This high-level panel explores West Africa’s shared vision for a digital future that is resilient, inclusive, and secure. Anchored in global frameworks such as the Global Digital Compact (GDC) and WSIS+20, the session will examine how the region can harness digital technologies to drive sustainable development while addressing critical challenges like the digital divide, online safety, and equitable governance.
The discussion will focus on three interlinked pillars:
- Resilience: Advancing robust digital infrastructure and enhancing regional cooperation to mitigate cyber threats, internet fragmentation, and service disruption—particularly in underserved and rural communities.
- Inclusivity: Promoting universal, affordable internet access, and strengthening digital skills and participation among women, youth, persons with disabilities, and rural populations.
- Safety: Addressing online threats such as cybercrime, disinformation, and digital gender-based violence, while advocating for responsible data governance that upholds human rights.
Panelists will assess how West Africa can align its strategies with GDC targets, such as closing connectivity gaps and promoting human-centric governance, while supporting WSIS+20 objectives around ICT-enabled development and inclusive multistakeholder dialogue.
Expected Outcomes- Concrete policy recommendations for national and regional actors aligned with GDC principles
- Strengthened multistakeholder collaboration on internet governance in West Africa
- Strategic frameworks for tracking progress toward universal digital access and safety
This session will contribute to shaping a common roadmap where digital transformation benefits all, enhances resilience, and protects the rights of every citizen in the region.
