Nigeria will from September 18 to September 21 host 54 African countries and other continental internet governance stakeholder blocs at the 2023 Africa Internet Governance Forum (AfIGF) in Abuja

This year’s event, being the 12th edition of the annual forum, is being hosted by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) on behalf of the Federal Government.

The event scheduled to hold at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel in Abuja would be held with the theme, “Transforming Africa’s Digital Landscape: Empowering Inclusion, Security, and Innovation”.

According to a statement issued by NCC spokesperson, Reuben Muoka, on Tuesday, September 5, 2023, the Forum will serve as a platform for meaningful dialogue and collaboration on internet governance among various sectors and regional initiatives to advance digital connectivity, address internet governance challenges, and empower Africa through digital transformation.

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Mouka noted that the event would be preceded by the African Youth Internet Governance Forum, which will be held from September 13 to September 18, 2023.

He stated that the programme would commence with the Parliamentarian Symposium from September 18 to 19 during which members of the Parliament from all participating countries will take the opportunity to consult and network with one another in a roundtable designed to better understanding of the roles of the legislature and nudge deeper synergy with parliaments on internet governance in Africa.

Mouka listed other sessions at the event to include plenary discussions, interactive workshops, and expert panels focusing on digital inclusion and connectivity; cyber security and data protection; digital rights and freedom of expression; Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Emerging Technologies; e-commerce and digital economy; and data governance and trust, among others.

The Star