digital literacy and internet access, with the aim of accelerating development across the continent.
High-profile speakers, policymakers, industry experts, and thought leaders from Africa and beyond will grace the event with their presence. Their collective expertise and insights are expected to yield actionable recommendations that can shape policymaking, drive investments, and steer the course of Internet Governance in Africa. Ultimately, the AfIGF 2023 aims to reshape Africa’s digital landscape, fostering inclusivity and prosperity in the digital era.
By Elijah Christopher
