WAIGF 2025 Endorses Crucial Session on Digital Inclusion, Data Governance, and Community Networks.

The West Africa Internet Governance Forum (WAIGF) has officially approved a pivotal session for its upcoming 2025 edition, focusing on the critical intersection of Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), data governance, gender-sensitive ICT policies, and the burgeoning potential of community networks in the region. This timely session underscores the growing recognition of the need for a holistic and inclusive approach to digital development in West Africa, particularly in addressing the persistent digital divide and promoting gender equality.

The approved session, meticulously crafted to delve into how DPI can serve as a bedrock for bridging digital disparities, especially for marginalized communities, will also critically examine the necessity of robust data governance frameworks. These frameworks are vital for ensuring equitable access and safeguarding the rights of all citizens, with a specific emphasis on the unique needs and vulnerabilities of women and girls in the digital space.

Furthermore, the session will shine a spotlight on the transformative role of community networks. By fostering local ownership and control, these networks hold immense promise in empowering communities, bridging connectivity gaps in underserved areas, and actively promoting gender equality at the grassroots level.

A Multi-Stakeholder Dialogue for Actionable Outcomes

The WAIGF 2025 session boasts an impressive panel of experts representing a diverse range of stakeholders. Confirmed panelists include:

• Mistura Aruna, Assistant Director at the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), bringing invaluable regulatory insights.
• Tope Ogundipe, Executive Director of TechSocietal, offering expertise in digital equality, safety, and rights.
• Catherine Kyalo, a seasoned professional in digital inclusion, community connectivity, telecoms policy, and stakeholder engagement.
• Angela Oduor Lungati, the Executive Director of Ushahidi, renowned for her work in leveraging technology for social impact.
• Elsie Attafuah, the Resident Representative of UNDP Nigeria, providing a crucial development perspective.
• Dr. Akinbo Adebunmi, Executive Director of Success Bridge Community Development Foundation (SBCDF), offering insights from a community-focused organization.

The session will adopt a dynamic format, commencing with an introductory overview of the importance of DPI and data governance for digital inclusion, alongside highlighting the existing gender digital divide and the crucial need for gender-sensitive ICT policies. The role of community networks in bridging these divides will also be contextualized.

Subsequent segments will delve into the challenges and opportunities associated with DPI and data governance, specifically analyzing their impact on marginalized groups, particularly women and girls. The discussion will then pivot to exploring the key elements of gender-sensitive ICT policies, including best practices for promoting digital literacy, access, and online safety for women and girls, while actively combating cyber violence.

A significant portion of the session will be dedicated to showcasing successful community network initiatives within West Africa, underscoring their role in fostering local ownership, control, and their potential to advance gender equality and digital inclusion at the community level.

To ensure tangible outcomes, the session will incorporate an interactive Q&A segment and breakout groups. These focused discussions will aim to dissect specific challenges and collaboratively develop actionable recommendations. The session will culminate in the presentation of these key recommendations and a discussion on collaborative strategies for their implementation, issuing a powerful call to action for policymakers, civil society organizations, and the private sector to collectively work towards a resilient, inclusive, and safe digital future for West Africa. No PowerPoint slides, simply interactive engagement.

The session will be guided by critical questions designed to stimulate insightful dialogue and generate practical solutions. Mark the date.

The approval of this session by WAIGF 2025 signifies a crucial step towards prioritizing digital inclusion, gender equality, and community empowerment within the West African digital ecosystem. By bringing together a diverse range of experts and fostering a collaborative environment, this session is poised to generate concrete recommendations and inspire collective action towards building a more equitable and digitally empowered West Africa.

We want to appericiate the good works of TechSocietal, Community NetHUBs Africa and Success Bridge Community Development Foundation for leading this crusade.

Interested stakeholders are encouraged to register for WAIGF 2025 to participate in this vital discussion and contribute to shaping the future of digital rights and inclusion in the region. Register now at: WAIGF 2025.

About Author

Dr. Adebunmi Adeola Akinbo

Dr. Adebunmi Akinbo is a Researcher, Media Psychologist, Brand and Content Expert. He is an Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) Fellow, Member of Association of Cyber Forensics and Threat Investigators (ACFTI), Associate Member of the Computer Professional Registration Council of Nigeria (CPN), and a Senior Member of Chartered Institute of Public Diplomacy & Management (CIPDM), He is passionate for information and solutions for ICT Challenges by the media for the global village.

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