Nigeria hosts 54 countries, others to Africa Internet Governance Forum 2023

Nigeria is gearing up to host the prestigious 2023 Africa Internet Governance Forum (AfIGF 2023), which would convene representatives from 54 African nations and various continental Internet governance stakeholders.

Telescope.ng reports that the event is scheduled to take place in Abuja from September 18th to 21st, 2023.

Marking its 12th edition, this year’s forum is proudly hosted by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) on behalf of the federal government.

The venue for the event is the Transcorp Hilton Hotel in Abuja, with the compelling theme, “Transforming Africa’s Digital Landscape: Empowering Inclusion, Security, and Innovation.”

A statement released by Reuben Muoka, the Director of Public Affairs, highlights that the AfIGF 2023 serves as a pivotal platform for fostering meaningful dialogue and collaboration on Internet Governance.

It aims to bring together diverse sectors and regional initiatives to advance digital connectivity, address Internet Governance challenges, and empower Africa through digital transformation.

The event will commence with the African Youth Internet Governance Forum, scheduled from September 13th to 18th, 2023.

A notable feature of this year’s program is the Parliamentarian Symposium, set to take place on September 18th and 19th, 2023.

During this symposium, members of Parliament from participating countries will engage in consultations and networking sessions to enhance their understanding of the legislature’s role in Internet Governance, fostering deeper synergy with parliaments across Africa.

The AfIGF 2023 is poised to bring together key stakeholders from various sectors, including government, civil society, academia, the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) sector, and a wide spectrum of private sector actors.

The aim is to engage in substantive discussions on critical issues related to the development, access, and governance of the Internet in Africa.

Structured as a dynamic series of dialogues, workshops, panel sessions, symposia, and roundtables, this inclusive platform will unite stakeholders from across Africa and international partners.

Their discussions will shape the future of Internet Governance, addressing topics such as 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.

Participants will also explore how the 17 Sustainable Development Goals align with digital literacy and internet access, contributing to accelerated development across the continent.

The AfIGF 2023 boasts an impressive lineup of high-ranking speakers, policymakers, industry experts, and thought leaders from Africa and beyond. Their collective expertise and insights will yield actionable recommendations that can inform policymaking, drive investments, and redefine the trajectory of Internet Governance in Africa. Ultimately, this forum aims to pave the way for a more inclusive and prosperous digital future for the continent.