Reflections from the African IGF 2024 in Addis Ababa
From November 20–22, I had the privilege of joining fellow Internet stakeholders from across Africa and beyond at the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, for the 2024 African Internet Governance Forum (AfIGF). Held under the theme “Building Our Multistakeholder Digital Future for Africa,” the forum was more than just an annual gathering—it was a powerful testament to our collective ambition to shape a digital landscape that serves all Africans.
This year marked my second time attending the African IGF, following my participation in the 2023 edition in Abuja. Over the past five years, since beginning my journey in Internet governance, I’ve seen firsthand the evolution of priorities, the maturing of dialogue, and the expanding commitment to digital inclusion across the continent. Addis Ababa reaffirmed that momentum—and amplified it.
Advancing Inclusive, Secure, and Innovative Digital Spaces
The discussions this year centered around critical pillars of Africa’s digital transformation:
Empowering inclusivity in the digital space to ensure no one is left behind;
Enhancing cybersecurity to safeguard infrastructure and digital rights;
Promoting innovation tailored to the unique opportunities and challenges we face on the continent.
What stood out most was the genuine collaboration between diverse stakeholders: governments, civil society, academia, private sector leaders, youth networks, and technical communities all coming together to co-create Africa’s digital future.
It was inspiring to witness the continued commitment to an open, secure, and interoperable Internet—a vision that grows ever more vital amid rising global threats to digital freedom and connectivity.
A Platform for Advocacy and African Leadership
For me personally, AfIGF 2024 was more than just a space for policy exchange—it was an opportunity to raise the issues that matter to Africa, advocate for community-centered digital governance, and reaffirm the importance of African voices in global Internet policy conversations.
Forums like these remind us that Africa is not a passive consumer of digital governance frameworks—we are contributors, creators, and leaders in this space.
Gratitude and a Call to Action
I extend my deep thanks to the Internet Society for their unwavering support in empowering stakeholders and driving meaningful engagement across Africa. Their leadership continues to be a catalyst for progress in digital rights and governance on the continent.
As we reflect on the insights and commitments from this year’s forum, one thing is clear: the journey to a connected, inclusive, and secure Africa is far from over—and it cannot be walked alone.
I call on all stakeholders—policymakers, innovators, researchers, advocates, and technologists—to strengthen our collaboration. Let us harness our shared knowledge, experience, and passion to ensure the Internet remains a tool of empowerment for all Africans.
The work continues, but the vision is clear: an open, accessible, and inclusive Internet for everyone. 🌍🌐
Let’s keep the momentum alive. Let’s build our digital future, together.
