Nigeria will host 54 African nations and other continental internet governance stakeholder blocs at the 2023 Africa Internet Governance Forum (AfIGF 2023) in Abuja from 18 to 21 September, 2023.
This year’s event, the 12th edition of the annual Forum, will be hosted by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) on behalf of the Federal Government.
This is contained in a press release by the NCC Director of Public Affairs Reuben Muoka, dated 4 September, 2023.
With the theme, “Transforming Africa’s Digital Landscape: Empowering Inclusion, Security, and Innovation”, AfIGF 2023 is scheduled to take place at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja.
It will serve as a platform for meaningful dialogue and collaboration on Internet Governance among various sectors and regional initiatives.
It is aimed at advancing digital connectivity, address Internet Governance challenges, and empower Africa through digital transformation.
AfIGF 2023 will be preceded by the African Youth Internet Governance Forum, which will take place from 13 to 18 September, 2023.
The series of events at this year’s programme will commence with the Parliamentarian Symposium, scheduled to take place from 18-19 September 2023.
Members of the Parliament from all participating countries will take the opportunity to consult and network with one another in a roundtable designed for better understanding of the roles of the legislature, and nudge deeper synergy with parliaments on Internet Governance in Africa.
It is 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 all sectors.
These include government, civil society, academia, the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) sector, and a broad spectrum of actors in the private sector.
The stakeholders and investors were intentionally rallied to discuss important matters focused on the development, access, and governance of the internet in Africa.
AfIGF 2023 is structured in a variety of gatherings, including dialogues, workshops, panel sessions, symposia, and roundtables.
It 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 AfIGF 2023 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.
AfIGF 2023 will feature high-ranking speakers, policymakers, industry experts, and thought leaders from across Africa and beyond.
Through participants’ expertise and insights, AfIGF 2023 will generate actionable recommendations that can inform policymaking, drive investments, and shape the future of Internet Governance in Africa.
This is by reshaping the trajectory of the continent’s digital landscape and paving the way for a more inclusive and prosperous digital future.
