Benin's deputy Alidjanatou Saliou-Arêkpa recently participated in the 15th African Internet Governance Forum (AfIGF 2026) and the Ministerial and Senior Officials' Forum in Accra, Ghana. The event, held from November 2-5, 2026, was organized by the Ghanaian government in collaboration with the African Internet Governance Forum Secretariat and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa. The forum brought together various stakeholders, including ministers, policymakers, parliamentarians, regulators, and private sector leaders from across the continent.
The forum's theme was "Advancing Africa's Digital Future through Innovation, Inclusion, and Trust." The discussions focused on advancing Africa's digital transformation agenda, with a particular emphasis on implementing the African Union's Digital Transformation Strategy (2020-2030) and the Global Digital Compact. The strategy aims to promote digital cooperation, infrastructure development, and universal access to connectivity.
Deputy Alidjanatou Saliou-Arêkpa's participation in the forum was facilitated by the Ghanaian Ministry of Communication, Technology, and Innovation. Her presence at the event underscores Benin's commitment to engaging in continental discussions on digital governance and development. The forum provided a platform for African countries to share experiences, best practices, and innovative solutions to address the challenges and opportunities in the digital landscape.
The 15th African Internet Governance Forum took place against the backdrop of the adoption of the SMSI+20 Final Document, which reaffirmed the relevance of the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) framework and the mandate of the Internet Governance Forum (IGF). This development has solidified the IGF's status as a global multistakeholder dialogue platform.
The Accra forum aimed to contribute to the implementation of the African Union's Digital Transformation Strategy and strengthen the continent's engagement in global digital policy initiatives. Key objectives included promoting regional cooperation, developing public digital infrastructure, expanding universal access to connectivity, and building cybersecurity and digital trust.
In her remarks, Deputy Alidjanatou Saliou-Arêkpa expressed her gratitude to the President of the National Assembly, Professor Joseph Fifamin Djogbénou, for approving her participation in the forum. Her involvement demonstrates Benin's commitment to contributing to the country's development and promoting its interests at the continental level.
The 15th African Internet Governance Forum provided a valuable opportunity for stakeholders to engage in discussions on Africa's digital future. The event highlighted the need for collaboration, innovation, and inclusivity in shaping the continent's digital landscape. As Africa continues to navigate the complexities of the digital age, events like the AfIGF play a crucial role in promoting dialogue and cooperation among stakeholders.
Key points
- Deputy Alidjanatou Saliou-Arêkpa participated in the 15th African Internet Governance Forum in Accra, Ghana, to discuss Africa's digital future.
