Nigeria is set to host the 12th annual Africa Internet Governance Forum (AfIGF) in Abuja from September 18-21, 2023.
A statement signed by the Director of Public Affairs Reuben Muoka said the event will bring together stakeholders and investors in Africa’s digital future, including government officials, civil society members, academics, and private sector actors.
The theme of this year’s forum is “Transforming Africa’s Digital Landscape: Empowering Inclusion, Security, and Innovation.” The event will feature a variety of gatherings, including dialogues, workshops, panel sessions, symposia, and roundtables. Participants will discuss digital inclusion and connectivity, cybersecurity and data protection, digital rights and freedom of expression, artificial intelligence (AI) and emerging technologies, e-commerce and the digital economy, and data governance and trust, among other topics.
The event will also include the African Youth Internet Governance Forum, which will take place from September 13-18, 2023.
The Parliamentarian Symposium will also be held during the event from September 18-19, where members of parliament from participating countries will consult and network with each other to better understand the roles of the legislature and deepen synergy on internet governance in Africa.
The AfIGF 2023 promises to be a rare assemblage of key stakeholders intentionally rallied to discuss important matters focused on the development, access, and governance of the internet in Africa.
Participants are 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.
The success of the AfIGF 2023 would not only benefit Nigeria but also the African continent as a whole. It would provide 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. 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, paving the way for a more inclusive and prosperous digital future. .
