ICANN and Smart Africa Strengthen Internet Governance in Africa

ICANN and Smart Africa Join Forces for Digital Growth

The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) has signed a significant agreement with Smart Africa, a transformative initiative aimed at enhancing internet governance across the continent. This partnership is poised to advance the digital landscape in Africa, ensuring that it becomes a fertile ground for innovation and collaboration.

Aiming for a Secure and Inclusive Internet

This collaboration underlines a mutual commitment between ICANN and Smart Africa to create a stable, secure, and inclusive internet environment. By building upon their strengths, these organizations are laying a foundation that will influence long-term improvements in digital governance across Africa.

Empowering Stakeholders

As part of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), both entities plan to organize capacity development workshops aimed at empowering African stakeholders. These educational initiatives focus on enhancing skills and knowledge related to internet governance, encouraging local stakeholders to actively participate in the governance discussions that shape the digital future of Africa.

Community Engagement

ICANN and Smart Africa also emphasize community outreach as a pivotal component of their collaboration. By fostering a greater understanding of key internet governance topics, they aim to spark interest and involvement from local communities throughout the continent. These engagements are not simply informational; they are opportunities to build local capacity while connecting people to the larger global dialogue.

Leadership Perspectives

Sally Costerton, Interim President and CEO of ICANN, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership. She emphasized that this collaboration reflects ICANN's commitment to equipping every community with the resources they need to influence their digital trajectories. This initiative is pivotal in ensuring that the digital transformation benefits everyone across Africa.

Lacina Koné, CEO of Smart Africa, echoed this sentiment, stating that the partnership marks a strategic step in solidifying Africa's internet governance capabilities. Their joint efforts aim to empower stakeholders with the essential knowledge and tools required to mold the future of the continent’s digital landscape.

Coalition for Digital Africa

Beyond the immediate framework of the MoU, ICANN and Smart Africa are also collaborating within the Coalition for Digital Africa. This initiative focuses on tailored capacity development programs, specifically designed for government officials and lawmakers. By fostering a deeper understanding of the technical aspects of the internet, this effort will enable stakeholders to contribute effectively to global internet governance.

Bridging the Knowledge Gap

Through this Coalition, both organizations aim to engage in interactive sessions that clarify the technical workings of the internet. Such knowledge is crucial for African leaders to navigate and influence the global digital environment effectively. Events and discussions will also seek to enhance local governance frameworks, driving Africa toward meaningful inclusion in global internet conversations.

About Smart Africa and ICANN

Smart Africa is a dynamic alliance comprising African governments, international organizations, and private sector players, all united in the mission to propel Africa into the knowledge economy through innovative digital solutions. With a vision to establish a single digital market by 2030, Smart Africa is steadily advancing its agenda, now representing a membership of 39 countries and over a billion people.

ICANN’s role in this transformative journey is equally critical. Formed in 1998, ICANN ensures a stable, secure, and unified global internet by coordinating unique identifiers necessary for computers to communicate. This mission is instrumental in fostering an accessible digital world for all.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the aim of the collaboration between ICANN and Smart Africa?

The collaboration aims to enhance internet governance capacity development across Africa.

How will the partnership benefit local stakeholders?

It will provide training and workshops to empower local stakeholders in internet governance issues.

What is the Coalition for Digital Africa?

It is an initiative focusing on enhancing digital governance through tailored development programs for various stakeholders.

What is Smart Africa's vision?

Smart Africa aims to create a single digital market in Africa by the year 2030.

How does ICANN contribute to internet stability?

ICANN coordinates unique identifiers, ensuring that the global internet remains stable and accessible.

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