Nigeria to collaborate with UN and AU to improve internet governance and inclusion for youth
Nigeria joins a growing number of African nations seeking to harness the power of emerging technologies and young entrepreneurs.
In a concerted effort to bolster digital inclusion and fortify internet governance initiatives for the youth in Africa, the Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC) has embarked on a joint venture with the African Union (AU), the UN, and Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ).
Highlighting the significance of this partnership, Professor Umar Danbatta, Executive Director of the NCC, emphasised that Africa’s increasing youth population presents both an unprecedented opportunity and a formidable challenge. He underscored the critical importance of harnessing Africa’s youth’s energy and creative potential for the continent’s overall development.
These remarks were made at the 12th edition of the Africa Youth Internet Governance Forum (AfYIGF), in Abuja on September 18. In contrast, their senior counterparts will participate in the 2023 Africa Internet Governance Forum until Thursday.
Why does it matter?
As Africa’s largest country by population, promoting a collaborative environment with broad internet access and a constantly improving infrastructure is essential to harnessing the potential of emerging technologies and their young entrepreneurs. Nigeria has already called a commission to contribute to creating a national AI strategy, has in place guidelines for 5G networks and has investigated the long-term economic benefits of digitalisation in its National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (2020-2030).
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