Webfala Digital Skills for all Initiative, in collaboration with DNS Research Federation, hosted a virtual stakeholder consultation on Thursday, focusing on “Enhancing Digital Governance in Africa: The Crucial Role of Standard Organizations in Shaping the Internet Landscape.”
The event drew the participation of over 30 stakeholders from various sectors, including the media, private sector, development organizations, and NGOs, representing countries across Africa.
The primary objective of the consultation was to gather stakeholders’ opinions on Webfala’s research efforts aimed at enhancing digital governance in Africa.
Also, the workshop served as a platform to garner insights and recommendations from stakeholders, aimed at reinforcing the role of standard organizations in shaping an internet governance landscape that empowers the continent for sustainable development, regional integration, and global competitiveness.
Key issues that were raised and discussed during the consultation included legal identity, digital identity, the localization of policies in Africa, digital infrastructure, digital security, inclusion of people with disabilities in policy formulation, implementation of enacted policies, and empowering National Human Rights Commissions in African countries.
In his closing remarks, Wale Bakare, director of Partnership and Sustainability at Webfala Digital Skills for all Initiative, underscored the significance of the virtual consultation in supporting in-depth research.
He highlighted,
“The inputs underscore the current realities of Digital Governance in Africa and emphasize the imperative to leverage critical research to mobilize opportunities that strengthen the Role of Standard Organizations in Shaping the Internet Landscape.”
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