IGF 2024 took place at King Abdul Aziz International Conference Centre in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia . During the event AfICTA held the session titled Addressing the Challenges of Digital Sovereignty in DLDCs on Tuesday, 17 December. The session held brought together stakeholders from diverse groups and continents to discuss the critical challenges surrounding digital sovereignty in Developing and Least Developed Countries - DLDCs, particularly in Africa and also explored the balance between data localization and economic growth, infrastructure constraints, and regulatory policies.
Dr. Jimson Olufuye, CEO, Kontemporary Konsulting Ltd & Founder/fmr Chair, Chair of the Advisory Council, AfICTA and Ms. Ulandi Exner, AfICTA Chair highlighted that establishing local data centers is a significant hurdle, with financial and technical challenges, including unreliable electricity supplies and limited expertise, hindering progress. They however emphasized the need for the adoption of innovative solutions like renewable energies to tackle the challenges.
Mr. Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, the Director General, National IT Development Agency - NITDA_ stressed the importance of data classification and provided an advisory for clear regulations that differentiate sensitive government data from less critical commercial information. This call for clear regulations was echoed by other participants, who emphasized the need for harmonized regional policies to streamline cross-border data flows without compromising security.
The conversation extended to renewable energy's role in powering local infrastructure, with Dr. Jimson Olufuye pointing to a 10-year successful solar-powered center built in Nigeria. Also Dr. Kossi Amessinou noted the need for governments to utilize data effectively for economic development.
Speakers like Dr. Melissa Sassi and Dr. Toshikazu Sakano argued for public-private partnerships to foster skills development and job creation. The call for capacity building remained a recurring theme, with Ms. Rachael Shitanda and Dr. Melissa Sassi urging governments to prioritize technical training while retaining talent in their countries.
The discussion concluded on an optimistic note, acknowledging that solutions, such as renewable energy integration and smart regulations, can help achieve digital sovereignty. Speakers emphasized the need for continued collaboration to overcome economic, technical, and policy challenges while fostering innovation and growth. As the session came to a close, stakeholders left with a renewed sense of purpose and a commitment to working together to achieve digital sovereignty in Africa and other DLDCs.
https://dig.watch/updates/balancing-digital-sovereignty-and-growth-in-africa-discussed-at-igf-2024