Nigeria is gearing up to host the 2023 Africa Internet Governance Forum (AfIGF), welcoming representatives from 54 African nations and various Internet governance stakeholders. This 12th edition of the annual forum, organized by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) on behalf of the Federal Government, will be held from September 18th to 21st at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel in Abuja.
The theme for this year is “Transforming Africa’s Digital Landscape: Empowering Inclusion, Security, and Innovation.” The AfIGF 2023 serves as a platform for meaningful discussions and cooperation among different sectors and regional initiatives to enhance digital connectivity, address Internet Governance challenges, and promote Africa’s digital transformation.
The event will kick off with the African Youth Internet Governance Forum from September 13th to 18th. One highlight of the program is the Parliamentarian Symposium on September 18th and 19th, where parliament members from participating countries will engage in roundtable discussions to better understand their roles in Internet Governance in Africa.
This gathering brings together government representatives, civil society, academia, ICT sector experts, and private sector players to discuss critical issues related to Internet development, access, and governance in Africa. The AfIGF 2023 features a variety of sessions, including dialogues, workshops, panels, symposia, and roundtables, offering an inclusive platform for stakeholders across Africa and international partners to shape the future of Internet Governance.
Key sessions at the event will focus on 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. Additionally, participants will explore how digital literacy and internet access can contribute to achieving the 17 Sustainable Development Goals for the continent.
The AfIGF 2023 boasts a lineup of prominent speakers, policymakers, industry experts, and thought leaders from Africa and beyond. Their collective expertise will result in actionable recommendations that can inform policy decisions, stimulate investments, and influence the future of Internet Governance in Africa, ultimately reshaping the continent’s digital landscape for a more inclusive and prosperous future.
