The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) and Smart Africa have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance Internet governance capacity development across Africa.
Smart Africa, an alliance of African countries, international organizations, and global private sector players, is tasked with advancing Africa’s digital agenda. The collaboration aims to drive digital transformation by leveraging each organization’s expertise and resources.
The MoU establishes a foundation for long-term collaboration between ICANN and Smart Africa to foster a stable, secure, and inclusive Internet in Africa. The organizations will work together within the Coalition for Digital Africa to:
- Organize capacity development events and training workshops to empower African stakeholders.
- Host community outreach and engagement activities to raise awareness on key topics within Internet governance.
- Increase African stakeholders’ participation in regional Internet governance discussions.
Sally Costerton, Interim President and CEO of ICANN, stated, “This collaboration with Smart Africa exemplifies ICANN’s commitment to ensuring that every community has the resources and knowledge to shape their digital future. Together, we are building a stronger, more secure Internet infrastructure that will help bring more Africans online, empowering communities and fostering economic growth across the continent.”
Lacina Koné, CEO of Smart Africa, added, “The Internet is fundamental to Africa’s digital transformation, and this partnership with ICANN demonstrates our commitment to building a more secure, stable, and inclusive digital future for the continent. Through this collaboration, we are equipping African stakeholders with the knowledge and resources needed to shape the future of the Internet.”
ICANN and Smart Africa are also collaborating on an initiative within the Coalition for Digital Africa, focusing on tailored capacity development programs for governments and lawmakers. This effort will support African stakeholders in deepening their understanding of the Internet’s technical functions and enhancing their contributions to global Internet governance.
About Smart Africa
Smart Africa is an alliance of African countries, international organizations, and global private sector players tasked with advancing Africa’s digital agenda. With a vision to create a single digital market in Africa by 2030, Smart Africa brings together member states to accelerate the digitalization of the continent and create a common market. Launched in 2013 by seven African Heads of State, the alliance now has 40 member countries, representing over 1 billion people, and over 50 private sector members.
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