Smart Africa, ICANN, and African Leaders unite to strengthen internet governance

Global and African leaders have come together to address the critical challenges and opportunities of Internet governance and digital sovereignty on the continent at the ICANN82 conference in Seattle. During a high-level ministerial session, Lacina Koné, CEO of Smart Africa, Kurt-Erik "Kurtis" Lindqvist, CEO of ICANN, and Mrs. Aurélie Adam Soule Zoumarou, Minister of Digital Affairs and Digitalization of Benin reiterated the importance of collaboration, innovation, and proactive strategies to build a secure and inclusive digital future for Africa.

The session, held on the sidelines of ICANN82, brought together ministers, policymakers, and stakeholders to discuss how Africa can strengthen its Internet infrastructure, harmonize governance frameworks, and ensure digital sovereignty in an increasingly interconnected world. The discussions underscored the continent’s commitment to leveraging digital transformation as a driver of economic growth, social development, and global competitiveness.

CEO of Smart Africa, Lacina Koné, stressed his organization’s unwavering commitment to building a secure and robust digital infrastructure for Africa’s Single Digital Market, and the importance of managing Africa’s core digital assets to ensure digital sovereignty and drive economic growth.

“Smart Africa’s commitment to building a secure and robust digital infrastructure for Africa’s Single Digital Market remains steadfast,” said Koné. “The management of our core digital assets must be a priority to ensure digital sovereignty and drive economic growth.”

Mr.Koné highlighted the need for Africa to take ownership of its digital future by investing in infrastructure, building local capacity, and creating policies that protect digital assets while fostering innovation and inclusivity. He also stressed the importance of collaboration among African nations and with global partners to address the challenges of Internet governance.

Kurt-Erik Lindqvist, CEO of ICANN, reaffirmed ICANN’s commitment to working alongside Smart Africa and other stakeholders to strengthen Africa’s Internet infrastructure and governance frameworks. He urged participants to actively engage in shaping the future of Africa’s digital ecosystem.

“ICANN remains committed to working alongside Smart Africa and all stakeholders in the region to strengthen Africa’s Internet infrastructure and governance frameworks,” said Lindqvist. “I encourage all of you to engage actively, as these conversations will help change the future of Africa’s digital ecosystem.”

Lindqvist emphasized that a strong and secure Internet infrastructure is essential for Africa’s economic growth and social development. He called for collaboration among governments, private sector players, civil society, and international organizations to create a digital ecosystem that is resilient, inclusive, and capable of supporting the continent’s aspirations.

Benin’s Minister of Digital Affairs and Digitalization, Mrs. Aurélie Adam Soule Zoumarou also outlined the strategic importance of Internet governance for ensuring digital sovereignty. She commended Smart Africa’s initiatives in addressing these challenges and called for a coordinated and proactive approach to Internet governance.

“Internet governance is an essential tool and a major strategic issue for ensuring digital sovereignty that aligns with the realities of our nations,” said Mrs. Zoumarou. “It is therefore important to adopt a coordinated and proactive approach, and I commend Smart Africa’s initiatives in addressing these challenges.”

She emphasized the need for African nations to work together to harmonize policies, strengthen cybersecurity, and expand connectivity to ensure that the benefits of digital transformation are equitably distributed.

The ministerial session at ICANN82 marked a significant step forward in Africa’s journey toward digital transformation. With Smart Africa, ICANN, and African leaders leading the charge, the continent is well-positioned to strengthen its Internet infrastructure, harmonize governance frameworks, and ensure digital sovereignty.

As Lacina Koné aptly put it, “Africa’s digital future is in our hands. Let us work together to build a Single Digital Market that drives economic growth, creates opportunities, and improves the lives of all Africans.”

By: Nana Appiah Acquaye