Enhancing Regional Internet Governance: Africa Engagement Forum in Accra
The Africa Engagement Forum, organized by the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN), took place today in Accra, Ghana. This significant event aims to enhance regional collaboration concerning internet governance, emphasizing Africa's critical role in global policies.
Under the auspices of the Association of African Universities (AUA), the forum brings together diverse stakeholders to align on regional priorities and promote Africa's involvement in worldwide internet governance frameworks. This year's discussions are focused on key drivers of digital growth, showcasing ongoing projects and advancements, particularly efforts surrounding universal acceptance and preparation for the next round of new generic top-level domains (gTLDs).
Pierre Dandjinou, ICANN's Vice President for Stakeholder Relations in Africa, underscored the forum's importance, stating, "The growth of the Internet in Africa depends on collaboration and sustained investment in technical readiness." He emphasized that participants are pivotal in identifying effective strategies, areas needing attention, and avenues for meaningful advancements in internet governance processes. The forum aims to foster more substantial African participation in ICANN processes, resulting in a more resilient domain name system management and a clearer roadmap for innovation across the continent.
Following the main forum, attendees will engage in the African DNS Forum, addressing resilience within the DNS infrastructure, registry operations, and various technical and commercial factors influencing the domain name sector in the region. This second event is set to further delve into issues crucial for maintaining a robust and secure digital landscape in Africa.
Professor Olusola Oyewole, General Secretary of the AUA, highlighted the significant role universities play in Africa's digital future. He noted, "The organization of this forum reflects our commitment to equipping the next generation of engineers, policymakers, and innovators with the necessary knowledge to navigate and contribute to the systems that underpin Internet functionality. We are excited to partner with ICANN to facilitate discussions that develop technical skills and enhance Africa's contribution to global internet governance."
The Africa Engagement Forum represents a collective desire for extensive multi-stakeholder collaboration aimed at bolstering the stability and resilience of the internet across the African continent. Registration details, session materials, and presentations are available at ICANN's official website.
Founded in 1998, ICANN's mission encompasses ensuring a secure, stable, and unified global Internet by coordinating unique identifiers that enable computers to communicate effectively. On the other hand, the AUA, established in 1967, aims to promote cooperation among African universities and enhance the quality of higher education across the continent.
This forum marks a critical step toward a more integrated approach to tackling internet governance issues in Africa, ensuring that the continent remains at the forefront of digital advancements in the years to come.