By Our Correspondent
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) says it is set to host 54 countries for the 12th edition of the Africa Internet Governance Forum (AfIGF 2023).
Reuben Muoka, NCC’s Director of Public Affairs, said in a statement, on Tuesday, that the four-day event would start on Sept. 18 in Abuja.
NCC will host this year’s event on behalf of the Federal Government. It will take place at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja.
The theme of the Forum is “Transforming Africa’s Digital Landscape: Empowering Inclusion, Security, and Innovation”.
According to Mouka, the forum will serve as a platform for dialogue and collaboration on Internet Governance among various sectors.
“It would also showcase regional initiatives to advance digital connectivity, address internet governance challenges and empower Africa through digital transformation.”
The African Youth Internet Governance Forum, which precedes the event, will take place from Sept. 13 to Sept. 18.
Organisers also lined up series of events for the Forum, including two-day Parliamentarian Symposium scheduled to begin on Sept. 18.
Members of the Parliament from all participating countries will take the opportunity to network with one another in a roundtable to better understand the roles of the legislature.
This will nudge a deeper synergy with parliaments on Internet Governance in Africa.
Mouka noted that the AfIGF 2023 promised to be an assemblage of key stakeholders from government, civil society, academia, the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) sector and private sector actors.
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They will rallied to discuss important matters focused on 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, as an inclusive platform that brings together stakeholders from across the African continent.
Other focal sessions at the event 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.
Focus will also centre on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Emerging Technologies; E-Commence and Digital Economy and Data Governance and Trust among others.
Organisers expects participants to discuss the 17 Sustainable Development Goals in the context of digital literacy and internet access.
This would be in a manner that can accelerate development for the continent.
“The event will feature high-ranking speakers, policymakers, industry experts, and thought leaders across Africa and beyond.
“Through participants’ expertise and insights, the forum will generate actionable recommendations that can inform policymaking and drive investments.
“Such recommendations would also shape the future of Internet Governance in Africa.
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