West Africa Internet Governance Forum 2025: Full Schedule

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6:00pm WAT

From Policy to Progress: The Role of Africa’s Parliaments in Advancing Tech Development

Friday May 23, 2025 6:00pm - 7:30pm WAT

This session will examine the role of African parliaments in crafting policies that drive digital transformation and technological growth. It will provide a platform for legislators, civil society representatives, and tech industry stakeholders to discuss challenges, opportunities, and strategies for fostering a dynamic and inclusive digital ecosystem. The session will highlight the importance of strong legislative frameworks, multi-stakeholder collaboration, and regional policy harmonisation in accelerating Africa’s digital future.
Session Format
Opening Remarks: Brief introduction to the role of African parliaments in digital governance.
Panel Discussion: Experts will discuss key legislative trends, digital rights considerations, and economic implications.
Case Studies: Examples of successful legislative approaches to digital development in Africa.
Q&A Session: Participants will engage with panellists on practical strategies for bridging policy gaps and fostering collaboration.

Key Discussions
Legislative Frameworks for Digital Development

Current policies shaping Africa’s digital ecosystem.
Gaps and opportunities in existing legal frameworks.

Digital Rights, Governance, and Economic Growth
The impact of digital rights protection on economic and social progress.
Balancing innovation, regulation, and human rights in digital policies.
Bridging the Gap Between Policymakers and Tech Innovators

Challenges in aligning regulatory frameworks with technological advancements.
Best practices for fostering collaboration between governments and the private sector.

Strengthening Multi-Stakeholder Engagement

The role of civil society and international organizations in digital policymaking.
Strategies for inclusive and transparent legislative processes.

Why Attend?
Participants will gain insights into how legislative policies influence digital transformation and economic growth. The session will provide a space for dialogue on improving collaboration between policymakers, civil society, and tech stakeholders to ensure Africa’s digital policies are inclusive, forward-thinking, and conducive to innovation. Attendees will leave with practical recommendations on policy development, regional cooperation, and strategies for addressing key legislative challenges.
Who Should Attend?
Policymakers and legislators shaping digital governance frameworks.
Civil society organizations advocating for digital rights and inclusion.
Technology industry leaders and entrepreneurs driving innovation.
Legal professionals specializing in digital policies and regulations.
International organizations supporting Africa’s digital transformation.
Researchers and academics analyzing digital governance trends.
Media practitioners covering technology, policy, and governance.

This session will serve as a critical forum for discussing Africa’s digital policy landscape, fostering collaboration, and identifying pathways to accelerate inclusive digital transformation.

Speakers

Khadijah El-Usman

Paradigm Initiative, Senior Programs Officer, Anglophone West Africa

Khadijah El-Usman is the regional lead for Anglophone West-Africa at Paradigm Initiative with a focus to advance Internet freedom, and monitor the legal and policy framework around the region, to ensure that citizens’ rights are protected online.Khadijah is a legal practitioner... Read More →

Gbenga Sesan

Friday May 23, 2025 6:00pm - 7:30pm WAT
Workshop Room 1 NCC annexe office

Parliamentary Track, Digital Cooperation and Global Internet Governance

Subject Parliamentary Track
Area Parliamentary Track
NEW FIELD 1 Parliamentary Track

West Africa Internet Governance Forum 2025