By Jimson Olufuye, 28.04.2025

The World Summit on Information Society (WSIS) convened by World leaders in 2003 and 2005 following the realization of the crucial roles of Information and Communications Technologies (ICTs) (also known in the industry as the Internet) played in economic growth and development. Since 2005, ICTs have added more than $10tr to the global economy (Oxford Economics, 2020).

The outcome document of the WSIS 2003, the Geneva Declaration outlined the expectation of the Summit for a "people-centred, inclusive and development-oriented Information Society, where everyone can create, access, utilize and share information and knowledge, enabling individuals, communities and peoples to achieve their full potential in promoting their sustainable development and improving their quality of life, premised on the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations and respecting fully and upholding the Universal Declaration of Human Rights..." to be achieved through 11 Action Lines, and targets . As the 2003 edition was inconclusive, members agreed to meet in 2005 in Tunis and they met in Tunis and produced the Tunis Agenda which re-inforced the agreement of 2003 and further outlined two principal outcomes namely: the Internet Governance Forum (IGF) (Para 72), and Enhanced Cooperation on international public policy issues pertaining to the Internet (Para 68).

Since 2006, the IGF has convened annually in different host countries and the host for this year is Norway (June 23-27, 2025). It has been a forum that had enabled all stakeholders (government, the private sector, the civil society and the technical and academic communities) to come together on an equal footing to dialogue on Internet Governance and digital policy issues. Important discussion points include: connectivity, access, cybersecurity, cybercrime, data protection, privacy, blockchain, intellectual property rights, human rights, child online protection & safety, data Governance, digital divide, artificial intelligence, Internet of Things, internet security and resiliency, digital Public Infrastructure, digital Public goods, digitalization, digital transformation, internet Fragmentation, critical internet infrastructure, digital cooperation, etc. It has been a great platform for capacity development, the exchange of ideas, and the convening of new initiatives. Though the forum produces no resolutions and agreed texts, yet it's outcome documents constitute  rich reference points on good practices with respect to Internet Governance and digital policy issues.  It is the general consensus that the IGF has fostered economic growth and development around the world and as such its mandate should be renewed by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) when it meets later in the year or made a permanent part of the UN structure with predictable funding mechanism. A major evolution of the IGF is the growth of the National and Regional IGF Initiatives (NRIs). So far, there are more than 170 NRIs playing crucial roles in in-country, sub-regional and regional dialogues on Internet Governance and digital policy issues.  Indeed, for twenty years, the IGF has served a good purpose as about 70% of the world population is now connected to the Internet.

While the twin of IGF, Enhanced Cooperation (EC) to enable governments on an equal footing develop international policies for the Internet in collaboration with all relevant stakeholders could not take-off in 2006, it has however been operational in many fora despite no consensus agreement reached at the end of the sessions of the CSTD Working Group on EC (2014-2018) convened by the UN General Assembly (GA). Between 2018 and now, a lot has changed in the Internet governance ecosystem such that the factor against its consensus in 2018 has now evaporated. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia who opposed the consensus agreement for EC to be operationalised in CSTD is now a fan of the multistakeholder engagement on Internet Governance and digital policy issues as she hosted successfully the 19th IGF in Riyadh, last year. At the 28th Session of the CTSD Meeting in Geneva in April 2025, it was heart warming to witness Enhanced Cooperation at work with government engaging one another on International public policy pertaining to the Internet in collaboration with other stakeholders in their respective roles. Perhaps, a resolution at any future session of the CSTD may formalise the consensus that EC is already happening in the CSTD itself as agreed by the majority at the WGEC in 2018. As a matter of fact, EC is already at work in many fora including at the ICANN. In this regard, the role of Netmundial 2014 and the IANA transition of 2016 cannot be underplayed.

However, the failure of EC arriving at a consensus in 2018 open the gate for series of activities culminating in the convening of the Summit of the Future of September 2024 which produced a Pact for the Future with the annex - the Global Digital Compact (GDC) aimed at an inclusive, open, sustainable, fair, safe and secure digital future for all. From the foregoing, the GDC should be seen as a renewed emphasis on the overarching goals of the WSIS. As the WSIS is being reviewed on the occasion of its 20th anniversary, the GDC should be seen as part of its derivatives and its implementation should flow within the existing framework of the implementation of WSIS with its annual reviews, IGF, and its proliferating NRIs and  operationalisation in the CSTD. By the mandate given by the  United Nations General Assembly (GA) through the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), the CSTD is the coordinating body for the WSIS and its purview should encompass GDC as noted in the GDC document. Without creating a new mechanism, the GDC as proposed can still enable the achievement of the SDGs if all necessary machineries are activated by governments in collaboration with all concerned stakeholders.

As the WSIS+20 review is underway, it is pertinent to note that addressing the challenges of new and emerging technologies such as artificial intelligent and Quantum Computing among others is critical. The interest of the people must remain at the centre of the digital. Increased capacity development, the safeguard and protection of rights, meaningful participation and connectivity for all, sustaining the one Internet that has prospered the world among others are subjects that should preoccupy our minds.

As digitalization and digital transformation powered by innovation fosters a people centered knowledge and prosperous society, there is a need to be mindful of risks that geopolitical tension, fragmentation and unilateralism can cause. The spirit of WSIS which is multistakeholderism that has served the world well should not be jettisoned. It should rather advance to meaningful multistakeholderism per the Netmundial+10 Sao Paulo Multistakeholder Guidelines. It should propel us through IGF, EC, GDC into a more prosperous digital future for all.

Jimson Olufuye is the Principal Consultant at Kontemporary® Konsulting Ltd. Founder/1st Chair of the concerned private sector-led and over 40-nation strong Africa ICT Alliance—AfICTA, (2012-2018). He is currently the Chair of the Advisory Council of AfICTA. He was one of the 5 business reps in the United Nations Commission for Science and Technology for Development Working Groups on Improvements to the Internet Governance Forum (IGF), and on Enhanced Cooperation on public policy matters pertaining to the Internet, (2012-2018). He was also a member of the UN Secretary-General’s IGF Multi- stakeholder Advisory Group (2010-2012 & 2025).

Formerly the President of the Information Technology (Industry) Association of Nigeria, (2007-2011), he was the Vice-Chair of the World Innovation Technology and Services Alliance (WITSA), (2010-2012). He was also the Chair, Finance and Operations of ICANN Business Constituency, (2014-2020).

He was a member of the Netmundial+10 Steering Committee 2024 and leader of AfICTA delegation to the UN Summit of the Future 2024. He is the architect of the new Tripod Cybersecurity Maturity Model, TCMM.africa.

Jimson Olufuye, intervening at the 28^th CSTD Session in April 2025 in Geneva

Dr Jimson Olufuye with Dr Peter Major, Chair of the 28^th CSTD Working Session



Dr Jimson Olufuye at the 28^th Session of the CSTD, April 2025 in Geneva

AfICTA Endorses the 4th Edition - ICT and Data Centres Conference in Kenya

Abuja, Nigeria - The African Information and Communication Technologies Alliance (AfICTA) has officially endorsed the 4th Edition of the ICT and Data Centres Conference, scheduled to take place in Nairobi, Kenya. The conference, organized by Bricsa Consulting, will bring together key stakeholders in the ICT sector to explore the future of Africa's digital landscape. The endorsement by AfICTA, a premier alliance of ICT associations and organizations in Africa, underscores the significance of the conference in shaping the continent's ICT and data centre future.

"We are excited to partner with Bricsa Consulting on this landmark conference," said the Chair of AfICTA, Ms. Ulandi Exner. "The event aligns with our mission to promote the development of the ICT sector in Africa, and we believe it will provide a valuable platform for stakeholders to discuss the opportunities and challenges facing the industry."

The conference will focus on key themes, including the role of ICT in achieving Kenya's Vision 2030, addressing infrastructure issues, and exploring the impact of emerging technologies like blockchain and AI on the sector. Additionally, the event will delve into critical issues such as cybersecurity, data protection, and the digital divide.

Kenya has emerged as a significant player in the African ICT landscape, with the government's National Digital Masterplan and investments from leading companies like MTF and Africa Data Centres driving growth in the sector. The conference is expected to attract a high-level delegation of policymakers, industry leaders, and experts from across Africa.

"We are honoured to have AfICTA's endorsement for our conference," said Bricsa Consulting Representative "This partnership underscores the importance of collaboration in shaping the future of Africa's ICT sector. We look forward to hosting a productive and insightful discussion that will contribute to the growth and development of the industry."

The 4th Edition of the ICT and Data Centres Conference will take place from 5th to 6th May 2025 at Radisson Blu Hotel in Nairobi, Kenya. For more information, please visit https://ict.bricsaconsulting.com/#about-conference. 

Abuja, Nigeria - The countdown has begun for the 2025 West Africa Internet Governance Forum (WAIGF), a premier event that gathers stakeholders from across the region to discuss critical issues shaping the digital landscape. Scheduled to take place from May 19-21, 2025, in Abuja, Nigeria, this year's forum promises to be a landmark event.

Hosted by the Government of Nigeria, with the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) serving as the national host organization, WAIGF 2025 is fully supported by the ECOWAS Commission, Internet Society, ICANN, Smart Africa, AfICTA, and a network of national and regional partners.

This year's theme, "Building a Resilient, Inclusive, and Safe Digital Future for West Africa," underscores the importance of collaborative efforts in addressing the region's digital challenges and opportunities. WAIGF has, since its inception in 2008, provided a vital platform for dialogue on Internet and digital policy, bringing together policymakers, civil society, technical experts, private sector actors, researchers, and youth.

We invite all stakeholders to join us in Abuja as we work together to shape West Africa's digital future. This forum is a crucial opportunity to address the pressing issues and emerging trends that will define our region's digital landscape.

Registration for WAIGF 2025 is now open. Interested participants can register online and join the conversation that helps build a better digital future for West Africa.

For more information about WAIGF 2025, including registration details and the full program, please visit https://waigf.ecowas.int/

About WAIGF
The West Africa Internet Governance Forum (WAIGF) is an annual event that gathers stakeholders from across the region to discuss critical issues shaping the digital landscape. WAIGF provides a platform for dialogue on the Internet and digital policy, promoting collaboration and cooperation among policymakers, civil society, technical experts, private sector actors, researchers, and youth.

AI-Powered SMEs: Unlocking New Opportunities for Growth

The African continent, particularly Central Africa is home to a dynamic and expanding community of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs), yet many face obstacles in accessing markets, finance, and technology. These challenges limit their growth and competitiveness, making it difficult to scale. However, the rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI) offers a transformative opportunity, enabling SMEs to overcome these barriers and unlock new possibilities for expansion.

AI-powered solutions can help SMEs streamline operations, improve customer engagement, and enhance decision-making. Chatbots, for example, provide 24/7 customer support, while machine learning algorithms analyze market trends for data-driven insights. Additionally, AI-driven platforms can simplify access to finance, talent, and new markets, creating a more level playing field for SMEs in the region.

To explore AI’s potential in SME growth, the 17th edition of AfICTA’s quarterly eConference has been proposed. The event will bring together SME owners, AI experts, policymakers, and industry stakeholders to discuss both opportunities and challenges in AI adoption. Through well-structured panel discussions, participants will gain knowledge into the latest AI innovations and practical strategies for leveraging AI to boost business growth and competitiveness.

Venue: Zoom Online
Date: 8th April, 2025 (10:00am UTC)

Objectives

1. To explore the potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in driving growth and competitiveness among Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) in Central Africa.
   
   
2. To provide a platform for SME owners, AI experts, policymakers, and industry stakeholders to discuss and share knowledge on AI trends, innovations, and best practices.
   
   
3. To showcase successful examples and case studies of AI-powered SMEs in Africa and Central Africa, highlighting the benefits and impact of AI adoption.
   
   
4. To foster collaboration and partnerships among stakeholders to support the development of an AI-powered SME ecosystem in Central Africa, driving economic growth and development.
   
   
5. To develop practical strategies and recommendations for SMEs in Central Africa to harness AI for business growth, innovation, and competitiveness.
   
   

Expected Outcomes

1. Increased Awareness & Knowledge Sharing - Participants will gain a deeper understanding of how AI can enhance business processes, customer engagement and market expansion for SMEs.
   
   
2. Actionable Strategies for SMEs - Practical recommendations and tools will be provided to help SMEs adopt AI-driven solutions for business efficiency and growth.
   
   
3. Policy & Regulatory Insights - Policymakers will gain insights into how regulations can be shaped to encourage AI adoption among SMEs while addressing ethical concerns.
   
   
4. New Partnerships & Collaborations - The event will create networking opportunities between SMEs, AI solution providers, investors, and policymakers to foster collaborations.
   
   
5. Showcasing Success Stories - African and Central African SMEs that have successfully integrated AI will be highlighted as models for others to follow.
   
   

To attend, Register Now...