Strengthening Africa's Voice in the Future of Digital Cooperation
The Africa Regional Consultation on the WSIS+20 Outcomes Implementation has come to a close after two days of insightful discussions, collaboration, and strategic dialogue at the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) Headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
It was a privilege to be part of the organising team supporting this important regional consultation, which convened policymakers, private sector representatives, civil society organisations, the technical community, academia, youth, regional institutions, and development partners from across Africa. Bringing together such a diverse group of stakeholders reinforced one of the core principles that has guided the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) for over two decades: the future of digital development must be shaped through inclusive multistakeholder collaboration.
As the international community approaches the twenty-year review of the WSIS process and advances the implementation of the Global Digital Compact, this consultation provided an important opportunity for African stakeholders to reflect on progress, identify emerging priorities, and develop a common regional perspective on the future of digital cooperation.
One of the strongest impressions I leave with is that Africa is no longer participating in global digital governance conversations solely as a beneficiary or observer. Across the discussions, there was a clear recognition that African countries and institutions are increasingly contributing ideas, experiences, and policy innovations that are shaping global debates on digital transformation, digital inclusion, data governance, artificial intelligence, digital public infrastructure, and sustainable development.
The conversations throughout the consultation centred on a fundamental question: how do we translate global commitments into meaningful action at the national and regional levels? While international frameworks provide important direction, their impact ultimately depends on effective implementation that reflects local realities, development priorities, and the diverse needs of communities across the continent.
Participants also emphasised that Africa's digital future must be built on strong regional cooperation and inclusive governance. Governments, businesses, researchers, civil society, youth, and the technical community all have essential roles to play in ensuring that digital transformation delivers tangible social and economic benefits while protecting human rights, fostering innovation, and leaving no one behind.
The outcomes of the consultation will now inform Africa's engagement at the WSIS+20 High-Level Event in Geneva, where stakeholders from around the world will discuss the next chapter of global digital cooperation. The recommendations developed in Addis Ababa will help ensure that Africa's perspectives, priorities, and aspirations are reflected in these global discussions.
For me personally, supporting the organisation of this consultation was both professionally rewarding and intellectually inspiring. It offered another reminder that meaningful digital governance is built not only through policies and declarations but also through dialogue, partnerships, and the willingness to work across sectors and borders.
As we move from Addis Ababa to Geneva, the consultation may have concluded, but the work certainly has not. The momentum generated over these two days will continue as Africa contributes to shaping a more inclusive, equitable, and sustainable digital future.
I look forward to continuing this journey and contributing to the conversations that will define the next phase of digital cooperation—both for Africa and for the global community.
