Session
Global Digital Governance & Cooperation
Governing Digital Economy
Digitally Legal
Alick Mponela – Zambia Information Communication Technology Authority (ZICTA)
Dino Balloti – Nambia Investment Development Board
Poncelet Ileleji – Jokkolabs Banjul / Gambia NRI (Rapporteur)
Ayanda Sithebe – Digitally Legal (Online Moderator)
Zanyiwe Asare – Digitally Legal (Onsite Moderator)
Kevin Mathews – FirstAssist
Lerato Ntwampe – Attorney
Alick Mponela – Zambia Information Communication Technology Authority (ZICTA)
Dino Balloti – Nambia Investment Development Board
Poncelet Ileleji – Jokkolabs Banjul / Gambia NRI
Zanyiwe Asare – Digitally Legal
Kevin Mathews – FirstAssist
Lerato Ntwampe – Attorney
Zanyiwe Asare - Digitally Legal
Ayanda Sithebe - Digitally Legal
Poncelet Ileleji – Jokkolabs Banjul / Gambia NR
4. Quality Education
5. Gender Equality
8. Decent Work and Economic Growth
9. Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
10. Reduced Inequalities
17. Partnerships for the Goals
Targets: 1. SDG 4 - Quality Education for All
The gig economy in Africa can benefit from initiatives that provide accessible and relevant educational resources to gig workers. This includes promoting digital literacy, vocational training, and entrepreneurship programs to enhance skills and enable a thriving digital marketplace;
2. SDG 5 - Gender Equality
Women constitute a significant portion of gig workers in Africa, and it is crucial to address the gender disparities and challenges faced in the gig economy. Internet governance and regulation can play a role in promoting equal opportunities, fair treatment, and protection of women's rights in the digital workplace;
3. SDG 8 - Decent Work and Economic Growth
The gig economy has the potential to contribute to economic growth and employment opportunities in Africa. However, it also raises concerns about decent work conditions, fair compensation, and social protection for gig workers. Internet governance and regulation can help establish standards and mechanisms to ensure decent work practices and protect the rights of gig workers.
4. SDG 9 - Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
The gig economy heavily relies on digital platforms and technology infrastructure. Internet governance issues such as access to reliable and affordable internet services, data privacy, cybersecurity, and digital identity become crucial in supporting the growth of the gig economy and fostering innovation in Africa;
5. SDG 10 - Reduced Inequalities
The gig economy has the potential to exacerbate existing inequalities if not properly regulated. Internet governance and regulation can address issues related to fair competition, workers' rights, and social protection, ensuring that the benefits of the gig economy are accessible to all, regardless of socioeconomic background; and
6. SDG 17 - Partnership for the Goals
Effective internet governance in the gig economy requires collaboration between various stakeholders, including governments, international organisations, digital platforms, and civil society. Partnerships and cooperation can facilitate the development of regulatory frameworks, sharing of best practices, and capacity-building initiatives to address the challenges and maximise the opportunities presented by the gig economy in Africa.
Hybrid with majority of speakers physically present.
Round Table.
English
The gig economy has emerged as a significant driver of economic growth and employment opportunities, particularly in the digital era. Despite the notable highs, the gig economy also presents challenges related to internet governance and regulation globally. Digitally Legal, a leading company in the provision of contact-centre based services, software development and digital laws advisory for small, medium and large entities in the public and private sectors, including those in the gig economy, operating in Africa, delves into this dynamic part of the digital economy. Over the past 5 years the company has been heavily involved in creating solutions for the recognised need for effective governance and regulation of digital platforms, to ensure fair treatment, protection of rights, and inclusiveness for all stakeholders.
This session, facilitated by Digitally Legal in collaboration with the JokkoLabs Banjul aims to explore the importance of internet governance and regulation in the gig economy within the African context. The session will highlight the pivotal role IGF principles can play in preparing governments in fostering inclusivity, policy development, and empowerment of youth, women, and girls in the African Internet ecosystem. It will delve into the salient features of the African Union Digital Transformation Strategy (2020-2030) and Sustainable Development Goals (SDG’s).
Through highlighting relevant challenges and opportunities, the session will showcase how partnerships and collaborations Digitally Legal and JokkoLabs Banjul have had between themselves, African governments and industry stakeholders can drive the digital transformation agenda in Africa, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and their targets.
1. Firstly, we will ensure that our online moderator has reliable internet connectivity to support seamless communication between the onsite participants and online attendees. To enable interaction, we will use zoom that allow online participants to join the session in real-time and engage with the onsite speakers and attendees. This will include features such as live video streaming, chat functions, and Q&A capabilities. Onsite participants will be encouraged to actively engage with the online participants by posing questions, sharing insights, and participating in discussions through the designated platforms.
2. The designated moderator or facilitator will oversee the session and manage the interaction between onsite and online participants. The moderator will ensure that questions and comments from both groups are relayed and addressed appropriately, creating a cohesive and inclusive environment for all attendees.
3. Due to limited time, we will prepare speakers to keep discussions brief to ensure that all participants have the chance to contribute their perspectives.
4. To enhance the experience for online participants, we will provide clear instructions on how to join and register in due time through digital posters circulated through our various networks.
5. For onsite participants, we will create an environment that encourages interaction with the online participants, such as having designated areas for them to engage in virtual discussions or join breakout sessions. We will also ensure that technical support is readily available to address any connectivity issues or challenges that may arise.
6. Further, use of complementary online tools/platforms that we plan to use to increase participation and interaction during the session may include:
a) Virtual chat and Q&A features: Integrating chat and Q&A functionalities within the video conferencing platform will enable online participants to submit questions, share comments, and interact with both speakers and onsite participants in real-time.
b) Social media engagement: Utilising social media platforms with a designated event hashtag will encourage broader participation and allow participants to share insights, ask questions, and engage in discussions before, during, and after the session.
By leveraging these complementary online tools and platforms, we aim to create an inclusive and interactive hybrid experience that ensures active engagement from both onsite and online participants.