AfIGF2023: Africa’s Digital Future Takes Flight

The 12th African Internet Governance Forum (AfIGF2023) concluded in Abuja, Nigeria on September 21, 2023, with a bold new vision for Africa’s digital future. The forum brought together over 1,000 stakeholders from across Africa and the world to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing internet governance on the continent.

• Participants at AfIGF2023 issued a call to action for governments, the private sector, and civil society to work together to achieve a more inclusive, secure, and innovative digital landscape in Africa. Some of the key takeaways from the forum include:
• Digital inclusion is essential for Africa’s development. The African Union must develop a comprehensive strategy to promote digital inclusion on the continent, with a focus on ensuring that all Africans have access to affordable and reliable internet access.
• Cybersecurity and privacy are critical concerns. The forum called for the development and implementation of cybersecurity and privacy frameworks that are appropriate for the African context.
• Digital rights and freedoms must be protected. Governments must respect their international human rights obligations in the digital world, and ensure that all Africans have the freedom to express themselves online and access information without interference.
• Local content development and innovation are essential for Africa’s digital growth. The forum called for increased support for local content development and innovation in Africa, in order to foster the development of a vibrant digital economy.
• Internet policies and regulations should promote development. Governments should develop and implement internet policies and regulations that promote the development of the internet and the digital economy in Africa.
  The AfIGF2023 was a resounding success, and its outcomes will help to shape the development of the internet in Africa for years to come. By working together to achieve the bold new vision for Africa’s digital future, we can create a more inclusive, secure, and innovative digital landscape for all Africans.