The city of Parakou recently hosted the fourth edition of the Youth IGF Benin forum, a major event that has become a cornerstone of digital dialogue in Benin. The meeting, held in a hybrid format, brought together young people, public decision-makers, digital experts, and representatives from various stakeholders. The common goal was to strengthen the role of youth in shaping the country's digital future. With young people making up the majority of Benin's population, they are a crucial lever for digital transformation.
Despite their significant numbers, several challenges limit the full participation of young people in Benin's digital landscape. These challenges include digital divides, unequal access to technology, a shortage of digital skills, and underrepresentation in decision-making bodies. The Youth IGF Benin 2026 aims to address these issues by promoting a more inclusive approach to internet governance. The event encourages young people to move beyond being mere consumers of technology and become engaged and influential actors in digital decision-making processes.
The forum has several specific objectives, including raising awareness among young people about their strategic role in shaping national digital policies, enhancing their knowledge of digital culture and cybersecurity, and promoting responsible technology use. It also seeks to foster intergenerational and multi-stakeholder dialogue, bringing young people closer to public decision-makers and key actors in the digital ecosystem. The initiative aims to produce concrete outcomes, including providing tools for young people to actively engage in digital governance mechanisms.
The organizers of the forum aim to have at least 150 young people participate, both in person and remotely, and provide them with the necessary tools to engage actively in digital governance. The event also seeks to strengthen synergies between young people and institutional, private, and technical actors in the sector, while producing strategic recommendations for competent authorities. A follow-up committee will be responsible for ensuring the implementation and monitoring of these recommendations.
According to Clara Gninou, president of the organizing committee, the stakes are high, and the goal is to ensure the effective participation of young people in decisions that shape the national digital landscape. Gninou emphasized that young people want to move from inclusion to digital sovereignty, enabling them to control their data and influence the choices of their nation. The fourth edition of the Youth IGF Benin confirms the organization's commitment to making young people an essential actor in internet governance.
The Youth IGF Benin forum takes place in a context where digital issues increasingly influence economic, social, and democratic development. The event highlights the importance of involving young people in shaping Benin's digital future. By fostering a more inclusive approach to digital governance, the forum aims to empower young people to become active participants in the country's digital transformation.
The Youth IGF Benin 2026 forum is a significant step towards creating a more inclusive digital landscape in Benin. By bringing together young people, policymakers, and digital experts, the event provides a platform for dialogue, knowledge sharing, and collaboration. The forum's outcomes, including strategic recommendations for authorities and a strengthened role for young people in digital governance, will be crucial in shaping Benin's digital future.
Key points
- The Youth IGF Benin 2026 forum aims to promote inclusive digital governance and youth participation in shaping Benin's digital future.
