Freetown, Sierra Leone – The inaugural Mano River Union Internet Governance Forum (MRU IGF), held at the New Brookfield Hotel from October 9-10, 2024, marked a critical milestone in the region’s efforts to address digital governance and push forward the digital transformation agenda. Participants from Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone convened to amplify the voices and challenges of this sub-region on the global internet governance stage.
Under the theme “Bridging the Digital Divide for Inclusive Development in the MRU Region,” the forum provided a platform for multi-stakeholder engagement across government, civil society, technical communities, and the private sector. Over two days of intense discussions, key topics such as digital literacy, infrastructure development, cybersecurity, and regulatory frameworks were explored, offering fresh insights and action plans to ensure the region’s growth and inclusion in the global digital economy.
In a key panel discussion on digital infrastructure development, Dr. Abdulai Sankoh, representative of Sierra Leone’s Minister of Communication, Innovation, and Technology, addressed critical gaps in connectivity and called for greater cross-border collaboration. “We are at the dawn of a new digital era in the MRU region. Our countries must work together, not just to bridge the digital divide but to lead innovation in Africa. Our collective effort will ensure that no one is left behind in the global digital economy,” he said.
Peterking Quaye, Regional Coordinator of the MRU IGF, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the forum’s role in bringing the issues of the MRU countries into global focus. “The MRU IGF is not just a platform for discussion but a powerful tool for advocacy and action. We must ensure that the voices of Liberia, Guinea, and Sierra Leone are amplified, and the issues we face are taken to the world stage. We have set the foundation for collaboration that will drive digital transformation in the MRU region,” Quaye said.
Participants from all three countries shared their unique challenges and opportunities in the digital space. Sankoumba Kourouma, Guinea’s IGF Focal Person and President of ISOC Chapter Guinea, pointed to the need for greater investment in digital literacy programs, particularly in underserved rural areas. “We need to ensure that youth and marginalized communities have the skills to participate in the digital economy. Without this, the benefits of digital transformation will be limited,” he emphasized.
Samuel James Kpartor, Program Director of the Federation of Liberian Youth (FLY), stressed the importance of developing local content and services that reflect the region’s cultural and social realities. “Our digital platforms must speak to the people. We need to develop solutions that are not only accessible but also relevant to the daily lives of our communities,” Kpartor said during a panel on FinTech and digital inclusion.
The forum also highlighted the challenges of digital regulation and cybersecurity, with several participants calling for the establishment of robust regional frameworks to safeguard the digital space. Regional cooperation was emphasized, particularly in response to rising cyber threats that require joint responses and proactive policies across the MRU countries.
A major outcome of the forum was the circulation of a communiqué capturing the essence of the discussions and outlining key recommendations. This document will be submitted to the respective governments of the MRU region for consideration in shaping their national digital transformation agendas.
As Peterking Quaye summarized in his closing statement, “The MRU IGF is the first of many steps toward a unified digital future for our region. We have planted the seed of collaboration, and it is up to us to nurture it. The conversations we’ve had here must translate into action that will transform the MRU region into a leader in Africa’s digital journey.”
The success of this inaugural forum sets a precedent for future events, serving as a platform where voices from the region can unite, raise issues, and find shared solutions. By engaging with international bodies like ICANN and AFRINIC, the forum ensured that the region’s unique challenges were integrated into the broader discourse of global internet governance.
With the recommendations from the forum now in the hands of policymakers, it is clear that the MRU region is committed to shaping its digital future. The collaborative spirit of the MRU IGF will continue to drive this transformation, ensuring that digital infrastructure, literacy, and security remain at the forefront of national and regional agendas.
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