- ICANN and Smart Africa have signed an MoU to strengthen Africa’s Internet governance through capacity development, outreach initiatives, and participation in global discussions. This collaboration focuses on empowering stakeholders, raising awareness, and advancing secure Internet infrastructure across the continent.
- As part of the Coalition for Digital Africa, the partnership includes tailored programs for governments and lawmakers, aligning with the goal of increasing African online engagement and driving the region’s digital transformation.
What happened
ICANN and Smart Africa have joined forces to strengthen Internet governance across Africa through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed on November 13, 2024. This collaboration marks a significant step toward empowering African stakeholders with the knowledge and tools to navigate the increasingly complex digital landscape. ICANN, known for its role in maintaining a stable and unified Internet, and Smart Africa, an alliance driving the continent’s digital agenda, have committed to organizing capacity-building events, workshops, and community engagement activities. These initiatives aim to enhance technical expertise, improve stakeholder participation, and raise awareness of critical Internet governance topics. Additionally, both organizations will collaborate on initiatives under the Coalition for Digital Africa, focusing on tailored programs for government officials and lawmakers. By providing these resources and opportunities, ICANN and Smart Africa intend to lay the foundation for secure, inclusive, and resilient digital infrastructure that can support Africa’s economic growth and digital transformation.
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Why it is important
This partnership is a critical milestone in advancing Africa’s digital economy and ensuring the continent’s active participation in global Internet governance. As Africa experiences rapid digital transformation, the demand for secure and stable Internet infrastructure has never been more pressing. By leveraging ICANN’s technical expertise and Smart Africa’s influence in regional policymaking, this collaboration equips African governments, businesses, and individuals with the tools to better manage Internet-related challenges. Furthermore, the initiative aligns with broader goals of the Coalition for Digital Africa, which aims to bring more Africans online while fostering economic growth through improved connectivity.
For startups and businesses, this partnership creates opportunities for enhanced digital infrastructure that supports innovation and market access. It also addresses the knowledge gap by educating lawmakers and stakeholders, enabling them to shape policies that reflect Africa’s unique needs. Ultimately, this collaboration strengthens the continent’s ability to harness the Internet as a driver of socio-economic development, paving the way for a more inclusive and connected future.
