Africa Internet Governance Forum 2025

This session seeks to discuss the trends and findings from Paradigm Initiative’s Digital Rights and Inclusion in Africa Report (Londa), unveiling a new Score Index that digital rights actors can use to assess the compliance of African countries to the African Commission on Human and People's Rights' Declaration on Principles of Freedom of Expression and Access to Information. The Declaration outlines key principles and standards regarding these rights stating the role of governments in upholding digital freedoms. The report investigates violations, makes recommendations and offers an opportunity for the digital rights advocates to keep a record of violations and developments. The report also offers an opportunity for governments to reflect on their policies and actions. The report acts as a shadow report to the ACHPR Special Rapporteur’s reports to the African Commission by analysing national digital rights and inclusion legislation, policies and practices within 27 countries in Africa, monitoring their compliance with freedom of expression and access to information standards. The session will provide a comparative analysis of the scores of 27 countries in Africa and how they faired with respect to digital rights compliance in 2024. The session will assess policy adoption and implementation across the 27 countries. The session will be conducted in an interactive format to allow attendees to reflect on their countries' policy priorities and overall performance based on the index. During the session, attendees will make inputs to an interactive map that shows their location and issues identified. The session will seek to discuss how stakeholders can champion digital rights and combat threats given the findings from research.

Session Objectives:
To assess 27 states’ compliance to the ACHPR’s Declaration on Freedom of Expression and Access to Information.
To spotlight areas of improvement for countries in Africa

Target Audience
The session targets policymakers, regional and national regulators and digital rights advocates._x000D_

The session seeks to address the following questions:
How can the newly unveiled Score Index, assessing compliance with the ACHPR Declaration, be effectively integrated into national and regional monitoring mechanisms?
What specific legislative and policy reforms are needed in the 27 African countries analysed to align with the ACHPR Declaration's freedom of expression and access to information standards?
How can the Global Digital Compact be effectively implemented at the national and regional levels to address the digital rights threats and widening divides highlighted in the Londa Report?

Moderators

Bridgette Ndlovu

Partnerships and Engagements Officer, Paradigm Initiative

Bridgette Ndlovu is a Partnerships and Engagements Officer at Paradigm Initiative, a leading Pan-African organisation working to advance digital rights and inclusion. Her work focuses on fostering strategic collaborations and cultivating meaningful relationships with diverse stakeholders... Read More →

Speakers

Thobekile Matimbe

Thursday May 29, 2025 09:00 - 10:00 EAT
Workshop Room 0.2 (Gombe) Julius Nyerere International Convention Centre, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Policy Debate, Universal Access and Meaningful Connectivity

09:00 EAT

Strengthening information Integrity: African Stakeholder Roundtable

Thursday May 29, 2025 09:00 - 10:00 EAT

Democratic processes, especially free and fair elections, face a growing threat from disinformation. While complex, this issue is significantly driven by the design of commercial digital platforms—their attention-maximizing algorithms and targeted advertising systems are exploited by malicious actors and amplified by generative AI to manipulate public discourse.

Countering this requires not only promoting access to information as a public good but also enabling its effective use. Disinformation often thrives on low literacy and unequal access, but a further challenge lies in translating available data into actionable public knowledge. This necessitates robust collaboration among diverse stakeholders – fact-checkers, media, researchers, and civil society – to analyse data and make it accessible, fostering informed citizenship. Legal frameworks supporting data access and free expression, such as those in Africa, are foundational but require stronger implementation.
To proactively address these challenges, RIA and IMS are dedicated to building stakeholder coalitions capable of defending information integrity. This session aims to identify specific threats within the African information landscape and forge collaborative partnerships prepared to safeguard the electoral environment.

This session forms part of RIA and IMS's participatory research on effective media coalitions during elections, employing threat identification mapping similar to successful work during the recent Ghanaian elections. The findings will inform ongoing tracking, analysis, and research reporting.
The session also aims to contribute to stakeholder dialogues and a coordinated response to issues of electoral disinformation and information disorders broadly. We aim to awareness and build new alliances and networks on mitigating information disorders. RIA and IMS will publicize the session on organisation social media platforms as well as share a post session report capturing key issues from the session discussions.

Moderators

Liz Orembo

Speakers

Dr Tabani Moyo

Fausta Musokwa

Thursday May 29, 2025 09:00 - 10:00 EAT
Workshop Room 1 (Bagamoyo) Julius Nyerere International Convention Centre, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Roundtable Discussion, Cybersecurity, Resilience, and Trust

09:00 EAT

AfIGF 2025: Youth Track - Empowering Youth to Promote Africa's Digital Future

Thursday May 29, 2025 09:00 - 17:00 EAT

Workshop Room 3 (Ruaha)

The Africa Youth Internet Governance Forum (Africa Youth IGF) is a continental collective Platform of young people in a dynamic and influential network dedicated to shaping and empowering Africa's digital future. With a diverse membership spanning the northern, eastern, southern, and western regions of the continent, this platform brings together over 200+ passionate young leaders from all 54 countries. Together, they channel their collective creativity and innovation to drive positive change and ensure a vibrant digital landscape across Africa. Under the banner of strong multistakeholderism and Internet Governance.

As the continent undergoes rapid digital transformation, youth are at the heart of technological innovation, policy advocacy, and grassroots solutions. The African Union’s Agenda 2063 envisions a prosperous and digitally inclusive Africa, and its Digital Transformation Strategy (2020-2030) highlights the need for youth engagement to drive the continent’s digital future. However, persistent challenges such as unequal access to digital infrastructure, cybersecurity threats, limited digital literacy, and governance gaps continue to hinder Africa’s ability to maximize digital opportunities.

Young people, who constitute the majority of Africa’s population, must be equipped with the knowledge, tools, and networks to lead this transformation. The Africa Youth IGF provides a space where youth voices influence policy discussions and ensure that Africa’s digital policies are inclusive, ethical, and responsive to emerging challenges. This year’s theme, “Empowering Youth to Promote Africa’s Digital Future,” underscores the urgent need to strengthen youth-led digital solutions, increase capacity building, and advocate for equitable digital policies that align with the AU’s vision for a connected and prosperous Africa.

OBJECTIVES:
- Promote meaningful youth participation in global digital governance: Bridge the gap between African youth and global policy forums to ensure their perspectives shape international digital policies.
- Drive sustainable and inclusive digital growth: Align Africa’s youth digital agenda with the AU’s broader vision for a resilient, inclusive, and innovation-driven economy.
- Address critical barriers facing African youth, such as limited access to digital skills, underrepresentation in governance, and inadequate funding and limited support for innovation, to ensure their full participation in the continent’s digital transformation.
- Strengthen the role of African youth in shaping policies that drive digital innovation and economic growth.

TIME (UTC+3)| SESSION
09:00 - 09:30 | REGISTRATION
09:30 - 10:00 | Welcome Remarks
10:00 - 10:20 | Keynote / Goodwill Message
10:20 - 10:30 | Karibu IGF: Umoja wa Mitandao Yetu: Igniting Africa’s United Internet Journey
10:30 - 11:00 | TEA BREAK
11:00 - 12:00 | SESSION 1: Digital Identity & Borderless Opportunity: What Every African Youth Should Know About Digital IDs and the AfCFTA
12:00 - 13:00 | IGF 2025 YOUTH TRACK WS II - Content online moderation on Social media
13:00 - 14:00 | LUNCH BREAK
14:00 - 15:00 | SESSION 4: Youth and MPs: Intergenerational Dialogue on Digital Governance
15:00 - 15:30 | REFRESHER SPACE ( VIDEO PROJECTION) - COFFEE BREAK
15:30 - 16:30 | SESSION 3: BREAKOUT DISCUSSION
- TRACK I - Open Source & AI
- TRACK II - Digital Rights & Digital Inclusion
16:30 - 17:00 | Closing Ceremony - Road to Global IGF

Moderators

Athanase Bahizire

ISOC DR Congo

Athanase Bahizire is a software engineer and a youth advocate from the Southern Kivu province in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. He holds a bachelor's degree in computer science and a data protection certificate. He has been actively involved in the Internet ecosystem; he is... Read More →

Speakers

Mariam Jobe

Secretariat, WAIGF

Millenium Anthony

Thursday May 29, 2025 09:00 - 17:00 EAT
Workshop Room 3 (Ruaha) Julius Nyerere International Convention Centre, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Networking & Community Session, Enhancing Digital Cooperation (GDC, WSIS+20, OEWG, SDGs 2030 etc.)

09:00 EAT

AfIGF 2025: Parliamentary Track

Thursday May 29, 2025 09:00 - 17:30 EAT

The Internet Governance Forum (IGF), convened annually by the UN Secretary-General, is a global multistakeholder platform that facilitates discussions on Internet and digital public policy issues. This year, Norway will host the United Nations 20th Internet Governance Forum (IGF 2025) under the overarching theme “Building Digital Governance Together”.

The African IGF (AfIGF) is a regional IGF initiative dedicated to fostering exchanges within the region on relevant digital policy topics. In recent years, the IGF has sought to strengthen the participation of parliamentarians in discussions on some of the most pressing issues related to the use, evolution and governance of the Internet and related digital technologies at the global and regional Forums.

Building on Parliamentary Track experiences at the African IGF since 2022 and under the overarching theme “Parliamentarians Empowering Africa’s Digital Future”, dedicated sessions for parliamentarians from across the African region will be held again at the African IGF 2025 in Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania.

The activities will facilitate dialogue and exchanges on key digital policy issues among Members of Parliaments (MPs), and between MPs and other stakeholders from within and beyond the African continent. Focus will be given to the Parliamentarians of information and communication technology (ICT) related committees at the national or regional parliaments, who work on digital affairs and Internet policy issues.

Objectives:
1. Familiarize MPs with the IGF space and the broader international ecosystem for Internet governance and digital policy. Encourage them to actively contribute to relevant regional and international processes.
Prepare MPs for participation in the IGF 2025 meeting and the dedicated Parliamentary Track, as well as future IGF meetings and activities.
2. Update MPs on a set of Internet governance and digital policy issues relevant to African countries. Facilitate dialogue on these issues with other parliamentarians, as well as with relevant international and regional organisations from different stakeholder groups (intergovernmental organisations, the technical community, private sector, civil society).
3. Discuss the relevance of legislative work in shaping a digital future in the region. Highlight issues that need to be considered when legislation for the digital space is developedFacilitate cooperation and exchanges of good practices with MPs from national and regional parliaments, as well as parliaments from other regions, which have advanced legislative work on digital policy issues.
4. Expose the MPs to relevant internet governance processes (e.g., WSIS+20 review process, the Global Digital Compact) and other UN flagship initiatives.
Collaborators
The IGF Secretariat is collaborating on the regional Parliamentary Track with several partners, including the the African Union, the GIZ, UN Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), the African School on Internet Governance (AfriSIG), and the African Parliamentary Network on Internet Governance (APNIG).

Moderators

Celine Felicitas Bal

Thursday May 29, 2025 09:00 - 17:30 EAT
Workshop Room 4 ( Mikumi) Julius Nyerere International Convention Centre, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Panel Discussion, Enhancing Digital Cooperation (GDC, WSIS+20, OEWG, SDGs 2030 etc.)

10:30 EAT

Coffee break

Thursday May 29, 2025 10:30 - 11:00 EAT

Canteen

Participation
This session does not include public remote participation.

Thursday May 29, 2025 10:30 - 11:00 EAT
Canteen Julius Nyerere International Convention Centre

Break

11:00 EAT

Main Session 2 - Digital Transformation (UNECA)

Thursday May 29, 2025 11:00 - 12:00 EAT

Thursday May 29, 2025 11:00 - 12:00 EAT
Selous Room ( Plenary room) Julius Nyerere International Convention Centre, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Main Session

11:00 EAT

From Harm to Healing: Addressing Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence in Africa’s Digital Sp

Thursday May 29, 2025 11:00 - 12:00 EAT

Across Africa, the internet holds enormous potential to empower voices, enable democratic participation, and drive social change. Yet for many women and marginalized groups, digital spaces have become increasingly dangerous. The rise of Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence (TFGBV); including online harassment, cyberstalking, non-consensual image sharing, deepfake attacks, and targeted disinformation—poses a direct threat to freedom of expression, political participation, mental health, and digital inclusion.

TFGBV is not just a gender issue, it is a governance failure, a cybersecurity risk, and a trust crisis. It thrives in environments where platforms lack accountability, laws are outdated or absent, and survivor-centered systems are underdeveloped. Its impact is not only personal, it shapes public discourse, erodes civic trust, and pushes women out of digital and political spaces.

This session brings TFGBV into the heart of the Internet Governance Forum agenda. It will examine how digital violence manifests across African contexts, why responses remain inadequate, and what is needed to build resilient, inclusive, and rights-respecting digital ecosystems. The session will draw on the expertise of legal actors, digital rights defenders, technologists, policymakers, and those directly impacted by online violence.

Rationale
TFGBV is a growing digital threat across Africa, silencing voices, deepening inequality, and undermining participation in civic and political life. Despite its scale, TFGBV remains overlooked in cybersecurity and internet governance frameworks, with limited legal protections and inadequate platform accountability. Addressing TFGBV is not just about safety, it’s about upholding rights, building digital trust, and ensuring inclusive access. This session brings TFGBV to the forefront of digital governance, calling for coordinated, survivor-centered responses to make Africa’s digital spaces safe and empowering for all.
Together, they will identify strategies to
1. Embed protection against TFGBV in cybersecurity and digital safety frameworks;
2. Advance multistakeholder collaboration for prevention, mitigation, and redress;
3. Design inclusive, survivor-informed solutions that center trust, justice, and dignity.

Session Objectives
1. Highlight the forms, drivers, and impact of TFGBV in African digital ecosystems;
2. Identify gaps in legal, institutional, and platform responses;
3. Showcase survivor-centered, context-aware approaches to digital safety;
4. Encourage multistakeholder actions to address TFGBV in internet governance discussions;
5. Promote alignment with cybersecurity, trust, and digital cooperation frameworks

Expected Outcomes
1. A shared set of recommendations for integrating TFGBV into internet governance and digital safety agendas;
2. Strengthened partnerships between gender rights defenders, digital policymakers, and tech stakeholders;
3. Documentation of best practices and survivor-informed strategies for response and prevention;
4. Increased recognition of TFGBV as a cybersecurity and trust issue, not just a social or gender issue.

Moderators

Tech & Media Convergency (TMC)

Speakers

Nancy K. Angulo

Imani Henrick

Janet J. Kahindi

Ruqayya Nassir

Thursday May 29, 2025 11:00 - 12:00 EAT
Workshop Room 1 (Bagamoyo) Julius Nyerere International Convention Centre, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Roundtable Discussion, Cybersecurity, Resilience, and Trust

11:00 EAT

Beyond Awareness: Embedding Digital Security Practices in Marginalized Communities

Thursday May 29, 2025 11:00 - 12:00 EAT

Session Description:
While digital transformation continues to reshape societies, marginalized communities in Africa often remain excluded from the benefits of secure digital practices. These communities face unique challenges, such as limited access to resources, low levels of digital literacy, and exposure to cyber threats. Despite efforts to raise awareness, a critical gap persists in embedding sustainable digital security practices tailored to the realities of these communities._x000D_
This interactive workshop will move beyond theoretical awareness to practical implementation. Participants will explore innovative strategies, grassroots-led initiatives, and actionable tools designed to integrate digital security into the daily lives of underserved populations. Through hands-on demonstrations and real-world case studies, this session will provide a platform to share experiences, foster collaboration, and equip attendees with a framework to address digital security challenges at the local level.

Key Objectives:

Identify Barriers: Explore the unique challenges marginalized communities face in adopting secure digital practices.
Share Innovations: Present creative, low-cost solutions and tools that align with the specific needs of these communities.
Empower Grassroots Organizations: Highlight the pivotal role of grassroots organizations in promoting localized digital safety initiatives.
Provide Practical Frameworks: Equip participants with tools and frameworks to build localized, sustainable digital security programs.

Expected Outcomes:
Participants will leave with:

A deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities in embedding digital security practices in marginalized communities.
Exposure to innovative tools and methods tailored to underserved populations.
A framework for implementing sustainable digital security programs.
Enhanced collaboration between grassroots organizations, policymakers, and digital rights advocates to drive community-centric digital safety initiatives.

Target Audience:

Grassroots organizations working with underserved communities.
Digital rights advocates.
Policymakers focused on inclusivity and digital transformation.
Educators and trainers in the digital literacy space.
Technologists interested in accessible and localized digital security solutions.

Moderators

Godsway Kubi

ABRAHAM SELBY

Digital Transformation Analyst & Facilitator, Pan African Youth Ambassadors for Internet Governance

Results-driven Public Administration and Management Postgraduate with a specialization in Public Policy and over 12 years of professional experience in IT management, digital analysis, and business analysis. Skilled in aligning digital transformation strategies with public sector... Read More →

Speakers

Birhanu Niguse Ayele

MSc student, Lund University-ESAMI-Trapca

Mr. Birhanu Niguse is Pan African Youth Ambassador for Internet Governance, impact s scholarship selected scholar of Leaders of Africa, a young advocate for inclusive digital trade, data, and internet governance with a background of BSc in statistics and MSc in project management... Read More →

Angela Onyegbuna

Thursday May 29, 2025 11:00 - 12:00 EAT
Workshop Room 0.2 (Gombe) Julius Nyerere International Convention Centre, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Workshop, Cybersecurity, Resilience, and Trust

12:00 EAT

Digital Public Infrastructure for Borderless Connectivity in the MRU Region

Thursday May 29, 2025 12:00 - 13:00 EAT

The Mano River Union (MRU) region—comprising Liberia, Sierra Leone, Guinea, and Côte d'Ivoire—faces significant digital connectivity challenges due to fragmented digital systems that hinder regional economic integration, creating barriers to cross-border trade, financial transactions, and public service delivery. Unlike other African sub-regions with harmonized digital public infrastructure (DPI) strategies, the MRU region lacks interoperable solutions, making mobile money transactions costly, e-governance services inaccessible across borders, and regional data-sharing inefficient. This Lightning Talk highlights the urgent need for a unified DPI framework, focusing on cross-border mobile money interoperability to enhance financial inclusion, e-governance and data-sharing frameworks for seamless digital IDs and trade, and lessons from successful regional DPI initiatives such as the Smart Africa Alliance, UEMOA, and the East African Community. As Africa moves towards a digitally connected future, the MRU region cannot afford to be left behind; this session will explore policy recommendations, private sector engagement, and regional collaboration to accelerate digital transformation for borderless economic growth while addressing existing infrastructure gaps, proposing harmonization strategies, and calling on governments, telecom operators, and regional bodies to foster a unified digital economy for inclusive digital development in West Africa.

Aims and Objectives
This Lightning Talk aims to:

Highlight the challenges of fragmented digital public infrastructure (DPI) in the Mano River Union (MRU) region—Liberia, Sierra Leone, Guinea, and Côte d'Ivoire.
Advocate for interoperable DPI solutions that enable seamless cross-border financial transactions, e-governance services, and data-sharing frameworks.

Expected Outcomes
By the end of this session, participants will:

Gain insights into the current DPI challenges affecting cross-border connectivity in the MRU region.
Understand the benefits of harmonized digital public infrastructure, including enhanced financial inclusion, e-governance, and regional trade facilitation.
Identify policy and technical strategies to develop interoperable DPI frameworks in MRU countries.
Engage in discussions on collaboration between governments, private sector, and development partners to advance digital transformation.

Justification
The MRU region lags behind other African sub-regions in harmonizing digital public infrastructure, creating barriers to financial inclusion, trade, and digital public services. Without interoperable DPI, citizens and businesses struggle with costly mobile transactions, lack of cross-border e-governance services, and weak digital connectivity. This session is crucial as it:

Aligns with Africa’s digital transformation goals, contributing to AfCFTA’s vision of a borderless digital economy.
Addresses a regional gap often overlooked in continental discussions on digital public infrastructure.
Proposes tangible solutions by drawing from successful DPI models in other African regions.
Encourages multi-stakeholder action towards DPI harmonization for a more inclusive and connected West Africa.
Join this session to explore how DPI can unlock borderless connectivity and drive digital inclusion in the MRU region!

Moderators

Peterking Quaye

Executive Director, WAICTANet & West Member -Trusted Africa Internet Initiative

Peterking Quaye is a Policy Researcher & Advocacy Specialist He is Founder & Executive Director of West Africa ICT Action Network, an ICT based sub-regional Non-for-profit organization working on internet governance, cyber and digital capacity development , AI ,digital inclusion and... Read More →

Thursday May 29, 2025 12:00 - 13:00 EAT
Workshop Room 1 (Bagamoyo) Julius Nyerere International Convention Centre, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Lightning Talk, Digital Public Infrastructure and Data Governance

12:00 EAT

Launch Event of the Tanzania Readiness Assessment Report

Thursday May 29, 2025 12:00 - 13:00 EAT

This event will feature the official launch of the Tanzania Readiness Assessment Report, a key milestone marking Tanzania’s commitment to fostering ethical, inclusive, and human-centered AI development in line with international standards and national priorities, including the UNESCO Recommendation on the Ethics of AI._x000D_

The session will present the findings of Tanzania’s readiness assessment, conducted using UNESCO’s Readiness Assessment Methodology (RAM)—a comprehensive, participatory tool designed to help Member States evaluate their national capacities and identify gaps in the governance, development, and deployment of artificial intelligence. Developed as part of the implementation of the 2021 Recommendation on the Ethics of AI—the first global normative instrument in this field—the RAM enables evidence-based policymaking and fosters alignment with human rights, sustainability, and fairness in AI systems.

Drawing on best practices from previous RAM launches in countries such as Brazil, Ghana, Morocco, and Mexico, this session will showcase the collaborative process that informed Tanzania’s report. It will highlight key insights on policy and regulatory frameworks, education and research ecosystems, data and infrastructure readiness, and ethical considerations in AI design and deployment.

Participants will hear from national stakeholders, lead consultants, and UNESCO representatives, who will discuss how the report’s findings can inform strategic planning, capacity building, and multi-stakeholder engagement going forward. The event will also spotlight how the RAM process strengthens national ownership of AI governance, while fostering regional and international cooperation on ethical AI.

This launch represents a pivotal step in Tanzania’s journey toward responsible AI innovation—rooted in equity, transparency, and the protection of human dignity.

Moderator: Rosanna Fanni, Ethics of AI Unit, UNESCO HQ
Speakers:
- TBC, Government of Tanzania
- TBC, UNESCO National Commission, Tanzania
- Ngandeu Ngatta Hugue, Unit Head/Programme Specialist
Social and Human Sciences, UNESCO Regional Office for Eastern Africa
- Essa Mohamedali (Tanzania RAM consultant)
- Dr Neema Nduma (Tanzania RAM consultant)
- TBC, African Union

Moderators

Rosanna Fanni

Thursday May 29, 2025 12:00 - 13:00 EAT
Workshop Room 0.2 (Gombe) Julius Nyerere International Convention Centre, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Policy Debate, Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Technologies

13:00 EAT

Lunch Break

Thursday May 29, 2025 13:00 - 14:00 EAT

Canteen

Participation
This session does not include public remote participation.

Thursday May 29, 2025 13:00 - 14:00 EAT
Canteen Julius Nyerere International Convention Centre

Break

14:00 EAT

Infrastructure of Trust: Digital Public Goods, Open Platforms &the Future of African Digital Finance

Thursday May 29, 2025 14:00 - 15:00 EAT

In a time when the internet is no longer just a medium for communication, but a marketplace, a school, a hospital, and a government office—the foundational question becomes: who owns the infrastructure of trust? As Africa builds its digital future, the most crucial architecture is not just bandwidth, but Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI)—systems that are open, interoperable, inclusive, and purpose-built for enabling value creation at scale.

This lightning talk shines a spotlight on the nature of open platforms and how they form the backbone of a new African economy. It explores the internet not as a static network, but as a platform of platforms—supporting value exchange, coordination, and innovation. In this evolving digital economy, public digital infrastructure is not just a state obligation, but a shared responsibility of netizens, raising an urgent philosophical question: Who is the African netizen in the blockchain era? What does autonomy look like in a distributed financial future?

Taking Moja Loop and Tanzania’s Instant Payment System (TIPS) as practical case studies, the session explores how digital finance can drive financial inclusion, bypassing the limitations of traditional banking systems. TIPS, operating over active cellular networks and leveraging a unified payment interface, has created a layer of real-time digital trust—giving rise to accessible, scalable, and low-cost payment rails for underserved populations. Through open APIs and interoperable infrastructure, these platforms have turned mobile connectivity into economic agency.

Yet, inclusion is not a guarantee—it is a design choice. The value of the digital economy grows exponentially, but so do its risks, particularly when infrastructure is gated, proprietary, or optimized for exclusion. Without strong public digital infrastructure and universal access, the internet becomes not a highway of value, but a terrain of extraction.

This session builds a powerful case for treating digital finance as a public utility, underpinned by open standards, accountable governance, and citizen-centric design. It touches on:
• How Africa’s digital finance landscape is growing—from peer-to-peer transactions to decentralized finance (DeFi) solutions
• Why interoperability is the key to inclusive economic networks
• The role of DPI in enabling innovation across education, health, taxation, and social protection
• Risks of platform capitalism without public safeguards
• The future of the internet as a civic space that empowers through infrastructure, not just apps
Ultimately, the lightning talk issues a call to action: for Africa to protect and promote the internet as a public good. The infrastructure of trust must be open, sovereign, and rooted in equity—because inclusion is not a byproduct of digital progress; it is the purpose.

Moderators

Gabriel Karsan

Founding Director, Emerging Youth Initiative

Mr. Karsan, Gabriel identifies as a Digital Dreamer, internet leader and activist. The protagonist of the youth narrative in building modern equitable civilizations leveraging the power of technology through equity and accessibility of the internet and technology resources distributed... Read More →

Speakers

Titus Matata

Sabelo Zimu

Thursday May 29, 2025 14:00 - 15:00 EAT
Workshop Room 1 (Bagamoyo) Julius Nyerere International Convention Centre, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Policy Debate, Digital Public Infrastructure and Data Governance

15:00 EAT

Coffee Break

Thursday May 29, 2025 15:00 - 15:30 EAT

Canteen

Participation
This session does not include public remote participation.

Thursday May 29, 2025 15:00 - 15:30 EAT
Canteen Julius Nyerere International Convention Centre

Break

15:30 EAT

Day Zero: ADLI Data Governance Simulation

Thursday May 29, 2025 15:30 - 17:00 EAT

1) Day Zero: Data Governance Simulation Proposal
This closed interactive workshop on Day Zero puts Africa Data Leadership Initiative (ADLI) participants in the driver's seat of data governance decision-making through an immersive role-playing simulation, following a six week virtual learning journey which started in April 2025. Participants are from Ghana, Rwanda, Ethiopia and Somalia. During this in-person simulation, participants will role play as key stakeholders in a dynamic data ecosystem where they must navigate the complex tensions between innovation potential and protection requirements.

The simulation unfolds across three evolving scenarios from initial data sharing proposals through unexpected crises to long-term governance frameworks. Participants make consequential decisions with immediate feedback on how their choices impact innovation opportunities, protection effectiveness, public trust, and cross-sector collaboration.
Unlike theoretical discussions, this hands-on experience reveals how different stakeholders approach the same data challenges through different lenses. Participants negotiate competing interests, forge strategic alliances, and develop practical governance solutions while experiencing firsthand the difficult trade-offs inherent in responsible data use.
Followed by an expert discussion connecting simulation insights to real-world practices, participants leave with concrete strategies for balancing competing data priorities, crisis management techniques, and governance frameworks they can immediately apply in their organizations.

Learning objectives:
1.Experience firsthand the competing interests in data governance.
2.Practice balancing innovation potential with necessary protections
3.Develop practical approaches to multi-stakeholder data collaboration
4.Understand how governance decisions impact various stakeholders differently

2. Scenario: Detailed structure
2.1 Welcome & framing the discussion  
2.2 Setup & stakeholder immersion _

Stakeholder profiles :
1. Tech entrepreneurs: Maximize data access, minimize restrictions, accelerate innovation
2. Regulators: Ensure compliance, protect citizen rights, maintain order Resources: Enforcement authority, legal expertise, public mandate Constraints: Limited technical understanding, bureaucratic processes
3. Civil Society Organizations: Represent citizen interests, ensure ethical use, promote equity Resources: Public trust, ethical frameworks, community connections Constraints: Limited technical/legal expertise, funding limitations
4. Corporate data holders: Monetize data assets, limit liability, maintain competitive advantage Resources: Vast data holdings, market power, legal teams Constraints: Reputational concerns, regulatory scrutiny

Moderators

Pierrinne Leukes

Thursday May 29, 2025 15:30 - 17:00 EAT
Workshop Room 0.2 (Gombe) Julius Nyerere International Convention Centre, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Networking & Community Session, Digital Public Infrastructure and Data Governance

07:00 EAT

Registration & Badge Collection

Friday May 30, 2025 07:00 - 09:05 EAT

Registration Tent

Friday May 30, 2025 07:00 - 09:05 EAT
Registration Tent Julius Nyerere International Convention Centre

Registration

08:00 EAT

AfIGF 2025 | Day 1 : Parliamentary Session

Friday May 30, 2025 08:00 - 09:00 EAT

[Opening] Opening of the Regional Parliamentary Track and Welcome Remarks
Deputy Minister of Communication and Information Technology, Tanzania
Chengetai Masango, Head of the IGF Secretariat
Tanzanian Parliament
Adil Suleiman, Senior Policy Officer, African Union Commission
Julia Kronberg, Head of Cooperation, German Embassy, Tanzania

[Parliamentary Session 1] Roundtable Discussion with Members of Parliament: Towards Effective Digital Governance in Africa
The regional Parliamentary Track will start with a roundtable discussion amongst all Members of Parliaments to explore the most pressing digital issues in African countries and regions, specifically regarding data governance. Members of Parliaments will share insights of existing regulatory frameworks in their countries, as well as current trends and prospectives legislations. These priorities and insights will guide the discussions of the regional event and will inform deliberations at the global IGF Parliamentary Track, held alongside the IGF 2025 from 23 to 27 June in Lillestrøm, Norway.

[Parliamentary Session 2] Safeguarding Democracy in the Digital Age: Legislative Priorities and Policy Pathways in Africa
Citizens need to have confidence in the system and institutions of democracy, including electoral processes. However, trust is deteriorating with the rapid spread of misinformation through digital technologies. This session brings together legislators from all African regions to exchange good practices on strengthening institutional resilience against misinformation and lessons learned from diverse regulatory approaches to preserve information integrity.

[Parliamentary Session 3] Striking the Balance: Upholding Freedom of Expression in the Fight Against Cybercrime.
This session unites the architects of Africa’s early WSIS engagements with today’s youth changemakers to reflect on our shared journey and chart the path forward. We’ll revisit the founding principles of multi-stakeholder cooperation established at WSIS, then dive into an open dialogue on how intergenerational alliances can build resilient digital institutions across the continent. Through moderated panels and youth-led breakout labs, participants will co-design a roadmap of priority spanning policy, partnership models, and capacity building to carry Africa’s digital cooperation into the next twenty years.

[Parliamentary Session 4] Intergenerational dialogue on digital cooperation for Africa’s future - road to WSIS+20

[Parliamentary Session 5] Building Truly Inclusive AI Governance Practices in Africa

[Parliamentary Session 6] What is next? Closing of the Regional Parliamentary Track and Insights about the Global IGF
By this time, the discussions at the regional Parliamentary Track will have drawn out the priority areas for parliaments to focus on. Members of Parliaments will be given insights on the IGF 2025 and its global Parliamentary Track, as well as upcoming activities during the IGF 2025.

Moderators

Celine Felicitas Bal

Friday May 30, 2025 08:00 - 09:00 EAT
Workshop Room 4 ( Mikumi) Julius Nyerere International Convention Centre, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Panel Discussion, Enhancing Digital Cooperation (GDC, WSIS+20, OEWG, SDGs 2030 etc.)

08:30 EAT

Main Session 1: Harnessing AI for Africa’s Development and Prosperity

Friday May 30, 2025 08:30 - 09:30 EAT

The advancements of Artificial Intelligence (AI) are profoundly changing our economies and societies. AI is integrating into most aspects of life, producing new efficiencies and enhancing human capacities. Across Africa, (AI) presents unprecedented opportunities to drive inclusive growth, innovation, and public service delivery. In 2024, the Africa Union took a commendable step by developing and adopting a Continental AI Strategy to guide innovation, policy alignment, and ethical deployment across member states. However, the global AI landscape is shifting rapidly shaped by intensifying geopolitical competition, emerging international regulatory frameworks, and transformative AI capabilities. Therefore, Africa is at a pivotal moment in shaping its AI trajectory not to remain as a passive recipient of global rules but as a co-author of international norms, informed by local realities and development goals.

Objective:
The session aims to be visionary, strategic, and action-oriented, reflecting Africa’s unique challenges and opportunities in the global AI landscape. The session will explore how African countries can develop AI ecosystems rooted in local context, ensuring they are not merely consumers of AI, but architects of their own future.

Key Discussion Areas:
1. What roles should African countries play in shaping emerging global AI frameworks? How can we institutionalize Africa’s influence in global AI governance bodies and standards-setting processes? How can Africa assert strategic agency in fora like the UN, G7 Hiroshima Process, and GDC? What institutional mechanisms (e.g., advisory groups, coalitions) are needed to coordinate African voice in multilateral spaces?
2. What is the role of public-private partnerships in bridging the AI skills and infrastructure gap across the continent? What are the gaps in infrastructure, policy, and talent across the continent? And what should governments/states do to address these gaps? How can African states move from strategic vision to coordinated action?
3. What are the barriers to national and regional implementation of the AU AI Strategy?
4.What are the risks of dependency on foreign AI systems?, and how can open-source or regional AI infrastructures offer alternatives?
5.How is ICANN adapting its governance approach to ensure the stability, security, and resilience of the domain name system in the age of autonomous systems and algorithmic decision-making?"
8. How can ICANN support the region in developing resilient, AI-ready internet infrastructure including secure, inclusive access to the DNS and trusted digital identity systems that underpin AI-enabled economies?"
9. How can all stakeholders collaborate to ensure that AI frameworks meaningfully reflect the needs and the rights in Africa?

Expected Outcomes:
● Draft of key African principles for AI governance_
● A proposal to establish a Pan-African AI Governance Coordination Mechanism, interfacing with global bodies (OECD, GDC, UN AI Advisory, etc.)
● Identification of priority areas for capacity building &innovation hubs

Moderator:
Hon. Alhagie Mbow, Chair, Africa IGF MAG

Speakers:

Mr. Mehdi Snene, Senior Advisor on AI and Digital Transformation, Office of the UN Secretary-General's Envoy on Technology
H.E. Ms. Emma Theofelus, Minister of ICT, Republic of Namibia
Dr. Hoda Baraka, Advisor to the Minister for Technology Talent Development, Arab Republic of Egypt

Rapporteur:
Dr. Khouzeifi Issakha Doud-Bane, AfIGF MAG Member

Moderators

ISSAKHA DOUDBANE

Speakers

Alhagie Mbow

Friday May 30, 2025 08:30 - 09:30 EAT
Selous Room ( Plenary room) Julius Nyerere International Convention Centre, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Panel Discussion, Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Technologies

10:00 EAT

Openning Ceremony

Friday May 30, 2025 10:00 - 14:00 EAT

Friday May 30, 2025 10:00 - 14:00 EAT
Selous Room ( Plenary room) Julius Nyerere International Convention Centre, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Main Session

14:30 EAT

Lunch Break

Friday May 30, 2025 14:30 - 15:30 EAT

Canteen

Participation
This session does not include public remote participation.

Friday May 30, 2025 14:30 - 15:30 EAT
Canteen Julius Nyerere International Convention Centre

Break

16:00 EAT

Impacting with the Coalition for Digital Africa

Friday May 30, 2025 16:00 - 17:00 EAT

Home to the youngest population on the planet, 70 percent of whom are under age 30, Africa has one of the fastest-growing Internet penetration rates in the world. Internet connectivity is growing by leaps and bounds – from 1.2 percent in 2000 to 43 percent in 2021 – driven by a digitally savvy, young, and educated urban workforce for whom adopting and using online services is second nature.

Launched on 01 December 2022, The Coalition for Digital Africa is an initiative that aims to bring together stakeholders to expand the Internet in Africa.

The Coalition promotes innovation and encourages entrepreneurial efforts aimed at strengthening Internet infrastructure to support the development of Africa’s digital economy.
The Coalition for Digital Africa will create affinity among Internet access providers, content providers, public and private sector actors, and others to enable an Internet that is useful and empowering for people across Africa
By working together, pooling resources, and helping each stakeholder develop specific capacities, the benefits provided through each initiative will be maximized.

The Coalition for Digital Africa has Three focus area:
A Robust Domain Name System (DNS) Infrastructure in Africa: Securing the stability of the DNS, thereby strengthening the Internet infrastructure in Africa and enhancing its security and resiliency.
Capacity Development: Equipping Africa’s workforce with the skills and knowledge necessary to participate in the multistakeholder model of Internet governance.
Meaningful Connectivity: Fostering multilingualism and encouraging local content development in Africa.
By working together, pooling resources, and helping each stakeholder develop specific capacities, the benefits provided through each initiative will be maximized.
The Coalition for Digital Africa has a set of Guiding Principles. This set of principles seeks to define the shared goals for participants in the Coalition for Digital Africa, that, when practiced, will foster clear and effective implementation. The end goal is, ultimately, to ensure that the Internet continues to grow safely in Africa, in a stable manner, to bring communities, cultures, and economies together.

This session will showcase the impact of projects under the Coalition for Digital Africa.

Moderators

Yaovi Atohoun

Friday May 30, 2025 16:00 - 17:00 EAT
Workshop Room 1 (Bagamoyo) Julius Nyerere International Convention Centre, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Panel Discussion, Universal Access and Meaningful Connectivity

16:00 EAT

The Role of Policy and Regulation in Achieving Universal Internet Access – Case Studies from Africa

Friday May 30, 2025 16:00 - 17:00 EAT

Workshop Room 3 (Ruaha)

The digital divide in Africa is one of the most pressing development challenges of our time. With over half of Africa's population still offline, the continent faces a unique set of challenges, including the lack of sufficient infrastructure, high connectivity costs, inadequate digital skills, and regulatory bottlenecks. However, these challenges are not insurmountable. By addressing these gaps through carefully crafted policies and effective regulation, African nations can open the door to the transformative potential of the internet for all their citizens.

Universal internet access is not merely a convenience, but a fundamental prerequisite for socio-economic development, political inclusion, and global competitiveness. Yet, across the African continent, over 60% of the population remains offline, grappling with a digital divide that inhibits access to education, healthcare, economic opportunities, and governance. This digital exclusion undermines Africa’s ability to fully leverage its demographic and technological potential. It is thus crucial for policy and regulatory frameworks to be designed and implemented strategically to bridge this gap.

Objective
The primary objective of this session is to analyze how targeted policies and regulations have advanced (or hindered) universal internet access in African nations, with a focus on Tanzania, Nigeria, Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda. The session seeks to identify best practices, draw lessons, and propose policy recommendations that could enhance internet accessibility across the continent.

Expected outcomes
By the end of the session, participants will have gained a comprehensive understanding of the pivotal role that policy and regulation play in achieving universal internet access across Africa. They will be equipped with practical insights from successful case studies in Tanzania, Nigeria, Ethiopia, Uganda, and Kenya, highlighting the impact of well-crafted regulatory frameworks in overcoming barriers to connectivity.

Session Hosts
The Tanzania Ministry of Information, Communications and Technology
The Tanzania Ministry of Information, Communications and Technology is a government institution tasked with overseeing the development and implementation of policies related to information access, communication services, and digital technologies.

Tech & Media Convergency (TMC)
Tech & Media Convergency (TMC) is an award-winning organization driving digital innovation and fostering a knowledge-based society in Tanzania. It champions digital inclusion, gender equality, cybersecurity, and ethical digital practices. It actively participates in global and regional networks such as the ITU’s P2C, Net Rights Coalition, and Africa IGF.

ISOC Tanzania Chapter
The Internet Society Tanzania Chapter (ISOC Tanzania) is a non-profit organization registered under Tanzanian law and serves as the local chapter of the global Internet Society.

Moderators

Tech & Media Convergency (TMC)

Speakers

'Gbenga Sesan

Executive Director, Paradigm Initiative

‘Gbenga Sesan is the Executive Director of Paradigm Initiative, a pan-African social enterprise working on digital inclusion and digital rights through its offices in Cameroon, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Zambia and Zimbabwe. He is also a Non-Resident Fellow at the Digital Civil Society... Read More →

Asha D. Abinallah

Sorene Assefa

Eng. Peter P. Mwasalyanda

Friday May 30, 2025 16:00 - 17:00 EAT
Workshop Room 3 (Ruaha) Julius Nyerere International Convention Centre, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Panel Discussion, Universal Access and Meaningful Connectivity

16:00 EAT

Toward a Trusted Pan-African Data Space: Aligning Regional Frameworks for Cross-Border Governance

Friday May 30, 2025 16:00 - 17:00 EAT

Workshop Room 5 (Meru)

As Africa accelerates its path toward a digital single market, data governance has emerged as a foundational enabler of trusted cross-border digital trade, regional innovation, and inclusive development. The African Union Data Policy Framework (AU DPF) offers a visionary blueprint for interoperable, rights-based, and development-focused data ecosystems across the continent. Yet the real test lies in implementation — particularly in moving beyond fragmented national approaches toward collaborative, regionally harmonized governance models.

This session brings together representatives from the East African Community, Southern African Development Community, and Economic Community of West African States, with contributions from the AfCFTA Secretariat, alongside voices from civil society and policy research, to examine how Regional Economic Communities are translating the AU DPF into actionable, region-specific instruments that respond to real-world data flows, innovation needs, and human rights obligations.

The discussion will centre on the urgent need to move beyond siloed data sovereignty and rigid protectionist regimes, toward cooperative, trust-based governance anchored in shared norms, policy interoperability, and inclusive, adaptive regulation that enables both innovation and accountability.

Key points of discussion will include:
• EAC’s development of a Regional Data Governance Strategy adapted from the AU DPF, and the ongoing drafting of a Regional Data Protection and Privacy Bill, aimed at enabling seamless, secure, and trusted cross-border data flows, while supporting regional digital payments and integration.
• ECOWAS’s revision of its Supplementary Act on Personal Data Protection, aligning more closely with the AU DPF, while strengthening regulatory capacity and harmonization across member states.
• SADC’s early leadership in shaping a SADC Regional Data Strategy, domesticating AU DPF and moving the region from restrictive data protection toward frameworks that enable responsible data use and cooperation, alongside work to review and modernize the SADC Electronic Transactions and e-Commerce Model Law to enhance digital trust and trade facilitation.
• The evolving role of REC-level instruments in building digital ecosystems that are increasingly interconnected, requiring legal clarity, policy coherence, and shared frameworks of trust and accountability._x000D_
• How the AfCFTA Digital Trade Protocol — particularly its annexes on Cross-Border Data Transfers and Digital Payments — can complement REC-led data strategies and offer a pathway for continent-wide alignment between data policy, legal reform, and digital market integration.
This panel will highlight how these regional initiatives, if designed and implemented inclusively, can help reduce fragmentation and establish a pan-African data space that safeguards rights, promotes innovation, and strengthens Africa’s digital economy.

Speakers
-Daniel Murenzi i – Principal ICT Officer, EAC
-Folake Olagunju – Ag Director, Telecommunication and Post, ECOWAS
-Dr George Ah-Thew – Senior Programme Officer, ICT
- Dr Talkmore Chidede – Senior Digital Trade Expert, AfCFTA Secretariat
- Wairagala Wakabi – CIPESA

Moderator - African Union Commission

Moderators

GIZ AUC

Speakers

African Union Commission

Friday May 30, 2025 16:00 - 17:00 EAT
Workshop Room 5 (Meru) Julius Nyerere International Convention Centre, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Panel Discussion, Digital Public Infrastructure and Data Governance

16:00 EAT

Tracking the Internet Pulse to strengthen Africa’s Internet Resilience

Friday May 30, 2025 16:00 - 17:00 EAT

Workshop Room 2 (Mkomazi)

As Africa becomes increasingly connected, its economic growth, civic engagement, and access to essential services are more reliant than ever on a stable and open, globally-connected and trustworthy Internet. Yet, infrastructure weaknesses, governance gaps, and deliberate disruptions—such as shutdowns or throttling—threaten this critical lifeline. How can journalists, policymakers and the civil society understand, monitor, and respond to these challenges with clarity and impact?

This hands-on workshop is designed to equip participants with the tools and knowledge to engage with Internet resilience data and respond effectively to Internet disruptions. Drawing on the Internet Society’s Pulse platform—including the Internet Resilience Index and country-level reports—the session will provide a guided introduction to how resilience is measured, why it matters, and what it reveals about the readiness of different countries to withstand or recover from outages.

Participants will explore the importance of taking a holistic view that goes beyond technical performance to also consider governance, market diversity, policy environments, and human capacity. In doing so, they will gain insights into the power of data-driven journalism and evidence-based policymaking in advocating for more resilient digital infrastructure.

The session will also include practical strategies for what to do when the Internet stops: how journalists can keep working during shutdowns or outages, how policymakers can respond in real-time, and how both can collaborate to advocate for transparency, accountability, and change.

To put theory into practice, participants will engage in a collaborative group exercise. Teams will be presented with simulated disruption or resilience scenarios and asked to analyze potential weaknesses, assess the governance and technical context, and develop an advocacy or communication campaign to draw attention to the issue or push for systemic improvements. This applied segment helps bridge data with storytelling, and policy with action.

Whether you're investigating digital disruptions, shaping national connectivity strategies, or advocating for open Internet access, this workshop will strengthen your ability to act with evidence, insight, and influence.

Draft Session Schedule (3 hours total):
09:00 – 09:20 | Welcome and IntroductionOverview of session goals and relevance for journalists and policymakers.

09:20 – 09:50 | How Resilient is Africa’s Internet?Presentation and discussion on measuring Internet resilience using the Internet Resilience Index and Pulse country reports. Explore the importance of a holistic approach, including infrastructure, performance, security, and market readiness.

09:50 – 10:20 | When the Internet Stops: Responding to Shutdowns and OutagesExamine case studies of Internet disruptions in Africa. Discuss how to continue reporting or coordinating during shutdowns/outages, and how to use data for advocacy and accountability.

10:20 – 10:30 | Break

10:30 – 12:50 | Group Exercise: Simulating Disruption and Advocating for ResilienceParticipants are divided into small groups. Each group receives a disruption scenario and associated data. Tasks include identifying root causes, analyzing weak points in resilience, and developing a public awareness or policy campaign in response.

12:50 – 13:00 | Wrap-Up and Next StepsShare key takeaways and explore how participants can integrate resilience monitoring into their work.

Moderators

Amreesh Phokeer

Friday May 30, 2025 16:00 - 17:00 EAT
Workshop Room 2 (Mkomazi) Julius Nyerere International Convention Centre, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Workshop, Cybersecurity, Resilience, and Trust

17:00 EAT

AI and IoT for Africa's Next Generation: Building Skills, Sovereignty, and Inclusive Innovation

Friday May 30, 2025 17:00 - 18:00 EAT

Workshop Room 5 (Meru)

This session will provide a comprehensive exploration of how Africa's youth population can harness artificial intelligence (AI) and Internet of Things (IoT) technologies to develop innovative solutions addressing the continent's most pressing challenges. With 60% of Africa's population currently under 25 years old (World Bank 2024) and the continent's digital economy projected to grow to $712 billion by 2050, these emerging technologies represent a transformative opportunity for youth empowerment, job creation, and sustainable development._x000D_
The discussion will feature an in-depth examination of four critical areas: First, we will showcase groundbreaking applications of AI and IoT developed by young African innovators across key sectors - from precision agriculture tools increasing crop yields by 40% in Nigeria to AI-powered diagnostic systems improving healthcare access in rural Kenya. Second, we will analyze the persistent skills gap, where despite 72% youth smartphone ownership, only 28% have access to quality AI/IoT training programs (GSMA 2024). Third, we will address the challenge of technological dependence, with 90% of AI tools currently used in Africa being foreign-developed, often lacking cultural and linguistic relevance. Finally, we will highlight success stories like Rwanda's national AI academy training 5,000 youth annually and Mali's open-source IoT firmware reducing implementation costs by 60%._x000D_
Through this session and interactive discussions, participants will: gain practical knowledge about developing contextually appropriate AI and IoT solutions; discover accessible learning resources and funding opportunities for skills development; understand policy frameworks enabling youth innovation; and connect with a pan-African network of peers and mentors. The session will specifically feature a live demonstration of low-cost IoT solutions using sub-$50 components, making the technology accessible to participants across economic backgrounds._x000D_
Designed for young innovators, students, educators, and policymakers alike, this session aims to both inspire and practically equip Africa's next generation of digital leaders. Participants will leave with actionable insights into how they can contribute to building an inclusive, homegrown digital transformation that leverages Africa's unique strengths and addresses its specific needs, while avoiding the pitfalls of technological dependence that have characterized previous industrial revolutions.

Moderators

Eraste Nduwayo

Friday May 30, 2025 17:00 - 18:00 EAT
Workshop Room 5 (Meru) Julius Nyerere International Convention Centre, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Lightning Talk, Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Technologies

17:00 EAT

Build a Better Future: Empowering Youth Internet Leaders

Friday May 30, 2025 17:00 - 18:00 EAT

The Internet is a wonderful resource that provides opportunities to people around the globe. It transforms our lives and society for the better and belongs to each and every one of us.
The Internet flourished thanks to people who worked tirelessly to help it grow.

But the Internet faces threats on multiple fronts. That is why the Internet Society, together with partners, offers a range of programs to equip and empower the next generation of Internet leaders—to grow and strengthen the Internet for everyone who needs it, benefiting the world’s diverse populations equitably. The future of the Internet is in your hands.

This session will feature a moderator and a diverse panel of 3-4 Internet Society Youth Ambassadors and/or Internet Society Alumni representing regions around the globe who will share their stories, speak about their successes in Internet governance, and share how youth are shaping conversations around the Internet. We will explore topics such as:
1. How they got involved in Internet governance
2. The impact of the Internet Society's programs
3. The initiative they are working on and how the audience can follow their work

We will also touch on how our programs prepare diverse cohorts of fellows to expand their knowledge, develop their careers, and make their voices heard to shape the future of the Internet. They continue their journeys as alumni as part of our Alumni Network where they make quality connections by engaging with a lively community of peers to problem-solve and defend the Internet while staying informed of new collaboration opportunities.

The session will include an audience participation portion to gather questions and comments from the audience. We will hear about their successes and challenges in making an impact in the Internet space and answer questions about how they can get involved in the Internet Society's and fellows/alumni's work. It will inspire them to start or continue their involvement in the Internet space and work to keep the Internet open, globally connected, secure, and trustworthy.

Moderators

Tori Irvine

Speakers

Qidi Zhao

Youth Ambassador, Internet Society - ISOC

Racheal Ncube

Friday May 30, 2025 17:00 - 18:00 EAT
Selous Room ( Plenary room) Julius Nyerere International Convention Centre, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Panel Discussion, Universal Access and Meaningful Connectivity

17:00 EAT

Harnessing AI and Emerging Technologies for Africa's Digital Future

Friday May 30, 2025 17:00 - 18:00 EAT

Session Summary:_x000D_
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and other emerging technologies (blockchain, IoT, quantum computing, etc.) are reshaping economies, governance models, and social structures globally. In Africa, these technologies offer transformative potential across sectors agriculture, health, education, finance but also raise concerns around bias, surveillance, exclusion, and data sovereignty._x000D_
Africa stands at the cusp of a digital revolution, with artificial intelligence (AI) and emerging technologies poised to significantly enhance economic growth and development. Projections indicate that AI applications could boost Africa's economic growth by up to $2.9 trillion by 2030. _x000D_
_x000D_
Current Market Landscape_x000D_
In 2025, the AI market in Africa is projected to reach $4.51 billion. However, the continent currently represents only 2.5% of the global AI market, highlighting substantial opportunities for expansion and increased participation. _x000D_
_x000D_
Sectoral Applications_x000D_
AI applications in Africa are predominantly concentrated in:_x000D_
• Agriculture: Enhancing crop yields and managing resources. _x000D_
• Climate Action: Monitoring environmental changes and aiding in disaster response._x000D_
• Energy: Optimizing energy distribution and promoting renewable energy solutions. _x000D_
_x000D_
Challenges to Adoption_x000D_
Despite the potential, several challenges impede widespread AI adoption:_x000D_
• Digital Infrastructure: Africa accounts for less than 1% of the world's data center capacity, necessitating significant investment in digital infrastructure. _x000D_
• Skill Gaps: A 2024 survey revealed that 86% of women across 52 African countries lack basic AI proficiency, and 60% have not received digital skills training. _x000D_
• Data Availability: Limited digitization of government services and processes results in a scarcity of African-centric datasets, hindering AI development. _x000D_
_x000D_
This session explores how Africa can shape its own digital future through inclusive governance frameworks, innovation-friendly policies, and ethical AI development. Participants will discuss regulatory readiness, public-private partnerships, capacity building, and strategies to avoid digital neocolonialism._x000D_
_x000D_
Objectives:_x000D_
• Explore the current and potential impact of AI and emerging technologies in Africa._x000D_
• Assess Africa’s readiness in terms of policy, infrastructure, and skills._x000D_
• Address ethical, legal, and societal implications of AI deployment._x000D_
• Discuss models for inclusive governance and local innovation._x000D_
• Foster collaboration among stakeholders to ensure equitable digital transformation._x000D_
_x000D_
Target Audience:_x000D_
• Policymakers and regulators_x000D_
• Tech entrepreneurs and developers_x000D_
• Civil society and digital rights advocates_x000D_
• Academics and researchers_x000D_
• International development agencies_x000D_
_x000D_
Proposed Speakers/Panelists:_x000D_
• Representative, African Union Commission on Digital Transformation_x000D_
• Expert on AI Ethics from an African university_x000D_
• Tech entrepreneur working on AI/ML in Africa_x000D_
• Civil society advocate focused on digital rights_x000D_
• International AI governance expert (from UNECA, UNESCO, ITU)_x000D_
_x000D_
Expected Outcomes:_x000D_
• Recommendations for AI and emerging tech governance priorities in Africa._x000D_
• Networking and coalition-building among key stakeholders._x000D_
• Inputs to regional and continental digital policy frameworks._x000D_

Moderators

Dereje Yohannes Ashenafi

Friday May 30, 2025 17:00 - 18:00 EAT
Workshop Room 4 ( Mikumi) Julius Nyerere International Convention Centre, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Panel Discussion, Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Technologies

17:00 EAT

Promoting people-driven policy-making through participatory processes

Friday May 30, 2025 17:00 - 18:00 EAT

Workshop Room 3 (Ruaha)

Concept Note for Promoting people-driven policymaking through participatory processes

INTRODUCTION
Citizen leadership, ownership and participation, inclusion and empowerment are defined as some of the critical success factors for the effective realization of Agenda 2063 in line with the AU’s ethos of a people-centred development. This further supports the objective of ensuring effective participation of all stakeholders in the conception, design, implementation and monitoring and evaluation of Agenda 2063 and relevant development initiatives for full ownership and accountability.

The panel will assess the opportunities for leveraging technology for improved citizen engagement in development planning which prioritizes the insights, perspectives, and input of citizens in the planning and implementation of national, regional, and global development agendas. The event will bring together perspectives of actors in the public, private and civic sectors, looking at emerging trends, challenges and prospects for technology driven, inclusive and participatory development approaches.

In this regard, the African Union Development Agency-NEPAD (AUDA-NEPAD) has been seeking ways to enhance meaningful interactions between the AU, its Organs and Member States on the one hand, and African citizens on the other through the development and piloting of digital and non-digital approaches.

More specifically, the panel will provide an opportunity to share the concept for some of the Citizen Engagement Tools with requisite features and capabilities for the provision of comprehensive, interactive and consultative platforms for citizens and citizens groups (private sector, civil societies, government entities, academia, media etc.) to access information, interact and meaningfully engage in governance and socio-economic policymaking processes of the AU.

OBJECTIVES
• Discuss current and emerging opportunities for leveraging technology for citizen engagement in development planning and implementation in AU ecosystem, RECs, and member states
• Demonstrate the value of multi-stakeholder/policy-innovation ecosystem partnerships in developing digital tools for citizen engagement and collaboration
• Identify challenges impacting on the success of technology-driven approaches and proffering policy and practice solutions
• Showcase the AU Citizen Engagement Platform and AU Handbook on Citizen Engagement towards roll-out
• Identify potential institutions, partners, stakeholders, and resources for championing and implementing citizen engagement for development initiatives in Africa

EXPECTED OUTCOMES
• Enhanced appreciation of the value of digital approaches to citizens participation in development.
• Improved understanding of the potential benefits of collaboration between policymakers and innovation actors in Africa; and
• Renewed commitment to the adoption of technology-driven approaches for development planning and implementation.

FORMAT
The panel will be held physically on the margin of the AfricaIGF in May 2025, 29-31. The meeting will be open to representatives of the African Union Commission, AU Organs, RECs African Heads of State and accompany high-ranking government officials, the private sector and development partners_x000D_

Moderators

Husnia Mohamed

Friday May 30, 2025 17:00 - 18:00 EAT
Workshop Room 3 (Ruaha) Julius Nyerere International Convention Centre, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Panel Discussion, Digital Public Infrastructure and Data Governance

17:00 EAT

Navigating the Singularity in Africa

Friday May 30, 2025 17:00 - 18:00 EAT

Africa teeters on the edge of transformative change as the Singularity, when AI systems surpass human cognitive capabilities, advances from theory to reality.
This session confronts the immediate policy choices that will shape whether emerging technologies become engines of inclusive prosperity or intensify preexisting divides. We’ll explore how African-led data governance frameworks can maintain cultural and economic sovereignty, focusing on local languages, contexts, and ethical safeguards that counter AI bias.

We’ll investigate strategies for securing robust cybersecurity measures without sacrificing openness, ensuring that advancing AI ecosystems do not come at the expense of trust and autonomy. We’ll also touch on the importance of universal digital infrastructure, because cutting-edge machine learning innovations can only thrive if broadband access and digital literacy extend across both urban and rural populations.

Beyond these foundational elements, the debate addresses the continent’s standing in global tech governance. Instead of remaining consumers of imported AI solutions, African innovators can flip the script by contributing distinctive research, forging strategic alliances, and adopting local-first approaches that reflect the continent’s linguistic diversity and cultural richness.

As policymakers, entrepreneurs, and civil society weigh in, we’ll examine whether international cooperation frameworks genuinely serve Africa’s best interests or risk turning local populations into passive data reservoirs. Throughout this discussion, one central question resonates: will Africa passively absorb the Singularity, or will it actively shape the trajectory of AI and position the continent at the vanguard of a new digital era?

The answer depends on forging alliances, embracing homegrown innovation, and prioritizing an ethical and inclusive approach to exponential technology. This debate aims to reveal not only the flashpoints at stake but also the actionable pathways to securing Africa’s agency and prosperity in an age of accelerating artificial intelligence.

Moderators

Ian Wambai

Friday May 30, 2025 17:00 - 18:00 EAT
Workshop Room 1 (Bagamoyo) Julius Nyerere International Convention Centre, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Policy Debate, Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Technologies

17:00 EAT

How to make a resilient Internet trusted by all

Friday May 30, 2025 17:00 - 18:00 EAT

Workshop Room 2 (Mkomazi)

To work properly, the Internet must be resilient. but with the new technology coming (IoT, AI, etc.), Internet users are more worried about their data and their private life.

Users need to be confident that by using Internet, they won't put their data (political, financial, personal, etc.) at the risk of being illegitimately used against their interest.
Free data flow is one of the elements of success of an open Internet and especially for the development of applications using Data to provide services and solutions.

So, there is a tradeoff to find between an open and resilient Internet with free data flow and the protection of the Internet users' data from illegitimate collection, processing, storage, transfer, etc. for malicious purpose.

This session, organized in a hybrid mode, will try to enumerate the criteria that have to be satisfied to make the resilient Internet better trusted by all users.

Speakers will address this topic from several angles such as the ethical aspect, legal aspect, technical aspect, etc.
For instance, Mr. Tijani BEN JEMAA, Member of PIR Advisory Council and former Chair of the North African Internet Governance Forum will introduce the topic and explain how to make the resilient Internet better trusted, and Mr. Mohamed Farahat, Lawyer & researcher, and currently Member of the UN Secretary General’s Advisory Body on Artificial Intelligence will address the topic from the legal angle, while Ms. Mary Uduma, a Nigerian business executive, a two times President of Nigeria Internet Registration Association (NIRA) and the chairperson of Nigeria Internet Governance Forum will address it from the ethical angle.

A good amount of the session duration will be dedicated to the interaction from the floor, allowing for constructive debate and opinion exchange.

The moderator will take questions to speakers and contributions from the floor, alternating between in-person and online participants. He/she will insure the diversity of contributors (gender, geography, stakeholder group, etc.) .

Moderators

Tijani BEN JEMAA

VC. ALAC, ICANN

Speakers

Mary Uduma

WAIGF

Retired Telecomms Regulator in NigeriaImmediate Past President of Nigeria Internet Registration AssociationSecretary, Ndukwe Kalu Foundation for Internet Watch and Development in NigeriaChild Online Protection AdvocateConvener of NG IGFIGFCountry Code Top Level Domain management.IANA... Read More →

Mohamed Farahat

Friday May 30, 2025 17:00 - 18:00 EAT
Workshop Room 2 (Mkomazi) Julius Nyerere International Convention Centre, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Workshop, Cybersecurity, Resilience, and Trust

18:00 EAT

Digitizing Africa’s Future Without Polluting: Perspectives and Responsibilities

Friday May 30, 2025 18:00 - 19:00 EAT

Africa is at the dawn of a major digital revolution, yet it remains the continent that has contributed less than 5% to global carbon emissions. However, as digitalization expands across the continent, there is a risk that, without sustainable practices, Africa could see a surge in e-waste, high-energy consumption, and environmental degradation. If not carefully managed, digitalization could accelerate pollution instead of serving as a tool for sustainable development.

This session will explore how Africa can build a digitally advanced yet environmentally responsible future. We will discuss the potential risks of unchecked digital growth and highlight eco-friendly digital innovations that offer Africa a more resilient, cost-effective, and sustainable pathway than traditional digitalization. Green digitalization can reduce operational costs, enhance energy efficiency, and position Africa as a leader in sustainable innovation while avoiding the environmental mistakes made by industrialized nations.

Through real-world case studies, we will examine how governments, businesses, and tech communities can adopt green data centers, promote e-waste recycling, develop energy-efficient AI, and implement sustainable internet infrastructure. Additionally, we will discuss the role of public-private partnerships, policy frameworks, and local innovations in ensuring that Africa’s digital transformation aligns with global climate commitments.

Session Objectives
- Understand the risks and opportunities of Africa’s digital growth in relation to environmental sustainability.
- Highlight the benefits of eco-friendly digitalization, showing why it is more cost-effective and advantageous for Africa’s long-term development.
- Showcase sustainable tech innovations that reduce the environmental impact of digital infrastructure.
- Discuss regulatory and policy solutions to ensure digital expansion does not come at the cost of environmental degradation.
- Encourage a multi-stakeholder approach involving governments, businesses, and civil society to balance digital transformation with ecological responsibility.

Expected Outcomes
- A roadmap for sustainable digitalization in Africa, with actionable recommendations for stakeholders.
- Case studies of successful green digital initiatives from across the continent.
- Commitments from governments and tech companies to adopt responsible digital policies.
- Opportunities for collaboration between policymakers, entrepreneurs, and researchers on sustainable digital solutions.
- Increased awareness of how green digitalization can drive economic and environmental benefits for Africa.

By acting now, Africa has the opportunity to leapfrog towards a more sustainable digital economy, avoiding the environmental pitfalls of other regions while unlocking innovation, economic resilience, and long-term prosperity.

Moderators

Tinos Anago

Friday May 30, 2025 18:00 - 19:00 EAT
Workshop Room 1 (Bagamoyo) Julius Nyerere International Convention Centre, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Lightning Talk, Enhancing Digital Cooperation (GDC, WSIS+20, OEWG, SDGs 2030 etc.)

18:00 EAT

Cyber Resilience in Africa: Local Solutions to Global Threats

Friday May 30, 2025 18:00 - 19:00 EAT

Workshop Room 3 (Ruaha)

Session Title: Cyber Resilience in Africa: Local Solutions to Global Threats
Thematic Track: Cybersecurity, Resilience, and Trust
Session Format: Workshop
Duration:60 minutes

Organizers:
• ICT Commission Ministry of ICT (Tanzania)
• Internet Society Tanzania
• Organization for Digital Africa

Session Description:
As African societies become increasingly digitized, the region faces growing exposure to global cyber threats—from ransomware attacks and critical infrastructure breaches to the misuse of personal data and state-sponsored disinformation. Yet, Africa’s cybersecurity responses have often been shaped by external frameworks and donor-driven strategies that don’t always align with local realities.

This workshop highlights how homegrown solutions, regional collaboration, and community-driven cybersecurity models strengthen Africa’s cyber resilience. The session will showcase practical responses to cyber threats being developed in Africa’s public sector, private companies, and civil society—from localized CERTs and digital hygiene campaigns to capacity-building for small businesses and community-based incident reporting systems._x000D_
Participants will explore what it means to build cybersecurity systems that are inclusive, rights-based, and sustainable in African contexts. Critical questions around capacity gaps, legislative harmonization, digital trust, gender inclusion, and infrastructure protection will be addressed, along with the role of governments in enabling multistakeholder participation and resilience planning.

Rather than importing “one-size-fits-all” solutions, this session will focus on context-aware approaches that respond to Africa’s unique digital landscape—leveraging local knowledge, indigenous languages, and regional best practices to protect communities and secure national development agendas.

Issues to be Addressed:
• Rising cybersecurity threats across African countries and sectors
• Limited capacity of local institutions to respond to attacks
• Inadequate cybersecurity laws, coordination, and enforcement
• Inclusion of underserved communities in cyber awareness and response
• Trust-building as a foundation for digital resilience
Policy Questions:
1. What does cyber resilience look like in the African context—beyond infrastructure?
2. How can African countries scale up local capacity and cooperation for cyber incident response?
3. What role should civil society and local businesses play in national cybersecurity strategies?
4. How can policies promote inclusion in cybersecurity ecosystems, especially of women and youth?
Expected Outcomes:
• Actionable policy ideas for localized and inclusive cybersecurity frameworks
• Documentation of grassroots and regional approaches to cyber resilience
• Recommendations for integrating community actors into national cybersecurity plans
• Strengthened connections between national stakeholders and regional cyber initiatives

Speakers:
1. Thoko Miya ( South Africa),
2. Saba Tiku (Ethiopia),
3. Olakanmi Oluwole (Nigeria),
4. Dr. Nazarius Kirama (Tanzania)

Moderator: Yusuph Kileo

Moderators

Dr. Nazarius Kirama

Speakers

Yusuph Kileo

Yusuph Kileo is a Tanzanian cybersecurity and digital forensics expert, served as a board member of the Africa ICT Alliance (AfICTA) and currently representing it at ICANN’s Business Constituency.Kileo is an African cybersecurity expert of the year 2016 and a 2021 Africa ICT Champion... Read More →

Friday May 30, 2025 18:00 - 19:00 EAT
Workshop Room 3 (Ruaha) Julius Nyerere International Convention Centre, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Panel Discussion, Cybersecurity, Resilience, and Trust

18:00 EAT

Empowering Youth-led SMEs in the Digital Economy: Policies for Inclusion and Growth

Friday May 30, 2025 18:00 - 19:00 EAT

Workshop Room 2 (Mkomazi)

Session Description: Empowering Youth-led SMEs in the Digital Economy: Policies for Inclusion and Growth

Young entrepreneurs are at the forefront of the digital economy, driving innovation and job creation. However, many youth-led small and medium enterprises (SMEs) struggle with barriers such as limited access to capital, restrictive regulatory environments, and gaps in digital literacy. This session will explore how policy reforms, digital platforms, and financial inclusion strategies can create an enabling ecosystem for young business leaders.

The discussion will feature real-world success stories of youth-led enterprises that have leveraged digital tools to scale their businesses. Experts from policy, industry, and entrepreneurship will assess the role of governments, financial institutions, and private sector actors in bridging gaps in digital infrastructure, funding, and skills development.

Key focus areas will include:
Digital and financial inclusion strategies for young entrepreneurs.
Regulatory frameworks that support SME growth in the digital economy.
Best practices from digital platforms empowering youth-led businesses.

By highlighting concrete solutions, this session aims to inform policies that promote sustainable and responsible innovation, ensuring that young entrepreneurs are equipped to drive inclusive economic growth in the digital era.
Attendees will gain valuable insights into policies and strategies that can empower youth-led SMEs in the digital economy. They will learn about successful case studies of young entrepreneurs who have leveraged digital tools and platforms to scale their businesses. The session will provide a multistakeholder perspective, featuring voices from policymakers, industry leaders, and entrepreneurs, offering diverse viewpoints on enabling youth-driven digital innovation.

Participants will also explore practical solutions such as financial inclusion models, digital upskilling programs, and regulatory frameworks that foster SME growth. Additionally, they will receive actionable recommendations on how governments, investors, and technology providers can collaborate to remove barriers for youth-led enterprises. Ultimately, this session will equip attendees with the knowledge and tools needed to advocate for inclusive policies that support sustainable and responsible digital innovation.

Moderators

Ida Na-Tei

Speakers

Gabriel Karsan

Founding Director, Emerging Youth Initiative

Nanbaan Pwaspo

Anonymized By Request

Friday May 30, 2025 18:00 - 19:00 EAT
Workshop Room 2 (Mkomazi) Julius Nyerere International Convention Centre, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Panel Discussion, Enhancing Digital Cooperation (GDC, WSIS+20, OEWG, SDGs 2030 etc.)

18:00 EAT

The Role of Internet Governance in Shaping Africa’s Digital Economy

Friday May 30, 2025 18:00 - 19:00 EAT

The digital economy is rapidly transforming Africa, offering unprecedented opportunities for trade, financial inclusion, and economic growth. With increased internet penetration, mobile banking, and digital innovations, businesses and individuals are gaining access to new markets and financial services like never before. However, this rapid digitalization also brings significant challenges. Issues such as cybersecurity threats, the digital divide, weak regulatory frameworks, and limited digital infrastructure threaten to slow down Africa’s digital progress. If not properly addressed, these barriers could prevent millions from fully participating in the digital economy.

Internet governance plays a crucial role in shaping the policies, regulations, and frameworks that ensure a secure, inclusive, and sustainable digital environment. Effective governance is essential for protecting user rights, promoting data privacy, enhancing cybersecurity, and fostering innovation. But how can African governments, businesses, and stakeholders collaborate to create policies that balance security with innovation? What strategies can be adopted to close the digital divide, ensuring that marginalized communities, including rural populations, women, and small businesses, are not left behind?

This session will bring together experts in finance, technology, policy, and digital innovation to discuss how Africa can harness the power of internet governance to drive economic growth. It will explore key strategies for enhancing digital infrastructure, promoting cross-border e-commerce, and ensuring economic resilience through sound regulatory practices. Additionally, the discussion will address how digital finance and fintech can be leveraged to support financial inclusion, enabling millions of unbanked individuals to access the formal economy.

By attending this session, participants will gain valuable insights into the future of Africa’s digital landscape. Whether you are a policymaker, entrepreneur, investor, or digital rights advocate, this conversation will provide actionable strategies for navigating the complex but promising world of Africa’s digital economy. Join us as we uncover the key governance solutions that will define Africa’s digital future and ensure sustainable economic growth for all.

Moderators

Nelson Fernando Ganjo

Friday May 30, 2025 18:00 - 19:00 EAT
Workshop Room 4 ( Mikumi) Julius Nyerere International Convention Centre, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Panel Discussion, Digital Public Infrastructure and Data Governance

18:00 EAT

Building Truly Inclusive AI Governance Practices

Friday May 30, 2025 18:00 - 19:00 EAT

Workshop Room 5 (Meru)

This roundtable aims to bring together key stakeholders in AI governance to advance the adoption of truly inclusive AI development and governance practices tailored to the unique needs and challenges of Africa. As the continent rapidly embraces AI technologies, it is crucial that these innovations drive inclusive economic and social development, ensuring that AI ecosystems are responsive to local contexts, priorities, and the diverse needs of African communities.

AI has the potential to address pressing challenges in Africa, but without inclusive policies, growing inequalities and a lack of diversity in AI development risk sidelining the voices and perspectives of historically marginalized groups. African countries, with their rich cultural diversity and unique social, economic, and political landscapes, require AI governance frameworks that are grounded in local expertise and realities. A transformative AI policy approach in Africa seeks to mitigate disparities, ensure AI development is not harmful, and guarantee that AI systems work to benefit everyone, particularly those often excluded from the tech industry.

This discussion will explore concrete strategies for policymakers and AI stakeholders in Africa to address systemic inequalities and ensure meaningful participation in decision-making processes around AI development, deployment, and governance. These strategies will be informed by the contributions of over 200 participants from more than 50 countries, including African countries, who contributed to the GPAI Report and Policy Guide Towards Substantive Equality in Artificial Intelligence. This guide focuses on gender equality and diversity, providing a foundation for policies that resonate with the African context.

The session will highlight how multistakeholder collaboration can drive AI governance in Africa that is participatory, just, and globally representative. It will also examine how to ensure that AI policies reflect the continent’s diverse local realities and priorities. By exploring real-world examples, participants will discuss actionable steps for translating inclusive AI governance from principles to practice across Africa. In addition, the conversation will strengthen the capacity for policy impact, empowering African governments, civil society, the private sector, and academic institutions to collaborate effectively.

Transformative AI policy on the continent aligns with key global frameworks such as the OECD AI principles, the UNESCO Recommendation on the Ethics of AI, the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and the Global Digital Compact. These frameworks call for the alignment of AI systems with human rights and promote gender equality and diversity in AI ecosystems. By leveraging these global principles, Africa can ensure that its AI systems are designed in ways that enhance their quality, usability, and effectiveness, contributing to a more equitable, sustainable, and prosperous future for all African countries.

Moderators

Mpho Moyo

Friday May 30, 2025 18:00 - 19:00 EAT
Workshop Room 5 (Meru) Julius Nyerere International Convention Centre, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Roundtable Discussion, Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Technologies

19:00 EAT

Strengthening Digital Inclusion: Empowering Women, Youth, and Marginalized Communities for Enhanced

Friday May 30, 2025 19:00 - 20:00 EAT

In today’s rapidly evolving digital age, meaningful inclusion remains a cornerstone of sustainable development. Yet, across many African countries, women, youth, and marginalized communities continue to face significant barriers to fully participating in and benefiting from digital opportunities. As digital policies, technologies, and governance frameworks advance, ensuring that no one is left behind becomes both a moral imperative and a strategic necessity.

This interactive session, titled “Strengthening Digital Inclusion: Empowering Women, Youth, and Marginalized Communities for Enhanced Digital Cooperation,” aims to bring together diverse stakeholders from across the African digital ecosystem to reflect on what works, what doesn’t, and what’s next. Hosted by the Tanzania Hubs Network (THN) in collaboration with GIZ, and held on the sidelines of the Africa Internet Governance Forum (AfIGF) 2025, this workshop is designed to foster multi-stakeholder learning, align efforts with international frameworks, and drive collective action.

The session aligns with the AfIGF 2025 sub-theme of Enhancing Digital Cooperation, and connects deeply with global agendas such as the Global Digital Compact (GDC), WSIS+20, the Open-Ended Working Group (OEWG) on ICTs, and SDGs 2030—especially SDG 5: Gender Equality. Participants will explore how to localize and implement these global frameworks in practical, context-driven ways that reflect Africa’s unique challenges and opportunities.

This two-hour session will begin with lightning talks—three short, impactful presentations showcasing real-world initiatives that have successfully empowered women, youth, and/or marginalized groups in Tanzania’s digital space. These will serve to spark inspiration and lay the foundation for deeper engagement.

The core of the session will take the form of a World Café format, allowing small groups to explore key questions around:
Challenges to digital inclusion and trust
Promising models and emerging best practices
Opportunities for cross-sector alignment and collaboration
Concrete actions to advance SDG 5 and other global goals through inclusive digital ecosystems

Each table will be facilitated by an experienced moderator and guided by thematic prompts. Outcomes will be shared in a plenary wrap-up session, where tables will present key takeaways and suggestions for policy, practice, and partnership.

Ultimately, this session is about more than dialogue—it’s about building community, strengthening local-global linkages, and identifying practical strategies for action. By convening a curated group of up to 30 implementation-level actors from innovation hubs, government agencies, academia, private sector, CSOs, and international development organizations this workshop aims to co-create a roadmap toward a more inclusive, equitable, and collaborative digital future for Africa.

Moderators

Kiko Kiwanga

Speakers

Athanase Bahizire

ISOC DR Congo

Catherinerose Barretto

Friday May 30, 2025 19:00 - 20:00 EAT
Workshop Room 4 ( Mikumi) Julius Nyerere International Convention Centre, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Workshop, Enhancing Digital Cooperation (GDC, WSIS+20, OEWG, SDGs 2030 etc.)

19:00 EAT

Host Country Dinner at Dar es Salaam Serena Hotel

Friday May 30, 2025 19:00 - 23:00 EAT

Dar es Salaam Serena Hotel

Friday May 30, 2025 19:00 - 23:00 EAT
Dar es Salaam Serena Hotel Ohio St, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Reception

08:00 EAT

AfIGF 2025 | Day 2: Parliamentary Session

Saturday May 31, 2025 08:00 - 09:00 EAT

Moderators

Celine Felicitas Bal

Saturday May 31, 2025 08:00 - 09:00 EAT
Workshop Room 4 ( Mikumi) Julius Nyerere International Convention Centre, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

09:00 EAT

Breaking Mental Health & Suicide Stigma using Technology (AI)

Saturday May 31, 2025 09:00 - 10:00 EAT

This session addresses the sub themes of Universal Access and Meaningful Connectivity and AI and Emerging Technologies, emphasizing the pivotal role of internet access in dismantling the stigma around mental illness and building resilient, supportive communities. In this session, we will address the stigma surrounding mental health and educate participants on its multifaceted nature—falling into medical, spiritual, and psychological domains. In doing so, we will:
1) showcase the intersection of technology and cultural context in promoting mental health awareness.
2) discuss the transformative impact of equitable internet access on mental health support and resources, especially in underserved areas (justice-involved individuals); and
3) highlight the critical role of founders and leaders in driving policy changes and creating safe spaces that prioritize mental health in African, and diasporic communities.

Driving our discussion will be a moderated panel featuring dynamic stakeholders who expertise spans mental health, academia, policy, technology, and community organizing and engagement. Attendees can expect an interactive conversation about understanding mental illness and conscientiously using technology and the internet access as both foundational and an enabler of dismantling the stigmatization of mental health to build resilient communities. We anticipate attendees will leave our session energized with:
1) an increased awareness of the complex nature of mental health and its interconnected domains,
2) a roadmap for leveraging internet access to support African communities in Africa and beyond, and
3) policy recommendations for integrating mental health and suicide into digital governance.
4) Building Resilient, Inclusive Communities: Shared insights from community-driven projects blending cultural understanding with mental health initiatives all to Action

This Panel discussion positions as a visionary leader in addressing global mental health challenges through technology and AI. By emphasizing equity, cultural sensitivity, and inclusion, the company invites governments, NGOs, medical professionals, AI developers, and CSR-driven corporations to join in creating meaningful change. Together, we can tackle the global mental health crisis and ensure no one is left behind.

Moderators

Doris Magiri

Speakers

Mary Uduma

WAIGF

June Parris

Research Associate, Tester, Halaqah Media Associate

A professional retired Health Care Professional with experience in Mental Health, General Nursing, and research. Has worked and been involved in health care and social research for many years. Including TB, arthritis, mental health, victimology and health programming.Qualified in... Read More →

Ajimah Olaghere

Saturday May 31, 2025 09:00 - 10:00 EAT
Workshop Room 1 (Bagamoyo) Julius Nyerere International Convention Centre, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Panel Discussion, Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Technologies

09:00 EAT

Bridging Digital Divides: Advancing Inclusive Access Through Rural Broadband Connectivity Models

Saturday May 31, 2025 09:00 - 10:00 EAT

In an increasingly digital world, reliable and affordable internet access has become a critical enabler for economic development, education, healthcare, and civic participation. However, significant disparities remain, particularly for rural communities in developing African countries. These communities often face deep-rooted barriers to digital inclusion, such as geographic isolation, insufficient infrastructure, socio-economic inequality, and restrictive gender norms. As a result, millions of people, particularly women, youth, and other marginalized groups, are excluded from opportunities within the digital economy and society at large.

This session, convened by WOUGNET and its partners, will explore the transformative role of rural broadband connectivity in bridging the digital divide. It will highlight how inclusive, community-driven connectivity models are closing access gaps and fostering meaningful digital inclusion in rural and underserved regions. Drawing on practical experiences and case studies from Uganda, Kenya, Ghana, and South Africa, the discussion will showcase innovative broadband initiatives, such as community network models and solar-powered internet hubs, that have successfully enhanced connectivity for marginalized populations.

Participants will also engage in a collaborative discussion on the structural and systemic challenges rural communities face in accessing digital technologies. These include inadequate policy and regulatory frameworks, high costs of connectivity, limited access to digital literacy programs, and persistent gender inequalities that limit women’s participation in the digital space. The session will also explore how locally-led, gender-sensitive connectivity initiatives can address these barriers by promoting affordability, sustainability, and community ownership.

By convening stakeholders from various sectors, this session aims to foster dialogue around scalable broadband models and policy recommendations that can be replicated across the continent. The discussion will focus on actionable strategies to empower women and other marginalized groups through inclusive internet access, thereby contributing to sustainable development and a more equitable digital future.

Objectives:
1. To explore the importance of rural broadband connectivity in fostering an inclusive digital economy and society.
2. To identify and discuss key barriers preventing gender-equitable access to digital technologies for marginalized populations in rural areas.
3. To present effective, replicable rural broadband connectivity models and community network approaches from Uganda, Kenya, Ghana, and South Africa.
4. To propose actionable strategies and policy recommendations that ensure all individuals, especially women, youth, and marginalized groups, can meaningfully participate in the digital world.

Moderators

Peter Ongom

Program Officer, WOUGNET

Peter Ongom is a computer scientist specializing in digital innovations for community development. His expertise spans multiple sectors, including agriculture, data governance, countering digital backlash, and expanding internet connectivity, all with a strong focus on ICT-driven... Read More →

Speakers

Osei Kangyah

Saturday May 31, 2025 09:00 - 10:00 EAT
Workshop Room 4 ( Mikumi) Julius Nyerere International Convention Centre, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Panel Discussion, Universal Access and Meaningful Connectivity

09:00 EAT

Forging connections between Internet Governance, human rights, and development through the WSIS+20

Saturday May 31, 2025 09:00 - 10:00 EAT

Workshop Room 2 (Mkomazi)

In 2025, a myriad of processes and initiatives at the intersection of sustainable development and Internet governance will continue to be implemented. In this context, defining and defending the importance of a multistakeholder model to Internet governance is critical. The World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) process is a key internet governance process and has been instrumental in forging connections between digital technologies and development across contexts.

This critical role must continue in the future. To do this, the WSIS Forum must build on, support, and integrate new and existing forums and processes. This includes affirming the renewal of the mandate of the IGF and integrating the implementation of the Global Digital Compact into the WSIS ecosystem. It must also uphold multistakeholder principles and facilitate an inclusive process. As we approach the 2025 WSIS+20 review, there is a critical need to raise awareness of the WSIS+20 process and articulate a vision for how the Forum can promote a multistakeholder approach to internet governance and support human rights, development, and achievement of the SDGs.

This multistakeholder roundtable discussion will bring together policymakers, the technical community, civil society, and academia to explore how stakeholders can leverage the WSIS Forum to advance a commitment to the open, global, and interoperable Internet and the SDGs. In particular, the session will explore:
1. How can the WSIS+20 process be leveraged to achieve the SDGs and promote human rights, particularly across African countries? Are there past examples of WSIS implementation to learn from?
2. How can the WSIS+20 facilitate an inclusive and multistakeholder process? How have governments integrated stakeholders into WSIS+20 preparations thus far? Are there best practices, including the São Paulo Multistakeholder Guidelines for multistakeholder consensus-building and decision-making, that should be integrated?
3. In practice, how should the WSIS+20 process integrate other initiatives, such as affirming the renewal of the IGF mandate and integrating the implementation of the Global Digital Compact?

Moderators

Elonnai Hickok

Saturday May 31, 2025 09:00 - 10:00 EAT
Workshop Room 2 (Mkomazi) Julius Nyerere International Convention Centre, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Roundtable Discussion, Enhancing Digital Cooperation (GDC, WSIS+20, OEWG, SDGs 2030 etc.)

09:00 EAT

Operationalizing the Africa AI Declaration: Grounding Ethical & Responsible AI for Economic Devpt

Saturday May 31, 2025 09:00 - 10:00 EAT

Workshop Room 3 (Ruaha)

Description
On March 31, 2025, African nations achieved a pivotal milestone by officially endorsing the Africa Declaration on Artificial Intelligence. This groundbreaking framework represents not only a unified continental vision but also a transformative commitment to harnessing Artificial Intelligence responsibly, inclusively, and autonomously. Rooted in the principles of equity, transparency, respect for human rights, and regional solidarity, the Declaration provides a strategic blueprint for Africa to chart its own destiny in the rapidly evolving AI landscape while safeguarding against the perils of unregulated systems or foreign dominance.

However, the true test lies in operationalizing these ambitious commitments. The challenge of translating principles into tangible actions is particularly pronounced in civic spaces, where the misuse of AI technologies poses a critical threat. Across Africa, AI and other emerging technologies are reshaping fundamental aspects of society from digital identification systems and public service efficiency to invasive surveillance practices, disinformation campaigns, and algorithmic biases that marginalize vulnerable populations.

This timely initiative seeks to empower stakeholders with actionable strategies for implementing the Africa AI Declaration at national and subnational levels. By focusing on areas like digital economy, participation, civil society engagement, and protections for vulnerable communities, the workshop aims to drive meaningful change, ensuring AI serves as a tool for progress rather than harm.

Target Audience
Civic tech developers, AI practitioners, civil society leaders, policymakers, human rights advocates, legal experts, youth innovators, journalists, and researchers focused on digital transformation and governance.

Rationale
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and emerging technologies are increasingly shaping public policy, service delivery, and citizen-state interactions across Africa. However, without proper safeguards, their deployment poses significant risks particularly to privacy, equity, democratic participation, and human rights. The signing of the Africa Declaration on Artificial Intelligence on March 31, 2025, represents a continental milestone toward responsible, ethical, and inclusive AI development. Yet, a gap remains between high-level commitments and practical implementation, especially within civic spaces that are vulnerable to misuse of AI systems. This workshop responds to that gap by offering a platform to localize and operationalize the Declaration’s principles, empowering stakeholders to co-create governance models that foster transparency, accountability, and trust in Africa’s AI future.

Moderators

Tech & Media Convergency (TMC)

Speakers

Dr. Emmanuel C. Manasseh

Essa Mohamedali

Dr. Nkundwe M. Mwasaga

Saturday May 31, 2025 09:00 - 10:00 EAT
Workshop Room 3 (Ruaha) Julius Nyerere International Convention Centre, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Workshop, Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Technologies

09:00 EAT

Aligning National Data Policies with the AU DPF: Best Practices and Lessons Learned

Saturday May 31, 2025 09:00 - 10:30 EAT

In 2022, the African Union Commission (AUC) adopted the African Union Data Policy Framework (AU DPF) as a continental guide to help Member States establish coherent, inclusive, and rights-based data governance systems. The AU DPF addresses key challenges such as data protection, privacy, ethical data use, cross-border data flows, and data sovereignty, while promoting digital innovation and economic integration across the continent. It provides a common vision and principles for Member States to develop and harmonise national and regional data governance frameworks aligned with Africa’s development priorities, including Agenda 2063 and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
To support implementation and domestication of the AU DPF, the “Data Governance in Africa Initiative” has been assisting African countries in developing data policies that are context-specific but aligned with the AU DPF.
This session at the Africa Internet Governance Forum (AfIGF) will focus on the experiences, lessons and best practices related to three interrelated areas:
• Aligning National Data Policies with the AU Data Policy Framework
• Utilising Multistakeholder, participatory and inclusive Approaches in Data Policy Development.
• Fostering effective Interorganisational Collaboration for the effective development of Data Policies.
The panel will bring together representatives from governments, data protection authorities, civil society, the private sector and project implementation partners to share insights on the policy development process, practical experiences in aligning with the AU DPF, and the challenges encountered. It will examine how national governments are adapting AU DPF principles to their local contexts.
A key focus will be the importance of multistakeholder approaches in shaping inclusive, transparent, and effective data policy development. Engaging a broad spectrum of actors—ICT ministries, regulators, private sector, academia, civil society, and affected communities—ensures that data policies are not only technically sound but also socially relevant and widely accepted.
The session will also explore how interorganisational cooperation is essential to harmonisation. Examples will be drawn from countries that have initiated collaborative structures or policy dialogues to align their frameworks with the AU DPF.
Participants will gain:
• Practical insights on aligning national data policies with the AU DPF
• Lessons on inclusive policy development through multistakeholder processes
• Strategies for effective coordination across institutions
This session will contribute to building a unified and resilient data governance landscape in Africa—one that balances innovation, economic growth, and the protection of rights in the digital age.

Moderators

Kuuku Sam

Saturday May 31, 2025 09:00 - 10:30 EAT
Selous Room ( Plenary room) Julius Nyerere International Convention Centre, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Panel Discussion, Digital Public Infrastructure and Data Governance

09:00 EAT

Securing African Sovereignty through Digital Public Infrastructure in the Era of Trade Barriers and

Saturday May 31, 2025 09:00 - 10:30 EAT

Workshop Room 5 (Meru)

This panel discussion explores how Africa can harness its existing data infrastructure alongside the strategic development of new continental digital platforms to assert digital sovereignty amidst rising global digital trade barriers and tariffs. This provides a foundation to discuss the need to promote sovereignty across key digital ecosystems and platforms, such as the mobile app ecosystem, payment solutions, e-hauling solutions, corporate solutions, server infrastructure, social media platforms, and data sharing platforms.

The discussion directly supports the objectives of the Programme for Infrastructure Development in Africa (PIDA) of ensuring that the ICT infrastructure being developed is complemented by sovereign digital capabilities.
3. Digital Public Infrastructure (DPIs) as Sovereignty Foundations (10 minutes)
- Which critical African and Member State digital public infrastructure needs sovereign protection?
- How can the existing DPIs be actively leveraged now to strengthen Africa's negotiating stance against unfavourable digital trade barriers?
- Focus: Practical use cases and identify the data gaps.
4. Building Continental Digital Platforms (15 minutes)
- Beyond data repositories, what are the priority new continental platforms (e.g., African App Stores, secure e-logistics/e-hauling platforms)? What are the essential technical, governance (balancing AU coordination & national ownership), and sustainable funding models required for their success?
- Focus: Feasibility, interoperability standards, public-private partnership models.
5. Frameworks for Data Sovereignty & Resilience (15 minutes)
- What specific policy and technical mechanisms can ensure collective African data governance while respecting national controls? How can Africa develop defensive strategies against extraterritorial data laws and digital protectionism?
- How do integrated data systems such as the African Infrastructure Database enhance Africa's voice in global digital governance forums?
- Focus: Data localization vs. flow, cybersecurity collaboration, regulatory harmonization approaches.
Expected Outcomes
1. Outlining the need for a vibrant and well-coordinated digital continental platform ecosystem.
2. Key principles for interoperability and data exchange.
3. Balancing continental needs and national sovereignty.

Moderators

Bernard Brian Cudjoe

Saturday May 31, 2025 09:00 - 10:30 EAT
Workshop Room 5 (Meru) Julius Nyerere International Convention Centre, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Panel Discussion, Digital Public Infrastructure and Data Governance

10:30 EAT

Coffee break

Saturday May 31, 2025 10:30 - 11:00 EAT

Canteen

Participation
This session does not include public remote participation.

Saturday May 31, 2025 10:30 - 11:00 EAT
Canteen Julius Nyerere International Convention Centre

Break

11:00 EAT

Main Session 2 - Digital Transformation (UNECA)

Saturday May 31, 2025 11:00 - 12:00 EAT

Speakers

Dr. Mactar Seck

Chief of section Innovation and Technology, UNECA

Dr. Mactar Seck has been involved in the telecommunication, ICT4D including Digital Id , Digital Trade and digital economy as well as in STI field over the last 20 years, specializing in areas such as digital policy strategy and regulatory framework, internet governance issues, digital... Read More →

Saturday May 31, 2025 11:00 - 12:00 EAT
Selous Room ( Plenary room) Julius Nyerere International Convention Centre, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Main Session

Company United Nations Economic Commission for Africa

12:00 EAT

Bridging the Gap - Enhancing African Participation in IETF for a Stronger Digital Future

Saturday May 31, 2025 12:00 - 13:00 EAT

The Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) plays a crucial role in shaping the future of the internet by developing open standards and protocols that underpin global connectivity. However, African participation in IETF activities remains significantly low, as highlighted by the fact that as of August 2024, only 22 RFCs (Request for Comments) have authors from Africa, representing just 0.24% of all RFCs. This underrepresentation limits the continent's influence on key technical decisions that impact its digital future and weakens Africa’s role in shaping global internet standards.

This session aims to explore the barriers to African engagement in the IETF and propose strategies to increase participation. It will address the following key points:
The role of the IETF in internet governance and its impact on Africa’s digital transformation.
The importance of African representation in IETF working groups such as DNSOP, v6ops, and Green.
The correlation between IETF meeting locations and regional contributions to RFCs.
The absence of an IETF meeting in Africa and the potential benefits of hosting one on the continent.
Strategies to increase African contributions to IETF standards, including awareness campaigns, capacity-building programs, and funding opportunities for participation.

The broader impact of African participation in IETF on Enhancing Digital Cooperation and Universal Access to Meaningful Connectivity.
A stronger African presence in IETF deliberations will not only enable the continent to have a say in shaping protocols that directly affect its internet ecosystem but also reinforce regional digital sovereignty. Enhancing digital cooperation between Africa and global internet governance institutions such as IETF, ICANN, ISOC, and the ITU is crucial for sustainable digital development. Moreover, as Africa continues to develop its Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) and improve access, ensuring that the continent is actively involved in the technical standardization process will help build an inclusive, secure, and resilient internet ecosystem.

As an African policymaker and a recent participant in the IETF Policy Maker Programme, I had the opportunity to attend IETF 122 in Bangkok (March 2025). During the Open Mic session, I questioned the IETF leadership about the lack of meetings in Africa. This session will build on that discussion and seek to mobilize African internet governance stakeholders to advocate for increased African involvement in the IETF, ensuring that Africa plays an integral role in the future of the global internet.

Linkedin post: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/internet-engineering-task-force-ietf-meeting-africa-i-karim-hqdue/
DNSOP WG: https://datatracker.ietf.org/wg/dnsop/about/
GREEN WG: https://datatracker.ietf.org/wg/green/about/
V6OPS WG: https://datatracker.ietf.org/wg/v6ops/about/
Stats on RFCs per continent: https://www.arkko.com/tools/rfcstats/d-contdistr.html

Moderators

Karim Attoumani Mohamed

Speakers

Dawit Bekele

Sérgio Luís Cossa

Margaret Nyambura Ndung'u

Saturday May 31, 2025 12:00 - 13:00 EAT
Selous Room ( Plenary room) Julius Nyerere International Convention Centre, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Panel Discussion, Enhancing Digital Cooperation (GDC, WSIS+20, OEWG, SDGs 2030 etc.)

12:00 EAT

Building a Secure and Trusted Digital Africa: Multi-Stakeholder Perspectives

Saturday May 31, 2025 12:00 - 13:00 EAT

Workshop Room 5 (Meru)

Security is no longer a specialized issue as Africa speeds up its digital transformation; rather, it is a fundamental component of digital trust, resilience, and sovereignty. The goal of this session is to examine the ever-changing opportunities and difficulties associated with safeguarding Africa's digital environment, from national infrastructures to connectivity at the local level.

Through a multi-stakeholder lens, the panel will bring together views from academia, civic society, the private tech sector, and the state sector. They will jointly investigate how Africa can develop a robust cybersecurity posture that fosters innovation, protects user confidence, and strengthens international collaboration.
The discussion will bother on:
1. Africa's evolving threat landscape includes ransomware, critical infrastructure attacks, and cyber-enabled misinformation.
2. Capacity building and local talent development in cybersecurity.
3. The role of policy, regulation, and cross-border collaboration in driving continental cyber resilience.
4. Trust-building strategies between governments, technology companies, and citizens.
The session will be interactive, including audience engagement, and will conclude with actionable insights and recommendations that can be adapted across countries and sectors.
Session Objectives:
1. To explore the key cybersecurity threats and trends impacting African digital development.
2. To examine multi-stakeholder roles in building cyber resilience and trust.
3. To identify gaps in capacity, policy, and collaboration — and suggest practical solutions.
4. To foster partnerships that will drive Africa’s digital safety forward.
Target Audience:
• Policy makers and regulators
• Network and cybersecurity professionals
• Civil society and digital rights advocates
• Telcos, ISPs, and infrastructure providers
• Researchers and academia
• Youth and emerging tech leaders

Moderator & Panelist Structure:
Moderator:
Experienced facilitator with cybersecurity governance and multistakeholder dialogue expertise.
Panelists:
Government Representative – a cybersecurity agency in Nigeria
Private Sector Leader – Cybersecurity Firm
Civil Society Advocate – digital rights and data protection representative
Academic/Special interest Leader – researcher and innovator in cyber resilience
Mode: Hybrid:
Online audience : We will utilize zoom for speakers and attendees while slido will be used for questions and polls.
Physical audience : Will be able to contribute directly from the venue.

Moderators

Tinuade Oguntuyi

Speakers

Gbemisola Esho

Confidence Osein

Saturday May 31, 2025 12:00 - 13:00 EAT
Workshop Room 5 (Meru) Julius Nyerere International Convention Centre, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Panel Discussion, Cybersecurity, Resilience, and Trust

12:00 EAT

Enhancing Digital Cooperation in Africa Using the Global Digital Compact as an Enabler

Saturday May 31, 2025 12:00 - 13:00 EAT

To explore how the Global Digital Compact (GDC) can catalyze Africa’s digital transformation by aligning with regional frameworks like the African Digital Compact (ADC), fostering South-South/triangular cooperation, and addressing challenges such as digital divides, data governance, and AI regulation.
1. Policy Alignment: Strategies to harmonize GDC and ADC goals, particularly on digital divides and data governance.
2. Cooperation Roadmap: Prioritized actions for South-South/triangular partnerships in AI, cybersecurity, and digital literacy.
3. Advocacy Toolkit: Guidelines for African stakeholders to leverage the GDC in regional and global negotiations.
Aligning Global and Regional Agendas.

GDC Priorities: Closing digital divides, advancing equitable data governance, and governing AI for humanity.
ADC Synergies: Bridging Africa’s digital divides, enhancing cybersecurity, and fostering a Digital Single Market.
Case Study: The EU-Smart Africa partnership (e.g., deploying secure networks, e-governance, and AI initiatives) demonstrates how global frameworks can support regional goals.

South-South and Triangular Cooperation.
Triangular Models: Rwanda, Côte d’Ivoire, and Germany collaborate on drone-based biodiversity solutions and cross-border regulatory harmonization.
Regional Knowledge Sharing: Platforms like UNOSSC’s South-South Galaxy facilitate exchanges on mobile money, agricultural tech, and digital governance.
Cross-Regional Learning: Lessons from Latin America’s eLAC2026 and ASEAN’s Digital Integration Framework can inform Africa’s Digital Single Market.

Addressing Critical Challenges
Digital Inclusion: Scaling affordable connectivity, digital literacy, and inclusive e-governance
Data Governance: Harmonizing national frameworks and advancing interoperable standards
AI and Emerging Tech: Establishing ethical guidelines and capacity-building partnerships.
Relevance to the Global Digital Compact:
The session directly addresses the GDC’s call for inclusive multistakeholder governance and equitable data governance

Moderators

Poncelet Ileleji

Saturday May 31, 2025 12:00 - 13:00 EAT
Workshop Room 1 (Bagamoyo) Julius Nyerere International Convention Centre, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Panel Discussion, Digital Public Infrastructure and Data Governance

12:00 EAT

Using AI system and guarantees of the right to Justice

Saturday May 31, 2025 12:00 - 13:00 EAT

Workshop Room 2 (Mkomazi)

(AI) has made a grand entrance, not just as a guest but as a potential co-judge in trial settings.
The integration of AI in the legal system, while on the surface technologically impressive, raises significant concerns about the infringement of a defendant's fundamental rights, particularly the right to a fair trial. The biases embedded in AI algorithms can potentially violate several cornerstone principles of justice.

the landmark case of State v. Loomis (2016) in Wisconsin. Eric Loomis was sentenced to six years in prison, partly based on a risk assessment provided by an AI tool called COMPAS (Correctional Offender Management Profiling for Alternative Sanctions). Loomis argued that the use of COMPAS violated his rights, as he was unable to challenge the scientific validity and potential biases of the tool. if an AI tool used for evidence analysis is fed historical data that contains racial biases, the AI is likely to perpetuate these biases. A study demonstrated this with risk assessment tools used in criminal sentencing, showing that these tools can (and tend to) inherit and amplify racial biases present in the historical arrest data.

There are many real-life instances where biased AI has led to questionable trial outcomes. In the case of "People v. Bridges" in Michigan (2019), Robert Bridges was wrongfully arrested based on a flawed facial recognition match. The software erroneously identified Bridges as a shoplifting suspect, despite significant physical differences. His case highlights the dangers of relying on AI without enough adequate safeguards in place.

The main objective of the session is to discuss the potential concerns from the AI-induced biases and their not-so-subtle implications for a defendant's right to a fair trial, and reach a essential principles and safeguards that should be adopted and taking into account when using AI in Courts and to how guarantee and protect the right to justice and fair trial.
The main goal of the session to reach out a number of recommendations, guiding principles and safeguards of fair trial when using AI system in the courts. Exchange the experience with audience is essential to reach out the concrete principles.
According the discussion the organizer will form a working group to deep dive in the topic and discuss the topic in details. The organizer with the participants who will interest in the topic will work together to develop a policy paper in national and regional level.

Moderators

Mohamed Farahat

Saturday May 31, 2025 12:00 - 13:00 EAT
Workshop Room 2 (Mkomazi) Julius Nyerere International Convention Centre, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Roundtable Discussion, Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Technologies

12:30 EAT

Beyond Borders: Strengthening Cross-Border Collaboration to Fight Cybercrime

Saturday May 31, 2025 12:30 - 13:00 EAT

Beyond Borders: Strengthening Cross-Border Collaboration to Fight Cybercrime

Session Type: Lightning Talk ( 10 minutes)
Theme Alignment: Cybersecurity, Resilience & Trust | Enhancing Digital Cooperation

OVERVIEW
Africa’s digital transformation has unlocked immense opportunities but also a growing wave of cybercrime, particularly internet fraud. While governments and financial institutions implement anti-fraud measures within their jurisdictions, cybercriminals exploit weak cross-border cooperation to evade prosecution. Jurisdictional loopholes, fragmented cybersecurity laws, and limited intelligence-sharing create a safe haven for fraud syndicates operating across multiple countries.
This talk will highlight:
1. How cybercriminals exploit regulatory gaps to target individuals and businesses outside and across Africa.
2. Why prosecution rates remain low, despite the existence of anti-cybercrime frameworks.
3. The urgent need for real-time intelligence sharing and legal harmonization among African nations.
4. Practical solutions to enhance regional cooperation and strengthen Africa’s digital security.

Why This Talk Matters
Relevance: Cybercrime is a major barrier to trust in Africa’s digital economy. Without cross-border collaboration, even the most advanced fraud detection tools will be ineffective.
Expertise: As a financial crime prosecutor, I have worked on cases where criminals exploit jurisdictional gaps to escape accountability. This talk will provide insights into what works and what does not.
Action-Oriented: This is not just about the problem, it is about solutions. The talk will offer three concrete actions that policymakers, financial institutions, and enforcement agencies must take to tackle cyber fraud collectively.
Major Takeaways:
1. African nations must stop fighting cybercrime in isolation
2. Regional cybersecurity agreements must be enforced, not just signed.
3. Public-private partnerships between law enforcement, banks, and tech firms are essential to disrupt online fraud networks.
CTA (Call-to-Action)
To truly empower Africa’s digital future, we need a unified cybersecurity front. It is high time we broke jurisdictional silos, closed legal loopholes, and strengthened digital trust across borders.

Moderators

Taiwo Aromolaran

Public Prosecutor, Federal Government of Nigeria

Saturday May 31, 2025 12:30 - 13:00 EAT
Workshop Room 4 ( Mikumi) Julius Nyerere International Convention Centre, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Lightning Talk, Cybersecurity, Resilience, and Trust

13:00 EAT

Lunch Break

Saturday May 31, 2025 13:00 - 14:00 EAT

Canteen

Participation
This session does not include public remote participation.

Saturday May 31, 2025 13:00 - 14:00 EAT
Canteen Julius Nyerere International Convention Centre

Break

14:00 EAT

Main Session 3: Shaping Africa’s Digital Future: Strategic Governance & Leadership

Saturday May 31, 2025 14:00 - 15:00 EAT

As Africa advances the development of its Digital Single Market and scales up Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) including digital identity systems, interoperable cross-border payment platforms, and regional data exchange frameworks – the governance of data has emerged as a defining pillar of the continent’s digital transformation.
Data now underpins public service delivery, economic growth, artificial intelligence, innovation, digital trade, and regional integration. Yet, in the absence of coherent, trusted, and harmonized data governance frameworks, Africa’s ability to fully realize its digital potential remains constrained. Fragmentation across national laws, regulatory regimes, and institutional capacities—further complicated by concerns over sovereignty and uneven political will—continues to hinder the establishment of secure, interoperable cross-border data flows.
This high-level panel will convene senior leaders and experts from governments, regional bodies, international organizations, civil society, and academia to examine what effective, inclusive, and future-oriented data governance should look like for Africa. The session comes at a pivotal moment, as ongoing developments—including the domestication of the AU Data Policy Framework, implementation of the AfCFTA Digital Trade Protocol, and regional initiatives in ECOWAS, SADC, and EAC—present unprecedented opportunities for regulatory coherence and multilateral cooperation.

Panelists will explore how African institutions can:
• Design governance systems that protect digital rights and ensure equitable access to data.
• Redefine data sovereignty to enable secure and interoperable cross-border data flows,
• Foster innovation, economic resilience, and sustainable digital development, and
• Address the growing influence of emerging technologies such as AI, on the data governance landscape and the African data ecosystems.
Drawing on national, regional and continental experiences, the panel will engage with the following key questions:
• What does “good data governance” look like in the African context?
• How can data governance frameworks embed inclusion and representation, particularly for marginalized groups and communities?
• In what ways can institutions safeguard data sovereignty while enabling cross-border data flows?
• What forms of continental leadership and coordination are needed to harmonize frameworks across diverse legal, political, and economic landscapes?

Moderators

GIZ AUC

Speakers

African Union Commission

Saturday May 31, 2025 14:00 - 15:00 EAT
Selous Room ( Plenary room) Julius Nyerere International Convention Centre, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Panel Discussion, Enhancing Digital Cooperation (GDC, WSIS+20, OEWG, SDGs 2030 etc.)

15:00 EAT

National and Regional IGFs in Africa: Challenges, Opportunities, and the Way Forward

Saturday May 31, 2025 15:00 - 15:50 EAT

Session Description:
The session aligns with the broader theme of the AfIGF, focusing on enhancing internet governance mechanisms in Africa. It will explore the critical role of national and regional IGFs in shaping inclusive, sustainable, and people-centered digital policies across the continent.
National and Regional IGFs are essential platforms for multi-stakeholder dialogue on IG issues. In Africa, these forums play a pivotal role in addressing local and regional challenges, fostering collaboration, and ensuring that African voices are heard in global internet governance discussions. However, they face significant challenges, including limited resources, low stakeholder engagement, and varying levels of institutional support. At the same time, there are immense opportunities to leverage these platforms for advancing digital transformation, promoting digital rights, and addressing Africa-specific issues such as connectivity gaps, cybersecurity, and data governance.

Session Objectives:
1. Assess the Current State: Evaluate the effectiveness of national and regional IGFs in Africa in addressing internet governance challenges.
2. Identify Challenges: Discuss the key challenges faced by these forums, including funding, capacity building, and stakeholder engagement.
3. Explore Opportunities: Highlight opportunities for strengthening national and regional IGFs, such as partnerships, innovation, and alignment with global IGF initiatives.
4. Develop Recommendations: Propose actionable strategies to enhance the impact and sustainability of national and regional IGFs in Africa.
Key Discussion Questions:
1. What are the key achievements of national and regional IGFs in Africa so far?
2. What are the main challenges hindering their effectiveness, and how can these be addressed?
3. How can national and regional IGFs better engage underrepresented stakeholders, including women, youth, and rural communities?
4. What role can regional collaborations and partnerships play in strengthening these forums?
5. How can national and regional IGFs contribute to achieving the African Union’s Digital Transformation Strategy and Agenda?

Panelists:
Mr. Ahmed Farag – North Africa
Ms. Lilian Nalwoga – Eastern Africa
Ms. Mary Uduma – West Africa_
Mr. Jacob Munodawafa – Southern Africa
Mr. Michel Tchonang Linze – Central Africa

Onsite Moderator:
Ms. Carol Roach, MAG Chair - UN IGF

Online Moderator:
Ms. Thoko Miya, South Africa ISOC Chapter

Moderators

Ahmed Farag

Chair, North Africa IGF, NTRA

Speakers

Lillian Nalwoga

Convernor, Internet Sociey Uganda Chapter

Mary Uduma

WAIGF

Carol Roach

Saturday May 31, 2025 15:00 - 15:50 EAT
Selous Room ( Plenary room) Julius Nyerere International Convention Centre, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Panel Discussion, Universal Access and Meaningful Connectivity

15:50 EAT

ICANN Lighting Talk on the next round of new gTLDs

Saturday May 31, 2025 15:50 - 16:00 EAT

Saturday May 31, 2025 15:50 - 16:00 EAT
Selous Room ( Plenary room) Julius Nyerere International Convention Centre, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Lightning Talk

16:00 EAT

Coffee break

Saturday May 31, 2025 16:00 - 16:20 EAT

Canteen

Participation
This session does not include public remote participation.

Saturday May 31, 2025 16:00 - 16:20 EAT
Canteen Julius Nyerere International Convention Centre

Break

16:20 EAT

Open Mic 2025 Africa IGF

Saturday May 31, 2025 16:20 - 16:50 EAT

The Open Mic session aims to provide a platform for participants to share comments, goodwill messages, and concerns related to the overall organization of the Africa IGF, as well as to raise substantive issues on Internet governance and digital policy in the region.

Saturday May 31, 2025 16:20 - 16:50 EAT
Selous Room ( Plenary room) Julius Nyerere International Convention Centre, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Main Session

16:50 EAT

Closing Ceremony

Saturday May 31, 2025 16:50 - 17:20 EAT