Session
Subtheme
Organizer 1: Intergovernmental Organization, Intergovernmental Organization
Speaker 1: Martin KOYABE, Intergovernmental Organization, Intergovernmental Organization
Speaker 2: Susan Mwape, Civil Society, African Group
Speaker 3: Clarke Alicia, Civil Society, Western European and Others Group (WEOG)
Speaker 4: Ibrahim-Kano Jibril , Intergovernmental Organization, Intergovernmental Organization
Speaker 5: HADJE ACHE Seid Abakar, Intergovernmental Organization, African Group
Speaker 2: Susan Mwape, Civil Society, African Group
Speaker 3: Clarke Alicia, Civil Society, Western European and Others Group (WEOG)
Speaker 4: Ibrahim-Kano Jibril , Intergovernmental Organization, Intergovernmental Organization
Speaker 5: HADJE ACHE Seid Abakar, Intergovernmental Organization, African Group
Format
Classroom
Duration (minutes): 90
Format description: The classroom layout is the most appropriate format as it allows for structured engagement while facilitating an interactive dialogue between panelists and participants. This layout encourages an inclusive and focused discussion on digital cooperation, governance, and cyber diplomacy. The 90-minute duration is ideal as it provides sufficient time for expert panel presentations, an interactive Q&A session and key recommendations. The extended duration also allows for in-depth analysis of key issues, ensuring participants leave with actionable insights and strategic takeaways.
Duration (minutes): 90
Format description: The classroom layout is the most appropriate format as it allows for structured engagement while facilitating an interactive dialogue between panelists and participants. This layout encourages an inclusive and focused discussion on digital cooperation, governance, and cyber diplomacy. The 90-minute duration is ideal as it provides sufficient time for expert panel presentations, an interactive Q&A session and key recommendations. The extended duration also allows for in-depth analysis of key issues, ensuring participants leave with actionable insights and strategic takeaways.
Policy Question(s)
A. How can African RECs strengthen cyber diplomacy and regulatory harmonization to foster cross-border digital trade and cooperation while ensuring sovereignty and security in digital governance?
B. What role can public-private partnerships play in expanding financial inclusion and digital economic resilience, particularly in mobile banking, blockchain-based financial solutions, and digital entrepreneurship?
C. How can African governments and regional bodies collaborate to enhance cybersecurity measures, mitigate digital fraud, and protect digital assets while fostering innovation in the digital economy?
What will participants gain from attending this session? Participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of digital cooperation, cyber diplomacy and regional governance mechanisms tailored for Africa’s digital transformation. Attendees will explore innovative solutions for expanding financial inclusion, strengthening cybersecurity and fostering cross-border digital trade. They will gain insights from policymakers, industry leaders and civil society on best practices for harmonizing digital regulations and promoting sustainable fintech innovations. Additionally, the session will provide a strategic roadmap for enhancing digital governance, leveraging blockchain, AI and mobile banking for economic resilience. Through interactive discussions, attendees will engage in cross-sector collaboration, networking opportunities and knowledge-sharing platforms that will sustain engagement and momentum beyond IGF 2025.
Description:
Africa’s transition to a digital economy presents both opportunities and challenges, necessitating enhanced cooperation among Regional Economic Communities (RECs). Strengthening regional governance mechanisms, cyber diplomacy and digital financial services is critical for fostering a resilient and inclusive digital economy. This session will explore mechanisms to harmonize digital policies, expand access to financial technologies, and ensure digital infrastructure investments align with socio-economic development goals. The discussion will emphasize APRM’s role in facilitating cooperation among African RECs, promoting sustainable development, and strengthening cyber governance across the continent.
Africa’s transition to a digital economy presents both opportunities and challenges, necessitating enhanced cooperation among Regional Economic Communities (RECs). Strengthening regional governance mechanisms, cyber diplomacy and digital financial services is critical for fostering a resilient and inclusive digital economy. This session will explore mechanisms to harmonize digital policies, expand access to financial technologies, and ensure digital infrastructure investments align with socio-economic development goals. The discussion will emphasize APRM’s role in facilitating cooperation among African RECs, promoting sustainable development, and strengthening cyber governance across the continent.
Expected Outcomes
1. Strengthen digital governance frameworks with international and among African RECs, promoting cross-border collaboration, cyber-diplomacy and cybersecurity resilience.
2. Expand access to mobile banking, blockchain-based financial solutions, and AI-driven credit scoring for small enterprises.
3. Establish public-private partnerships (PPPs) and venture capital funds to support African start-ups.
4. Implement policies harmonizing digital trade regulations and promoting cross-border mobile money interoperability.
5. Develop robust digital safety nets, regulatory protections for gig workers and contingency plans for economic shocks.
6. Organize follow-up workshops for public officials on implementing digital cooperation frameworks across African RECs.
7. Establish a post-conference Community of Practice for sustained collaboration on digital policy harmonization and cyber governance.
8. Develop outcome document and policy brief summarizing key recommendations on cyber diplomacy, digital governance, fintech regulation and financial inclusion.
Hybrid Format: 1. Online participants will be encouraged to submit questions via chat and live polling platforms which will be addressed during the session.
2. A dedicated online moderator will facilitate remote interactions ensuring that virtual participants can contribute in real time.
3. The session will leverage live streaming, real-time Q&A tools and interactive polling to encourage engagement from both virtual and in-person audiences.
4. Transcription and/or Captioning will be enabled to enhance inclusivity.
5. Mentimeter/Slido for real-time audience feedback and polling.
6. WhatsApp or Social Media (Twitter/LinkedIn/Facebook) for live updates and engagement before, during and after the session.