Africa Internet Governance Forum to convene in Addis Ababa, fostering multistakeholder dialogue on digital governance
The African Internet Governance Forum (AfIGF) Secretariat, in partnership with the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) and the Ethiopian Ministry of Innovation and Technology, will host the 13th African Internet Governance Forum (AfIGF) 2024 in Ethiopia from November 20 to 22. Held at the United Nations Conference Center in Addis Ababa.
This year’s theme is “Building a Multi-stakeholder Digital Future for Africa”, reflecting the Forum’s commitment to an inclusive and collaborative approach to addressing Internet governance issues across the continent. The forum will bring together a wide range of stakeholders, including policymakers, civil society representatives, technology experts and young innovators, to engage in discussions shaping Africa’s digital landscape.
AfIGF will focus on current challenges and opportunities in digital governance, with topics including cybersecurity, data governance, digital rights, sustainable development and emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI). The results will support Africa’s contribution to the upcoming 19th Global Internet Governance Forum (IGF) to be held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in December 2024.
AfIGF 2024 will host the following sessions:
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high level meeting Address priority themes in Internet governance to develop effective digital inclusion and innovation strategies.
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parliamentary track African lawmakers discuss regulatory and policy frameworks to support a secure and accessible internet.
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Youth Forum Empowering Africa’s young leaders and incorporating their perspectives to shape the continent’s digital future.
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National and Regional Internet Governance Seminars Build capacity and align local initiatives with continental and global Internet governance efforts.
The 13th AfIGF aims to:
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Facilitate multi-stakeholder dialogue on the ethical, policy and operational dimensions of Africa’s internet and digital governance landscape.
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Support alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the African Union Agenda 2063 “The Africa We Want”, the Global Digital Compact (GDC) and the Africa WSIS+20 review process.
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Strengthen Africa’s digital ecosystem through sustainable, secure and inclusive digital policies that protect digital rights and support meaningful connectivity.
AfIGF 2024 will be held in a hybrid format to ensure wider participation, while in-person sessions will be held at the United Nations Conference Center and the newly inaugurated Africa Hall in Addis Ababa.
For more information and details about the conference, please visit: African Internet Forum.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA).
