Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang urges African nations to unite on digital agenda

Vice President Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, representing President John Mahama, has called for African countries to establish a unified digital governance agenda. Speaking at the opening of the 15th Africa Internet Governance Forum (AfIGF) in Accra, she stressed that collaborative decisions regarding digital technology are vital for the continent's future development. The Vice President emphasized that a unified approach is necessary to address the digital divide and ensure that Africa remains a competitive player in the global digital economy.

During her address, the Vice President highlighted that the choices made today regarding digital governance will have profound impacts on commerce, education, and the protection of individual freedoms throughout the continent. She noted that a fragmented approach could hinder progress and leave many citizens behind. To mitigate these risks, she advocated for a collective framework that ensures digital inclusion and fosters innovation across all member states, allowing for a shared vision of digital transformation.

In line with this regional goal, the Vice President mentioned that Ghana is already taking significant steps with initiatives such as the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy. This strategy aims to enhance digital accessibility and integrate emerging technologies into the national economy. Supporting this vision, the Minister for Communications and Digitalisation, Samuel Nartey George, urged African leaders to take firm control of the continent's digital future, specifically identifying connectivity and cybersecurity as top priorities for the regional agenda.

The 15th AfIGF serves as a critical preparatory platform for African nations ahead of global discussions on internet governance and the upcoming review of the World Summit on the Information Society. By aligning their priorities and speaking with a single voice, African countries aim to influence international digital policy and ensure that the global digital ecosystem remains equitable and beneficial for the continent's growing population.