UNECA Role in the Internet Ecosystem in Africa | IGF 2023 Open Forum #110

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The speakers’ discussions revealed several significant points. Abraham, a technical support for the Global IGF, highlighted the need for more mentorship within the field of internet governance. He personally mentors 50 individuals in this field, recognizing the lack of mentorship opportunities.

Abraham’s argument is supported by the fact that he actively mentors these individuals, providing them with guidance and support.

Abraham also advocates for increased participation in local IGFs and the youth IGF, not viewing them solely as opportunities to travel but also as chances to bring about beneficial changes on a local level.

This highlights the importance of active involvement and contribution within internet governance processes, aligning with SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure and SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities. Abraham’s advocacy showcases his commitment to making a positive impact in internet governance.

Furthermore, addressing language barriers in internet governance is crucial to enhancing the accessibility of knowledge and training.

Abraham’s training program provides instructions in five different languages, including English, French, Portuguese, Swahili, and Arabic. This demonstrates a proactive approach towards making internet governance knowledge more widely available, contributing to SDG 4: Quality Education and SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities.

Abraham’s mentoring efforts also extend to training over 50 individuals in Africa, empowering them and providing opportunities to contribute to the internet ecosystem.

This aligns with SDG 4: Quality Education and SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure. Moreover, many of Abraham’s mentorees have joined various digital programs initiated by the Internet Society and African digital programs, signifying the effectiveness of the mentorship provided.

In an effort to promote gender equality and women’s empowerment, Abraham aims to involve more women in the programs they are associated with.

This aligns with SDG 5: Gender Equality and showcases the commitment to ensuring inclusivity and diversity within the field of internet governance.

Finally, Abraham urges leaders to expand support and funding for individuals who have the potential to positively contribute to the internet ecosystem.

This highlights the importance of recognizing and investing in talented individuals who can make a difference in internet governance. This aligns with SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure and emphasizes the need for continued support and resources to drive progress in this field.

In conclusion, Abraham’s passionate commitment to mentorship in internet governance, the need for local engagement and language inclusivity, the training and empowerment of individuals in Africa, involvement in digital programs, promotion of gender equality, and the importance of expanding support and funding contribute to various SDGs and inspire positive changes within the internet ecosystem.

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The discussion on internet governance in Africa covered a wide range of topics and highlighted several key points. One crucial aspect was the need for youth empowerment and representation in national and regional Internet Governance Forums (IGFs). Emmanuel Vitus, the convener of the Togo IGF and the coordinator of the West African School of Internet Governance, played a significant role in this regard.

The importance of linguistic diversity and inclusive learning was also emphasized.

It was argued that language should not be a barrier to the inclusion of African youth in internet governance discussions. Africa consists of 29 French-speaking countries and about six Portuguese-speaking countries. Efforts should be made to ensure that all African youth have equal access to these forums.

Another area of interest was measuring the impact of young fellows after their term at the national and regional level.

The discussion revolved around evaluating the effectiveness of youth fellowship programs and finding better ways to assess their impact.

The role of youth advocacy and global communication in internet governance was also discussed. It emphasized the need to amplify the voices of young people on the global platform and convey their messages effectively.

The United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) was recognized for its efforts to expand inclusion through languages.

However, it was highlighted that 58% of internet content is in English, indicating the need for more diversity and inclusion in internet governance discussions.

The increase in electrification in rural areas, specifically in Tanzania, was seen as a positive development.

It was noted that over a span of 6-7 years, electrification reached 3000 villages in Tanzania. However, political will is needed to further increase electrification in rural areas.

The underrepresentation of Africa’s private sector was also discussed. The Global North was described as more advanced in this regard, while the Global South, particularly Africa, requires more organization and participation.

Efforts from UNECA, specifically Dr. Mata’s sake and the late Makan Faye, were acknowledged, with a call for increased engagement and support from the private sector.

The potential of the internet to increase per capita GDP was explored through UNECA’s study.

It concluded that the full deployment of the internet could significantly boost per capita GDP in Africa, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing internet infrastructure development.

The role of government engagement in understanding and valuing the importance of the internet for economic well-being was highlighted.

Some governments were noted to have shut down the internet due to disagreements with social media posts, indicating the need for better government understanding and support.

The use of TV white spaces and solar panels for powering data centers was regarded as a way to enhance technological reach and sustainability.

TV white spaces, which are dispersed areas that established telecom might not reach, could play a significant role in ensuring connectivity in remote areas. The use of solar panels to power data centers was seen as an environmentally friendly and sustainable energy solution.

The implementation of a unified network across Africa was desired, aiming to enhance connectivity and facilitate communication between countries in the region.

The importance of government involvement in internet governance forums was emphasized.

It was noted that government representatives are fewer in these forums and often inclined towards the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). The need for better government understanding and engagement in multi-stakeholder internet governance was highlighted.

It was suggested that the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) and the African Union need to collaborate to ensure the participation of ministers in policy creation and understanding of internet governance.

Ministers were regarded as the principal policymakers, and their involvement was seen as crucial for effective governance.

The need to strengthen internet governance globally was acknowledged. The perceived weakness of the global Secretariat was noted, suggesting that efforts should be made to strengthen internet governance worldwide.

Promoting greater youth involvement in internet governance activities was seen as critical, highlighting their role as the future generation for Africa.

Their active participation should be encouraged and supported.

The issue of infrastructure sharing, particularly for new entrants facing affordability constraints, was discussed. New entrants were found to struggle with paying the rates enacted by existing infrastructure owners, highlighting the need for a solution to ensure affordable and accessible internet services for all.

Market saturation and the entry of newcomers, especially in areas with smaller populations like Namibia, were also discussed.

Existing participants were reportedly struggling to survive, showcasing the need to manage market saturation and create opportunities for new entrants.

Gender inequality in internet usage was recognized as a significant challenge. Women in rural areas were found to lack access to the necessary resources to purchase new technologies, and the affordability of data was a major concern.

The need for women leaders and parliamentarians to actively address this issue was emphasized, highlighting the importance of policies and actions to promote gender equality in internet usage.

African digital initiatives were found to receive more external financial support than support from within Africa itself.

The need to increase financial support from within Africa for African initiatives was stressed, highlighting the importance of self-reliance and sustainability.

In conclusion, the discussions on internet governance in Africa covered a wide range of topics and brought forth several key insights and recommendations.

The need for youth empowerment, linguistic diversity, government engagement, and infrastructure development were the main themes discussed. Promoting inclusivity, supporting gender equality in internet usage, and strengthening internet governance globally were also highlighted as important steps towards ensuring a more equitable and accessible internet for all in Africa.

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The African Internet Governance Forum (IGF) was initiated by the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) in Nairobi over a decade ago. Since then, it has played a significant role in increasing internet access in Africa. In 2006, internet access in Africa was a mere 2.6 percent, compared to Europe’s 39 percent.

However, by 2022, Africa’s internet access has significantly improved, reaching 40 percent. This progress is a testament to the importance of the African IGF and its efforts in bridging the digital divide.

Dr. Seck stresses the importance of ECA’s role in initiating the African IGF and the need to increase African representation in global internet governance.

Currently, African participation in the Global IGF is relatively low. To address this issue, Dr. Seck believes there’s a need for better organization of the African Multistakeholder Advisory Group (MAG) and the secretariat to involve more participants in the global IGF process.

The ECA has set up a task force to propose ways to improve African participation in the African and global IGF.

Capacity-building programs are also advocated by Dr. Seck to improve the knowledge and skills of parliamentarians, government members, and the technical community in internet governance.

The ECA is developing capacity-building programs for parliamentarians and planning programs for the technical community to discuss technical issues related to the IGF.

While the importance of the IGF is recognized, there is a need to improve governments’ understanding of its purpose and function.

The IGF is not a decision-making platform, but rather a forum for exchange and discussion. Therefore, there is a need to provide more information to governments about the IGF to enhance their understanding and engagement.

The impact of digital technology on GDP is another area of concern.

A study is being prepared to measure the impact of digital technology on GDP. However, there is a lack of appropriate tools to measure the impacts of digital services like FinTech, e-commerce platforms, and e-government services. Ministers of finance need a better understanding of the impact of digital technology on GDP.

Government participation in the IGF is also a challenge.

Most of the participants in the IGF come from civil society, the private sector, and academia, with limited representation from the government side. Efforts should be made to address this imbalance and encourage greater government participation in the IGF.

The establishment of a unified network, known as “One Network,” is another topic of discussion.

However, there are challenges around various laws and regulations between countries, as well as between Anglophone and Francophone countries. The African free trade area and the African digital single market could facilitate the establishment of one network, taking into account regional laws and regulations.

Lastly, regulation and political commitment have an impact on the cost of digital inclusion.

While the necessary infrastructure is available, the cost of digital inclusion can be affected by regulation and political commitment. Operators define the costs, and therefore it is important to address regulation and ensure political commitment for affordable digital inclusion.

In conclusion, the African Internet Governance Forum has made significant strides in improving internet access in Africa.

However, efforts must continue to enhance African representation and participation in global internet governance. Capacity-building programs, improved understanding among governments, measurement of the impact of digital technology on GDP, increased government participation, and addressing regional laws and regulations are all crucial steps in achieving these goals.

Affordable and inclusive digital access can only be achieved through a comprehensive and collaborative approach.

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The role of parliamentarians in driving policy within an inclusive Internet ecosystem is vital. They collaborate with the executive to ensure the functionality and effectiveness of policies. Parliamentarians are actively involved in legislation, budgeting, and addressing issues related to the digital divide.

In Africa, parliamentarians are advocating for countries to sign conventions on cybersecurity and personal data protection.

This strong support for African Union conventions aims to safeguard digital security and protect personal data. Countries like Gambia are already taking steps to develop cybersecurity bills and implement personal data protection systems in line with these conventions.

Africa urgently needs to protect and own its data.

Data plays a critical role in the digital landscape and holds immense value. However, Africa currently lags behind in terms of protecting and controlling its data. Efforts must be made to address this issue and establish robust data protection mechanisms.

Identification and addressing issues present significant challenges in Africa.

More than 400 million people on the continent do not have proper identification systems, which hampers their access to various services and opportunities. It is crucial to tackle these issues effectively to ensure inclusive and equitable access for all.

The cost of data is directly linked to the operational costs of GSM companies.

These companies bear the burden of funding their own infrastructure, such as electricity and equipment, which significantly increases their expenses. It is important for policies to encourage collaboration among GSM companies to reduce costs. For example, in Gambia, the government has built a national broadband network to assist companies in reducing their operational costs.

Policy changes should support new entrants to the market.

Currently, the market is often dominated by a few major players, making it difficult for new companies to enter and compete. Creating tax havens and implementing supportive policies can lower costs for new entrants, fostering competition and innovation.

Addressing the electricity problem is vital in reducing the cost of data and ending internet poverty.

The lack of electricity is a major contributing factor to the high cost of data in many African countries. Initiatives, such as the government of Gambia supplying solar-powered electricity to schools and hospitals, can help alleviate this issue and ultimately reduce the cost of data.

Promoting community networks can also contribute to reducing the cost of data.

Community networks are cost-effective and quick to deploy, and they do not require significant infrastructure investments. Emphasizing the development of such networks can make data more accessible and affordable for communities.

There is growing concern about the high taxation regimes imposed on the telecom sector in many countries.

This can hinder growth and innovation within the sector. Efforts should be made to establish fair taxation policies that encourage growth and maintain a favorable business environment.

Involving the private sector is crucial in implementing digital transformation strategies.

The private sector possesses the resources, expertise, and innovation necessary for effective implementation. Collaborating with the private sector can accelerate the adoption of technology and drive economic growth.

Digital literacy is essential in various sectors, including education, public service, judiciary, and parliament.

It is important to equip individuals with the necessary skills and knowledge to navigate the digital world effectively and access opportunities for growth and development.

E-commerce has a positive impact on GDP. It provides opportunities for economic growth, job creation, and increased productivity.

Embracing e-commerce can contribute to achieving sustainable economic development.

Effective digital implementation requires collaboration between government ministries. Different ministries must work together to ensure the successful implementation of digital policies and initiatives. This collaborative approach enables efficient use of resources and maximizes the impact of digital transformation.

In conclusion, parliamentarians play a vital role in driving policy within an inclusive Internet ecosystem.

Efforts are being made to strengthen cybersecurity and data protection in Africa. It is imperative to protect and own data to promote digital sovereignty. Identification and addressing issues need to be effectively tackled to ensure inclusivity. Collaboration is needed to reduce the cost of data and encourage competition.

Addressing the electricity problem, promoting community networks, and involving the private sector are key strategies for reducing the cost of data and driving digital transformation. Fair taxation policies, digital literacy, and e-commerce contribute to economic growth. Effective digital implementation requires collaboration among government ministries.

By addressing these key areas, Africa can pave the way for a thriving and inclusive digital future.

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Africa’s young population and its rapid urbanization present a tremendous opportunity for digital transformation. Being the youngest and most rapidly urbanizing continent, there is significant potential for leveraging digital technologies to drive economic growth and development in Africa. This includes improving education, creating job opportunities, and addressing social and economic challenges through technology.

The Internet Governance Forum (IGF) is a recognised platform for discussing the potential and challenges of the internet.

It provides an avenue for stakeholders to come together and discuss various aspects of internet governance, including digital opportunities and challenges. Through inclusive discussions, the IGF facilitates knowledge exchange, allowing for the development of effective policies and strategies.

Leaders play a crucial role in driving digital transformation.

They must demonstrate commitment, willingness to change, and a willingness to experiment. By leading by example, leaders can inspire others to embrace digital technologies and drive innovation. This transformative mindset is vital to adapt to the rapidly changing digital landscape and ensure that organisations and societies can thrive in the digital era.

Improving digital skills is essential for achieving digital transformation.

By equipping individuals with the necessary knowledge and skills, they can fully participate in the digital economy and leverage technology to address social and economic challenges. Quality education plays a significant role in enhancing digital skills, and it should be prioritised to prepare individuals for the digital age.

Collaboration and coordination are crucial for progress in digital transformation.

Stakeholders from various sectors need to work together, sharing resources, knowledge, and expertise to drive innovation and overcome challenges. By promoting partnerships, collaborations, and knowledge sharing, the collective impact of digital transformation efforts can be maximised.

Creating common digital infrastructure and developing local content and language are essential for ensuring affordability and accessibility of digital devices for diverse communities.

By producing digital devices locally, affordability can be improved, making them more accessible to a wider range of people. Additionally, developing local content in indigenous languages makes digital content more understandable and relatable to local communities, further enhancing accessibility.

In conclusion, Africa’s young and rapidly urbanizing population presents a unique opportunity for digital transformation.

Through initiatives like the Internet Governance Forum, leaders demonstrating commitment, improving digital skills, fostering collaboration, and creating common digital infrastructure and local content, Africa can harness the potential of technology to drive economic growth and development, address social and economic challenges, and create a more inclusive and sustainable future.

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The analysis highlights several challenges and potential solutions for internet connectivity in Africa. It argues that Africa needs to go beyond basic internet connection and aim for meaningful connectivity because COVID-19 has exposed deep inequalities and gaps in basic connection standards.

The vision for digital transformation in Africa requires more than just basic connectivity.

Government and private sector investments are deemed necessary for infrastructure development to improve internet connectivity. The Moonshot Report estimates that Africa needs $109 billion in infrastructure investment.

It also points out that there are still many areas in Africa that lack any coverage, and infrastructure investment can address this issue.

The high cost and lack of affordability of smart devices are major barriers to internet connectivity.

People in the low-income quintiles in Africa are spending 40% to 60% of their average household income to purchase one smart device. Additionally, high digital taxation is seen as a burden on the sector, further impacting affordability.

The current definition of a connected person is considered inadequate and needs revision.

Currently, a connected person is defined as someone who accesses the internet once every three months. However, the analysis argues that daily access and unlimited data should be the goal.

The need for public access solutions to supplement individual internet access is highlighted.

Affordability is a major issue affecting internet access, and public access can help bridge the gap for individuals who cannot afford their own connection.

The cost of internet connectivity is a significant challenge in the region, making it unaffordable for many.

The analysis states that 1 gig of data at no more than 2% of the average monthly income is still unaffordable for many Africans. South Africa meets this standard only for the top 20% income earners, highlighting the economic inequality.

To make internet connectivity more affordable, market competition needs to be promoted.

Currently, many African economies operate as duopolies, which hinders affordability. Increasing competition in the market can lead to lower prices and better availability of internet services.

Community networks and public access options are seen as potential solutions to close the economic digital divide.

Existing community networks in Africa have a high meaningful activity score, indicating their effectiveness. Different digital technologies and financial models have been tested and proven successful in these networks.

The analysis identifies the need for proper implementation of policies promoting infrastructure sharing.

Currently, infrastructure sharing across utilities, especially with roads and electricity, is not well-implemented. Examples of countries struggling with implementation include Mozambique, Ghana, and Nigeria.

Gender equality and the inclusion of women in the digital economy and revolution are highlighted.

Women who were connected during COVID-19 were able to weather the loss of income and pivot to online opportunities. Excluding women from the digital economy has a significant economic impact, with government losses estimated at about a trillion dollars.

The analysis criticizes poor practices of adopting digital taxation from other jurisdictions, which negatively impact affordability.

Digital taxation has mostly been consumer-facing, affecting the cost of internet use. For example, Nigeria has 27 unique taxes that contribute to the high cost of internet services.

Evidence-based research is deemed essential for effective policy-making. It is believed that evidence-based policy-making will lead to better results and effectiveness in improving internet connectivity.

Notably, Uganda’s use of Universal Service Funds to supply smart tablets to female-led households is seen as a positive step towards promoting gender equality and digital inclusion.

Additionally, the country’s development of a curriculum to train policy-makers on centering gender in ICT policies is also viewed positively.

In conclusion, the analysis underscores the need for Africa to go beyond basic internet connectivity and aim for meaningful connectivity.

Government and private sector investments, affordable smart devices, revised definitions of a connected person, public access solutions, market competition, infrastructure sharing, gender equality, evidence-based research, and intentional inclusion of women in the digital revolution are crucial for improving internet connectivity in Africa.

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The expanded summary provides a detailed overview of the main points and arguments presented in the given information.

One of the arguments presented is the importance of the African Internet Governance Forum (IGF), which was highlighted by mentioning a project developed between the European Union and the African Union Commission.

The project aimed to promote collaboration and effective governance of the internet in Africa. This highlights the recognition of the need for African countries to have a platform for discussing internet-related issues and ensuring that policies and strategies are aligned with the African context.

Another argument focuses on the need for meaningful connectivity in Africa for internet access.

It is pointed out that during the COVID-19 pandemic, many African children faced challenges in accessing education due to a lack of internet connectivity. This highlights the importance of ensuring that all individuals, especially young students, have reliable and affordable internet access to bridge the digital divide and promote inclusive education.

The growth of the internet ecosystem and the creative potential of young people are also discussed.

With appropriate connectivity, young people can leverage their digital native status to be more creative and innovative. This emphasizes the potential of the internet to accelerate economic growth and create job opportunities, particularly considering that over 60% of the African population consists of young people.

The cost of internet is identified as a major barrier to its proliferation across the continent.

It is mentioned that the average cost for one gigabyte of data in Gambia is about $5, while other countries like Ghana and Tunisia have lower costs. This high cost of internet restricts access for many individuals and contributes to the digital divide present in Africa.

Investments in submarine cables by bilateral and international organizations were also highlighted, indicating efforts to expand internet infrastructure across the continent.

However, it is noted that more actions and investments are needed to tackle the issue of internet proliferation in Africa. This suggests that while progress is being made, further initiatives and resources are required to improve internet access for all African countries.

In conclusion, the given information emphasizes the importance of the African Internet Governance Forum in promoting effective internet governance.

It highlights the need for meaningful connectivity to bridge the digital divide and promote inclusive education and economic growth. The cost of the internet is identified as a significant barrier, and investments in infrastructure are acknowledged. Overall, more efforts and resources are needed to address the challenge of internet proliferation in Africa.

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The participation of African youth in Internet Governance Forum (IGF) processes is vital, considering their significant population. The Global IGF 2022 took steps to enhance their involvement by sponsoring 80 African youth to attend the conference. These participants also underwent an Internet Governance Training program, aiming to improve their skills in this field.

The goal was to equip them to support national or regional IGF processes beyond the conference.

Ethiopia took action after participating in the Global IGF by establishing a youth IGF within the country. This initiative involved the active participation of youth volunteers in organizing the IGF process, highlighting the commitment to involve young individuals longitudinally in the Internet Governance Forum, rather than just during the final conference.

Inclusion and equal distribution of opportunities among African youth in youth-led initiatives for Internet governance are crucial.

While African participation in these initiatives is positive, there is a need to ensure that opportunities reach all regions of the continent. A thousand applications were received for the initiative, emphasizing the interest and potential among African youth. Balancing the involvement of experienced internet governance ambassadors and newcomers in the field is also necessary to provide a diverse and inclusive platform.

Language has been identified as a critical factor in meaningful engagement for Internet governance.

The introduction of Swahili, the most popular African language, during the Global IGF is evidence of the emphasis placed on understanding concepts in native languages for better comprehension. This approach aims to bridge the language barrier and ensure that internet governance concepts are accessible to all participants, regardless of their linguistic background.

The impact of youth initiatives in internet governance is being measured to observe progress and sustain networking opportunities.

Youth participants are carrying forward their learnings and network benefits by taking up roles as facilitators or volunteers in other organizations such as ISOC and ICANN. The success of these initiatives can also be seen in the establishment of youth forums in countries like Ethiopia, where the impact of the Global IGF is evident.

Moreover, the focus on culturally resonant modes of understanding, such as using mother tongue languages, is crucial in developing strategies for internet governance.

Building concepts in mother tongue languages can bring them closer to communities and ensure inclusivity. The introduction of Swahili as the first African language during the Global IGF is a step towards fostering cultural relevance in internet governance discussions.

In summary, the involvement of African youth in Internet Governance Forum processes has been recognized as crucial.

The Global IGF 2022 took steps to enhance youth participation and provided training opportunities. Ethiopia’s establishment of a youth IGF and the involvement of youth volunteers reflect the long-term commitment to youth involvement. Inclusion, language, impact measurement, and cultural relevance are key considerations in fostering youth-led initiatives for internet governance.