Collaboration, partnerships necessary for connectivity in Africa

Delegates at the ongoing Internet Governance Forum in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia have said internet access is pivotal to Africa's economic and social transformation, making it vital for governments to invest in digital technologies.

While addressing the forum on Tuesday, Antonio Pedro, acting executive secretary of the UN Economic Commission for Africa, said partnerships and collaboration in boosting digital connectivity in Africa are key as the continent endeavors on the path of economic transformation with the operationalization of the Africa Continental Free Trade Agreement.

"Digitalization is key to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and the UN's Agenda 2063, and achieving that requires the contribution of all stakeholders. We have identified opportunities for all stakeholders to participate, for example, we are helping our member states to formulate national AfCFTA strategies," Pedro said.

Convened by the United Nations and held between Nov 28 and Dec 2, the forum has brought together people and organizations from all over the world to exchange knowledge on how to maximize opportunities presented by the internet and address risks and challenges.

In his message to the forum on Tuesday, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for a safe, equitable and open digital future that does not infringe on privacy or dignity. He also outlined the three main objectives needed to make the digital space accessible and safe.

"First is universal connectivity by closing the digital divide and reaching the 3 billion people who are offline, the majority of whom live in the Global South. Second is a safe, secure, human-centered digital space beginning with the protection of free speech, freedom of expression and the right to online autonomy and privacy," Guterres said.

The third objective, he added, is an increased focus on ways in which governments, working with technology companies and others, can foster the safe and responsible use of data.

"Governments, tech companies and social media platforms have a responsibility to prevent online bullying and deadly disinformation that undermines democracy, human rights and science," Guterres said.

Li Junhua, United Nations Undersecretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs, underscored the importance of digital access and the critical role of the forum as a platform for exchange and promoting good practices, adding the forum can accelerate universal connectivity by creating new partnerships and generating new ideas.

"Advancement in technologies must ultimately serve the wider role of sustainable development and leave no one behind," Li said.

The forum, which is running under the theme 'Resilient Internet for a Shared Sustainable and Common Future', will address the development of a resilient, sustainable and inclusive digital infrastructure. In particular, it will tackle the use of advanced digital technologies, such as artificial intelligence and its consequent risks, ensuring new innovations are developed and deployed in a human-centric manner.