The eleventh edition of the West African Internet Governance Forum (WAIGF) ended last week in Senegambia.
The two-day confab was held under the theme shared responsibilities of stakeholders for a robust internet governance ecosystem, and brought together countries of the West Africa sub-region.
Speaking at the event, information minister Ebrima Sillah said WAIGF has been evolving since its first forum in 2016, and used the occasion to recognise ICT as a significant pillar for the development of The Gambia and the West African region as a whole.
WAIGF aims to promote internet governance issues in West Africa through a multi-stakeholder process.
Mary Udoma, WAIGF coordinator, highlighted some of the “massive improvements” registered by WAIGF since 2016.
Raphael K Kofi, director, digital economy & post, Ecowas Commission, said internet is tied to not only Africa’s economic growth but the world at large.
He said ICT is central to the Ecowas Vision 2020, which seeks to set a clear direction and goal to significantly raise the standard of living of the people through conscious and inclusive programmes that will guarantee a bright future for West Africa and -shape the destiny of the region for many years to come.
