While digital transformation continues to reshape societies, marginalized communities in Africa often remain excluded from the benefits of secure digital practices. These communities face unique challenges, such as limited access to resources, low levels of digital literacy, and exposure to cyber threats. Despite efforts to raise awareness, a critical gap persists in embedding sustainable digital security practices tailored to the realities of these communities. This interactive workshop will move beyond theoretical awareness to practical implementation. Participants will explore innovative strategies, grassroots-led initiatives, and actionable tools designed to integrate digital security into the daily lives of underserved populations. Through hands-on demonstrations and real-world case studies, this session will provide a platform to share experiences, foster collaboration, and equip attendees with a framework to address digital security challenges at the local level.
Key Objectives: Identify Barriers: Explore the unique challenges marginalized communities face in adopting secure digital practices. Share Innovations: Present creative, low-cost solutions and tools that align with the specific needs of these communities. Empower Grassroots Organizations: Highlight the pivotal role of grassroots organizations in promoting localized digital safety initiatives. Provide Practical Frameworks: Equip participants with tools and frameworks to build localized, sustainable digital security programs.
Expected Outcomes: Participants will leave with: A deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities in embedding digital security practices in marginalized communities. Exposure to innovative tools and methods tailored to underserved populations. A framework for implementing sustainable digital security programs. Enhanced collaboration between grassroots organizations, policymakers, and digital rights advocates to drive community-centric digital safety initiatives.
Target Audience: Grassroots organizations working with underserved communities. Digital rights advocates. Policymakers focused on inclusivity and digital transformation. Educators and trainers in the digital literacy space. Technologists interested in accessible and localized digital security solutions.
Security is no longer a specialized issue as Africa speeds up its digital transformation; rather, it is a fundamental component of digital trust, resilience, and sovereignty. The goal of this session is to examine the ever-changing opportunities and difficulties associated with safeguarding Africa's digital environment, from national infrastructures to connectivity at the local level. Through a multi-stakeholder lens, the panel will bring together views from academia, civic society, the private tech sector, and the state sector. They will jointly investigate how Africa can develop a robust cybersecurity posture that fosters innovation, protects user confidence, and strengthens international collaboration. The discussion will bother on: 1. Africa's evolving threat landscape includes ransomware, critical infrastructure attacks, and cyber-enabled misinformation. 2. Capacity building and local talent development in cybersecurity. 3. The role of policy, regulation, and cross-border collaboration in driving continental cyber resilience. 4. Trust-building strategies between governments, technology companies, and citizens. The session will be interactive, including audience engagement, and will conclude with actionable insights and recommendations that can be adapted across countries and sectors.
Session Objectives: 1. To explore the key cybersecurity threats and trends impacting African digital development. 2. To examine multi-stakeholder roles in building cyber resilience and trust. 3. To identify gaps in capacity, policy, and collaboration — and suggest practical solutions. 4. To foster partnerships that will drive Africa’s digital safety forward.
Target Audience: • Policy makers and regulators • Network and cybersecurity professionals • Civil society and digital rights advocates • Telcos, ISPs, and infrastructure providers • Researchers and academia • Youth and emerging tech leaders
Moderator & Panelist Structure: Moderator: Experienced facilitator with cybersecurity governance and multistakeholder dialogue expertise. Panelists: Government Representative – a cybersecurity agency in Nigeria Private Sector Leader – Cybersecurity Firm Civil Society Advocate – digital rights and data protection representative Academic/Special interest Leader – researcher and innovator in cyber resilience
Mode: Hybrid: Online audience : We will utilize zoom for speakers and attendees while slido will be used for questions and polls. Physical audience : Will be able to contribute directly from the venue.
This session will explore the critical intersection of Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), data governance, gender-sensitive ICT policies, and the development of community networks in West Africa. We will delve into how DPI can be leveraged to bridge the digital divide, particularly for marginalized communities, and how robust data governance frameworks can ensure equitable access and protection, especially for women and girls. We will critically examine the role of community networks in fostering digital inclusion, empowering local communities, and promoting gender equality.
Session Objectives:
1. To analyze the current state of DPI and data governance in West Africa, focusing on its impact on marginalized groups, particularly women and girls. 2. To discuss the challenges and opportunities in developing and implementing gender-sensitive ICT policies that promote digital inclusion and safety. 3. To explore the role of community networks in bridging the digital divide, empowering local communities, and promoting gender equality. 4. To identify best practices and collaborative strategies for building resilient, inclusive, and safe digital ecosystems in West Africa. 5. To develop actionable recommendations for policymakers, civil society organizations, and the private sector.
Proposed Panelist includes:
Mistura Aruna Assistant Director at Nigerian Communications Commission(NCC).
Tope Ogundipe Digital Equality, Safety & Rights | Executive Director, TechSocietal.
Catherine Kyalo Digital Inclusion | Community Connectivity | Telecoms Policy | Project Coordinator | Strategy Development and Implementation | Stakeholder Engagement.
Angela Oduor Lungati - Executive Director - Ushahidi.
Elsie Attafuah Resident Representative, UNDP Nigeria.
Moderator: Dr. Akinbo Adebunmi Executive Director, Success Bridge Community Development Foundation (SBCDF).
Key Questions for Discussion:
1. How can DPI be designed and implemented to ensure equitable access for all, particularly women and girls?
2. What are the key elements of a robust data governance framework that protects the rights of marginalized communities?
3. How can gender-sensitive ICT policies be effectively implemented and enforced?
4. What are the best practices for supporting the development and sustainability of community networks?
5. How can we ensure that community networks are safe spaces for women and girls?
6. How can regional collaboration enhance the development of inclusive DPI and data governance frameworks?
This session aims to foster a constructive dialogue and generate actionable recommendations for building a more inclusive and equitable digital future for West Africa.
Opomulero...ambassador of culture, content and communication., DNS Africa Media and Communications
My name is Adebunmi Adeola AKINBO. I am currently the first ChAC Vice-Chair and in acting capacity at the moment. I am CEO of DNS Africa, a non-profit organization in the media sector. I run Online Radio Stations and work from a Rural Area, empowering and engaging the citizenship... Read More →
Friday May 23, 2025 12:00pm - 1:00pm WAT Main HallNCC annexe office
The Global Digital Compact (GDC), proposed under the United Nations framework, aims to foster an open, free, and secure digital future for all. Given the rapid digital transformation across West Africa, regional stakeholders must engage in discussions about the GDC’s principles and their implications for connectivity, digital inclusion, human rights, and digital cooperation in the region.
This session will focus on understanding the global digital compact: What does it mean for West Africa? It will also discuss bridging the digital divide by identifying strategies for ensuring universal and meaningful connectivity. The session will also discuss Data governance and digital rights as they relate to balancing security, privacy, and innovation. It will also discuss Promoting local content and digital entrepreneurship in the region and strengthening multi-stakeholder engagement in digital policy-making.
The session will further provide a platform to assess the challenges and opportunities of aligning West Africa’s digital governance priorities with the Global Digital Compact. It will explore the role of governments, private sector actors, civil society, and technical communities in shaping policies that ensure a more inclusive and equitable digital ecosystem.
This session outcome seeks to enhance West Africa’s participation in the conversations around implementing the recently adopted Global Digital Compact to ensure that the region’s unique challenges and opportunities are effectively represented.
Session Objectives: Provide an overview of the Global Digital Compact and its relevance to West Africa’s digital landscape. Discuss the role of regional and national policies in promoting inclusive digital governance. Identify key challenges and opportunities in digital inclusion, connectivity, and cybersecurity. Foster multi-stakeholder engagement to shape a regional perspective on the GDC.
Expected Outcomes: Increased awareness and understanding of the Global Digital Compact among West African stakeholders. Identification of priority areas for regional engagement in global digital policy discussions. Recommendations for integrating West African perspectives into the Global Digital Compact framework. Strengthened partnerships among governments, the private sector, and civil society for inclusive digital development Session Format: This interactive session will feature a combination of panel discussions and audience engagement. Participants will hear from leading voices in government, technology, and civil society who have firsthand experience shaping inclusive digital policies. Additionally, interactive breakout discussions will allow attendees to share their insights, challenges, and ideas for strengthening multi-stakeholder collaboration in digital governance.
