NAIGF 2025: Strengthening North Africa’s Digital Future
Over the past week in Rabat, I had the opportunity to participate in two significant regional events that together highlight the growing maturity and ambition of North Africa’s digital governance landscape: the North Africa School on Internet Governance (NA-SIG) and the ninth edition of the North African Internet Governance Forum (NA-IGF). Each space served a different purpose, yet both contributed to a shared momentum toward a more inclusive, informed, and coordinated digital future for our subregion.
The North Africa School on Internet Governance brought together a diverse and inspiring cohort of emerging leaders from all seven countries of our subregion. Their perspectives reflected the realities, challenges, and aspirations of a region in the midst of profound digital change. I was pleased to contribute through a session on the evolution of digital public transformation in North Africa, examining how institutions are navigating governance models, digital public infrastructure, and regional alignment. I also facilitated the practicum session, guiding participants through applied exercises that encouraged policy thinking, collaboration, and the understanding of multistakeholder processes in practice.
The energy and engagement displayed throughout the school reaffirmed the importance of investing in young leaders who will shape the region’s digital trajectory in the years ahead. Their questions, reflections, and willingness to challenge assumptions are essential ingredients in building a strong and resilient governance ecosystem.
Later in the week, the discussions continued at the North African Internet Governance Forum, held with the support of Morocco’s Ministry of Digital Transition and Administrative Reform. Representing the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa’s Subregional Office for North Africa, I joined colleagues, policymakers, civil society members, and technical experts to reflect on emerging priorities and persistent gaps in the region.
The conversations underscored a critical shift: the digital divide in North Africa is no longer defined solely by infrastructure. It increasingly reflects disparities in skills, affordability, gender, geography, and access to meaningful opportunity. Ensuring that digital transformation benefits all citizens will require intentional policies, targeted investments, and a commitment to inclusivity at every level of governance.
Another central theme was the intersection of digital transformation and climate action. As data consumption accelerates and infrastructure expands, sustainability must become integral to digital strategy, not an afterthought. Discussions explored how low-carbon design, circular economy principles, and climate-oriented innovation can support more responsible and future-proof digital systems across the region.
Taken together, NA-SIG and NA-IGF offered a compelling picture of where North Africa is heading: toward deeper cooperation, stronger governance frameworks, and a more coordinated regional approach to digital development. They also highlighted the continued need for capacity-building, dialogue, and mechanisms that ensure all voices—especially those of youth and civil society—are included in shaping the future.
My thanks go to the organisers, partners, and participants who contributed to these meaningful exchanges. The commitment and collaboration demonstrated in Rabat reflect a region ready to move forward with confidence, clarity, and collective purpose.
