Emmanuel OchayiNigeria is gearing up to host a prestigious gathering of 54 African nations and various continental Internet governance stakeholders during the 12th annual Africa Internet Governance Forum (AfIGF 2023).
The event, scheduled to run from September 18th to 21st, 2023, is being hosted by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) on behalf of the Federal Government and will take place at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel in Abuja.
This year’s theme is “Transforming Africa’s Digital Landscape: Empowering Inclusion, Security, and Innovation.”
As Nigeria prepares to welcome delegates from across Africa and the world, the AfIGF 2023 is poised to be a landmark event in the continent’s journey toward a digitally empowered future.
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Director of Public Affairs, Reuben Muoka, expressed the significance of this event, stating, “The AfIGF 2023 promises to be a rare assemblage of key stakeholders from government, civil society, academia, the Information and Communications
Technology (ICT) sector and a broad spectrum of actors in the private sector intentionally rallied to discuss important matters focused on the development, access, and governance of the Internet in Africa.”
This forum aims to provide a platform for meaningful dialogue and collaboration on Internet governance among various sectors and regional initiatives. The goal is to advance digital connectivity, address internet governance challenges, and empower Africa through digital transformation.
The event will kick off with the African Youth Internet Governance Forum, scheduled from September 13th to 18th, 2023. It will be followed by the Parliamentarian Symposium, set for September 18th to 19th, 2023, during which parliament members from participating countries will consult and network with each other to better understand the roles of the legislature in internet governance in Africa.
The AfIGF 2023 will feature a variety of gatherings, including dialogues, workshops, panel sessions, symposia, and roundtables. It will bring together stakeholders from across the African continent and international partners to engage in discussions that will shape the future of internet governance.
Key focal sessions will include Digital Inclusion and Connectivity, Cyber Security and Data Protection, Digital Rights and Freedom of Expression, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Emerging Technologies, E-Commerce and Digital Economy, and Data Governance and Trust.
Furthermore, participants will discuss the 17 Sustainable Development Goals in the context of digital literacy and internet access to accelerate development across the continent.
The event is set to host high-ranking speakers, policymakers, industry experts, and thought leaders from Africa and beyond. Through their expertise and insights, the forum aims to generate actionable recommendations to inform policymaking, drive investments, and shape the future of Internet governance in Africa.
The goal is to reshape the continent’s digital landscape and pave the way for a more inclusive and prosperous digital future.
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