Session
Organizer 1: Paul Rowney, AfICTA
Organizer 2: Jimson Olufuye, Kontemporary Konsulting Ltd - AfICTA
Organizer 3: CAROLINE KIRICHU, COUNTY ASSEMBLY OF LAIKIPIA
Speaker 1: Jane Coffin, Technical Community, Western European and Others Group (WEOG)
Speaker 2: Ulandi Exner, Private Sector, African Group
Speaker 3: Melissa Sassi, Technical Community, Western European and Others Group (WEOG)
Speaker 4: Olusegun H. Olugbile, Civil Society, African Group
Speaker 5: Kassa Solomon, Private Sector, African Group
Jimson Olufuye, Private Sector, African Group
Paul Rowney, Private Sector, African Group
CAROLINE KIRICHU, Government, African Group
Round Table - Circle - 90 Min
1. What are the key and pressing digital challenges that African countries face and what recommendations would you make to the key decision makers to solve these issues.
2. What best practice approach should countries adopt in order to speed up the digital transformation process, give practical examples where possible.
3. What are the main priorities for countries to focus on that will give them the best return when considering digital policy, online safety and security, and data protection,
Connection with previous Messages: Our workshop builds on the 2021 messages, in particular Trust, Security, and Stability through indigenous ownership of the respective digital legislation and policy and regional cooperation on digital acceleration.
1.b
2.1
3.8
3.d
4.3
5.b
7.b
8.9
9. Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
10. Reduced Inequalities
12.8
16.9
17.6
17.7
Targets: By strengthening digital policies and through appropriate law reform countries will be able to strengthen their position with regards to digital infrastructure, cross boarder harmonization, and ensure their citizens are properly tooled to meaningfully participate in the digital age. This will enhance the countries ability to meet many of the SDG, that will improve trade, peace, justice, education, and equality.
Description:
A challenge of the 21st century is in building an equitable digital economy that not only competes globally but also empowers citizens with the necessary digital tools to do business in this new digital age. In the case of Africa, many countries have fallen behind in key areas such as digital infrastructure and digital skills with many lacking the necessary resources to effectively develop and implement the right digital policies and law reforms that are needed not only to protect our digital borders and core digital infrastructure, but to also protect government, business, and citizens from cyber abuse and data theft. Whilst there is no one fit all solution, there is an ever-increasing need for cross border collaboration and a collective as well as indigenous approach to solving these digital challenges, whilst speeding up the process of digital enablement and fostering a new era of shared skills and knowledge.
This workshop seeks to understand this challenge and takes a look at the different approaches’ countries are taking in order to digitalize their economies. The idea of an indigenous digital revolution is explored; can Africa find its own solutions or will it remain dependent on importation of foreign expertise and intellectual property. Can Africa unlock its true digital potential and grow its digital capacity through smart investment and cross border collaboration, or will Africa remain locked in as a consumer of foreign digital solutions and services?
Our speakers bring diverse perspectives to the discussion, from humanity, global business, Africa business, academia, youth, and host country. Our speakers will present their views and provide practical examples of how indigenous solutions drive digitalization and economic growth. Our speakers will further explore the drivers that can better enable a safe internet and ensure that all stakeholders are kept accountable to their actions.
1. Understand the challenges facing African countries in order to digitalize their economies
2. Documented best practice approach towards harmonized digital policy and law reform.
3. Identify collaboration opportunities with private and government organisations within the borders of Africa.
Hybrid Format: AfICTA will promote outreach through its membership base with the view of enabling multiple remote hubs throughout Africa in order to enable a higher level of participation from the global south.
Usage of IGF Official Tool.