Name: Plenary Session 2: Digital Connectivity, AI & Emerging Technologies for Development
Start: 2024-07-12T10:00:00+0000
End: 2024-07-12T11:00:00+0000

Bienvenue au Forum sur la Gouvernance de l’Internet en Afrique de l’Ouest 2024!
Dakar vous attend.

Friday July 12, 2024 10:00 - 11:00 UTC

Main Hall

In West Africa, urban areas enjoy better internet access than rural and underserved urban poor communities. According to the ITU, less than two out of five rural residents have internet access, compared to nearly double that in urban areas. This rural-urban digital divide exacerbates economic disparities and hinders development. Despite the recognized benefits of digital connectivity for sectors like education, healthcare, and agriculture, significant gaps remain in national policies and infrastructure to support rural and underserved communities. Barriers include the high cost of mobile data and internet-capable devices, especially in low-income areas. The session will explore opportunities for regional alignment on clean energy sources, the adoption of community networks, and strategies for governments to enhance broadband and connectivity policies. Expected outcomes include identifying critical gaps, funding needs, and data requirements to improve internet penetration in rural and underserved areas.

Moderators

Dr. Pape Gueye

Director General, National Regional Cybersecurity School (ENVR)

Speakers

Mr. Isidore DIOUF

Directeur Général, Société Sénégal numérique S.A. (SENUM SA)

Houégnon Geoffroy BONOU

Conseiller Technique au Suivi des Projets et Réformes (CTSPR), Ministry of Digital Transformation of Benin

Deon Woods Bell

Senior Advisor, Global Policy and Advocacy, Gates Foundation

Deon Woods Bell is a Senior Advisor for Global Policy at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, working on the Financial Services for the Poor team. In this role, she leads digital financial services policy and advocacy efforts with multilateral institutions such as the United Nations... Read More →

Thys Kazad

Meta Public Policy Manager for Francophone Africa, META

Thys Kazad is currently in charge of Meta Public Policy Manager for Francophone Africa, andConnectivity Public Policy Manager for Sub-Saharan Africa. Prior to Meta.Before Meta, Thys was Regulatory Director at Tigo DRC, Regulatory Director at Zantel Tanzania,Senior Executive Head of... Read More →

Emmanuel Olu-Festus

Legal & Data Protection Officer, Nigeria Internet Registration Association (NiRA)

Emmanuel Olu-Festus is a seasoned Legal Practitioner, Company Secretary, and DataProtection & Privacy Expert. His diverse legal career spans various organizations and roles,including Associate Counsel, Legal Officer, Company Lawyer, Company Secretary, and DataProtection Officer, showcasing... Read More →

Mr. Talla Ndiaye

Director, Just Transformation Program

Friday July 12, 2024 10:00 - 11:00 UTC
Main Hall

Panel Discussion

Attendees (37)

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Attendees (37)

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