Nigeria is set to play host to 54 African nations and other continental Internet governance stakeholders at the 2023 Africa Internet Governance Forum (AfIGF 2023) in Abuja from September 18 to 21.
In its 12th year, the African Internet Governance Forum (AfIGF) is being hosted by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) on behalf of the Federal Government. This highly-anticipated event is set to take place at Abuja’s Transcorp Hilton Hotel, themed “Transforming Africa’s Digital Landscape: Empowering Inclusion, Security, and Innovation.”
Platform for Digital Transformation: AfIGF serves as a pivotal platform for fostering constructive discourse and collaboration in the realm of Internet Governance. Drawing participants from diverse sectors and regional initiatives, it aims to propel digital connectivity, address Internet Governance challenges, and drive Africa’s digital transformation.
Youth Engagement and Parliamentary Symposium: The series of events kicks off with the African Youth Internet Governance Forum running from September 13 to 18. The main program begins with the Parliamentarian Symposium on September 18 to 19. During this session, parliament members from participating nations will convene for roundtable discussions, enhancing their understanding of the legislative role in Internet Governance in Africa.
Diverse Participation for Digital Development: AfIGF 2023 is set to bring together a diverse spectrum of participants, including government representatives, civil society members, academics, ICT sector professionals, and private sector actors. Their deliberate focus will center on discussions pertaining to Africa’s Internet development, accessibility, and governance.
Inclusive Forum Structure: Structured to include dialogues, workshops, panel sessions, symposia, and roundtables, AfIGF provides an inclusive platform uniting stakeholders from across Africa and international partners. Their deliberations will significantly influence the future landscape of Internet Governance.
Key Discussion Areas: Key topics during the event will span 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, among others. Participants will also explore leveraging digital literacy and Internet access to accelerate Africa’s progress toward the 17 Sustainable Development Goals.
Distinguished Speakers and Recommendations: The event will feature distinguished speakers, policymakers, industry experts, and thought leaders from Africa and beyond. Their collective expertise will drive actionable recommendations that inform policy-making, attract investments, and guide the trajectory of Internet Governance in Africa. This endeavor aims to reshape the continent’s digital landscape, ushering in a more inclusive and prosperous digital future for all.
