By Patrick Aigbokhan
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) will on behalf of the Federal Government host the 12th edition of the annual Africa Internet Governance Forum (AfIGF) 2023 slated to be held in Abuja from September 18 to 21 2023.
In this year’s edition of the annual forum, which is scheduled to take place at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja, with the theme, “Transforming Africa’s Digital Landscape: Empowering Inclusion, Security, and Innovation,” the country will play host to 54 African nations and other continental Internet governance stakeholder blocs to create a platform for meaningful dialogue and collaboration on Internet Governance among various sectors and regional initiatives to advance digital connectivity, address Internet Governance challenges, and empower Africa through digital transformation.
The event will be preceded by the African Youth Internet Governance Forum, which will take place from September 13 to 18, 2023.
The series of events at this year’s program will commence with the Parliamentarian Symposium, scheduled to take place from 18-19 September 2023 during which members of the Parliament from all participating countries will take the opportunity to consult and network with one another in a roundtable designed to better understanding of the roles of the legislature, and nudge deeper synergy with parliaments on Internet Governance in Africa.
As a crucial gathering of stakeholders and investors in Africa’s digital future, 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.
The Forum, structured in a variety of gatherings, including dialogues, workshops, panel sessions, symposia, and roundtables, is a vibrant and inclusive platform that brings together stakeholders from across the African continent and other international partners, to engage in discussions that will shape the future of Internet Governance.
Other focal sessions at the event will include plenary discussions, interactive workshops, and expert panels focusing on Digital Inclusion and Connectivity; Cyber Security and Data Protection; Digital Rights and Freedom of Expression; Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Emerging Technologies; E-Commence and Digital Economy; and Data Governance and Trust, among others.
Participants are also expected to discuss the 17 Sustainable Development Goals in the context of digital literacy and internet access in a manner that can accelerate development for the continent.
The event will feature high-ranking speakers, policymakers, industry experts, and thought leaders from across Africa and beyond. Through participants’ expertise and insights, the forum will generate actionable recommendations that can inform policymaking, drive investments, and shape the future of Internet Governance in Africa, by reshaping the trajectory of the continent’s digital landscape and paving the way for a more inclusive and prosperous digital future.
