Adama Kane, a renowned Senegalese innovator and entrepreneur, has been appointed to the United Nations' multipartite advisory group on information society. This group, comprising 92 members from diverse countries and stakeholder categories, aims to promote inclusive information society and bridge the digital divide. Kane, with over 15 years of experience in the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) works, will contribute to international discussions on digital inclusion, public digital services access, and technological inequality reduction.
Adama Kane's appointment comes at a crucial time, following the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) and the SMSI+20 review process. The UN General Assembly resolution A/RES/80/173, adopted on December 17, 2025, is a significant reference point for this process. As a founder of startups and a decorated digital innovator, Kane will bring his expertise to the advisory group, which seeks to facilitate dialogue among governments, private sector, civil society, technical community, academia, and international organizations.
Kane's background in telecommunications, technological innovation, and addressing societal needs has led to the development of impactful digital solutions. His initiatives, such as JokkoSanté, a platform enhancing access to medication, and EcosPêche, a solution combating illegal fishing, showcase his commitment to harnessing technology for socioeconomic benefits. These projects have garnered recognition, including Ashoka Fellow status and gold medals at the International Inventions Salon in Geneva.
Kane's experience in developing usage-oriented digital solutions will inform his contributions to international discussions on digital inclusion and technology adaptation to local realities. He emphasizes that technology must address identified needs and produce tangible effects for populations and economic actors. This approach will guide his participation in the advisory group, where he will offer an independent perspective as a digital sector actor.
Adama Kane's priorities for the advisory group focus on prerequisites for making digital benefits accessible to all. He stresses the importance of universal meaningful connectivity, financial accessibility of public digital services, skills development, and security. These dimensions are crucial for enabling populations to effectively and sustainably use technologies. Kane aims to contribute to coherent proposals aligned with Senegalese and African public programs and regulatory frameworks.
The first meeting of the advisory group is scheduled for October 27, 2026, marking the beginning of a collaborative phase. Members will engage in discussions and define expected contributions to the WSIS follow-up process. Kane's participation will ensure that lessons learned from the field are fed into international discussions, promoting effective and inclusive digital policies.
Adama Kane's appointment to the UN advisory group is both a recognition of his achievements and a responsibility to contribute to shaping the future of the information society. He looks forward to working synergistically with Senegalese stakeholders, including government, private sector, civil society, technical community, and academia, to advance digital inclusion and address the needs of diverse populations.
Key points
- Adama Kane's expertise in digital innovation and entrepreneurship will inform his contributions to the UN advisory group on information society.
- The advisory group aims to promote inclusive information society and bridge the digital divide through collaborative dialogue.
- Kane's priorities focus on universal meaningful connectivity, financial accessibility of public digital services, skills development, and security.
