Session
Organizer 1: Intergovernmental Organization, Intergovernmental Organization
Speaker 1: Clarke Alicia, Civil Society, Western European and Others Group (WEOG)
Speaker 2: Susan Mwape, Civil Society, African Group
Speaker 3: Ibrahim-Kano Jibril , Intergovernmental Organization, Intergovernmental Organization
Speaker 2: Susan Mwape, Civil Society, African Group
Speaker 3: Ibrahim-Kano Jibril , Intergovernmental Organization, Intergovernmental Organization
Format
Roundtable
Duration (minutes): 90
Format description: The Roundtable format with a 90-minute duration is ideal for this session as it promotes an interactive and dynamic exchange among government stakeholders, civil society organizations (CSOs), and the private sector. Due to the interactive nature of discussions on security and political governance issues, this roundtable setup will foster a collaborative and open dialogue enabling diverse perspectives to be shared in a structured yet flexible manner. This format fosters direct engagement, allowing decision-makers, industry leaders, and experts to debate the regulatory approaches while contextualizing them within Africa’s governance and digital transformation needs. The 90-minute duration ensures in-depth discussions, audience participation and real-time policy reflection, leading to concrete takeaways. It will also enhance trust-building, facilitate multi-stakeholder dialogue, and support the development of balanced regulatory frameworks that address security concerns, innovation and Africa’s long-term digital resilience.
Duration (minutes): 90
Format description: The Roundtable format with a 90-minute duration is ideal for this session as it promotes an interactive and dynamic exchange among government stakeholders, civil society organizations (CSOs), and the private sector. Due to the interactive nature of discussions on security and political governance issues, this roundtable setup will foster a collaborative and open dialogue enabling diverse perspectives to be shared in a structured yet flexible manner. This format fosters direct engagement, allowing decision-makers, industry leaders, and experts to debate the regulatory approaches while contextualizing them within Africa’s governance and digital transformation needs. The 90-minute duration ensures in-depth discussions, audience participation and real-time policy reflection, leading to concrete takeaways. It will also enhance trust-building, facilitate multi-stakeholder dialogue, and support the development of balanced regulatory frameworks that address security concerns, innovation and Africa’s long-term digital resilience.
Policy Question(s)
How can African countries strike a balance between fostering innovation and ensuring digital trust and security when deciding whether to regulate or deregulate mainstream and emerging technologies, including AI and social media?
What are the economic, political, and security implications of adopting a deregulated model versus regulatory framework for emerging technologies in Africa? Which approach best aligns with Africa’s development goals?
What regulatory and policy frameworks can African Union member states develop to enhance digital resilience, prevent misinformation, and safeguard national security while promoting technological growth and transformation?
What will participants gain from attending this session? Participants attending this session will gain critical insights into the impact of early warning systems and transformative innovation on digital governance amid global shifts. The session will compare the different regulatory approaches, examining how the model of minimal regulation fosters innovation but risks misinformation and security threats, while the stricter regulations enhance digital trust but may slow technological growth.
Attendees will explore a cost-benefit analysis of both models, assessing their implications for innovation, security, and stability in African member states. The discussion will delve into which approach best supports Africa’s digital transformation, economic competitiveness, and governance priorities.
By engaging with diverse perspectives, participants will leave with practical insights, policy recommendations, and strategic tools to shape Africa’s unique regulatory framework—one that balances innovation, security, and resilience while fostering a digitally inclusive and competitive continent.
SDGs
Description:
In an era of rapid digital transformation, African countries are grappling with the dual challenge of fostering innovation while ensuring responsible governance of mainstream and emerging technologies. This session will explore how the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) and its member states can leverage early warning systems and transformative innovation to navigate regulatory dilemmas in the evolving global order. The discussion will examine whether regulating or deregulating mainstream and emerging technologies (particularly social media and AI) best serves Africa’s governance, security and development priorities. Drawing from best practices, case studies, and multi-stakeholder perspectives, the session will highlight how digital governance frameworks can enhance trust, safeguard democratic values and build resilient institutions. Through an interactive and solutions-driven format, the panel will feature voices from governments, private sector, civil society, academia, and youth leaders, ensuring a diversity of perspectives. Participants will gain insights into how African-led initiatives can shape global digital governance debates while aligning with continental and international standards. This session will also showcase concrete impacts and policy recommendations on strengthening digital trust, addressing misinformation and mitigating risks associated with emerging technologies ensuring that Africa remains a proactive and strategic player in shaping the digital future.
In an era of rapid digital transformation, African countries are grappling with the dual challenge of fostering innovation while ensuring responsible governance of mainstream and emerging technologies. This session will explore how the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) and its member states can leverage early warning systems and transformative innovation to navigate regulatory dilemmas in the evolving global order. The discussion will examine whether regulating or deregulating mainstream and emerging technologies (particularly social media and AI) best serves Africa’s governance, security and development priorities. Drawing from best practices, case studies, and multi-stakeholder perspectives, the session will highlight how digital governance frameworks can enhance trust, safeguard democratic values and build resilient institutions. Through an interactive and solutions-driven format, the panel will feature voices from governments, private sector, civil society, academia, and youth leaders, ensuring a diversity of perspectives. Participants will gain insights into how African-led initiatives can shape global digital governance debates while aligning with continental and international standards. This session will also showcase concrete impacts and policy recommendations on strengthening digital trust, addressing misinformation and mitigating risks associated with emerging technologies ensuring that Africa remains a proactive and strategic player in shaping the digital future.
Expected Outcomes
This session will generate policy recommendations on balancing innovation with regulation to enhance digital trust, resilience, and security in Africa. It will provide a comparative analysis of the different regulatory models, offering insights into their economic, political and security implications for African governance and technological growth.
Expected outcomes include:
1. A policy brief summarizing key takeaways and recommendations for African policymakers and digital governance stakeholders.
2. A study on the impact of mainstream and emerging technologies on democratic and political governance, analyzing their role in elections, misinformation, and public trust.
3. A video highlight capturing expert insights and stakeholder discussions for broader dissemination.
4. A proposal for an African-led advisory body or task force to guide regulatory frameworks on AI, social media, and emerging technologies.
5. Follow-up technical assistance and capacity-building workshops to support APRM member states in adopting context-specific regulatory strategies.
Hybrid Format: This session will be fully hybrid ensuring an engaging and inclusive experience for both on-site and online participants through structured facilitation, interactive tools, and real-time engagement strategies. Session moderators will manage both in-person and virtual discussions, ensuring seamless interaction between speakers and attendees. A dedicated online moderator will monitor the virtual chat, relay key questions and facilitate engagement between remote participants and on-site panelists.
To enhance the hybrid experience, interactive tools such as Slido and Mentimeter will be used for live polling, Q&A sessions, and audience sentiment tracking. A timer will be implemented to manage speaking time, ensuring balanced participation, while automatic transcription will enhance accessibility and record-keeping for the online audience. Complementary online platforms, including social media channels like Twitter/X, LinkedIn, and YouTube Live, will support live engagement and post-session discussions. Additionally, WhatsApp groups will facilitate follow-up engagement and networking.