7.3 KiB
IGF 2026 WS #97 Operationalizing WSIS+20: EU–Africa Dialogue through NRIs
Description
The adoption of the WSIS+20 Outcome Document marks a new phase in global digital cooperation, shifting the focus from policy development to implementation. As preparations begin for the 2027 review of the GDC, National and Regional Internet Governance Forum Initiatives (NRIs) are increasingly recognised as key platforms for translating global commitments into national, regional, and local action through inclusive, multistakeholder processes.
Throughout 2026, the African Internet Governance Forum (AfIGF) community has advanced this agenda through the “Road to Ghana” Community Engagement Series, culminating in the 15th AfIGF in Accra, Ghana. These consultations have brought together governments, the private sector, civil society, the technical community, academia, and youth to identify Africa’s priorities and recommendations for implementing the WSIS+20 Outcomes and the Global Digital Compact. In parallel, EuroDIG 2026 has provided a platform for European stakeholders to exchange experiences, shape regional priorities, and develop recommendations on digital cooperation.
Building on these complementary regional processes and the longstanding Africa–Europe dialogue on digital governance, including the 2023 EuroDIG Opening Plenary on “Digital Cooperation between African and European Parliamentarians” and EuroSIG, this workshop will bring together stakeholders from both regions to reflect on the key messages emerging from EuroDIG 2026 and AfIGF 2026. Participants will explore how the evolving digital governance landscape and the WSIS+20 Outcomes can strengthen Africa–Europe cooperation.
The dialogue will examine how recommendations from both regional IGF processes can inform global digital governance discussions and the 2027 GDC review. Particular attention will be given to the role of NRIs in advancing implementation through peer learning, knowledge exchange, collaborative initiatives, and policy innovation while preserving the bottom-up multistakeholder model. The workshop will identify practical opportunities for Africa–Europe collaboration and develop actionable recommendations to strengthen NRIs' contribution to implementing the WSIS+20 Outcomes and to advancing an open, inclusive, secure, resilient, and people-centred digital future.
Policy Question(s)
A. How can the key messages, priorities, and recommendations emerging from EuroDIG 2026 and the 15th Africa IGF 2026 translate the WSIS+20 Outcomes into concrete action at the national, regional, and global levels? B. How can National and Regional IGF Initiatives (NRIs) strengthen their role in implementing the WSIS+20 Outcomes, contribute to the 2027 review of the Global Digital Compact, and identify concrete opportunities for EU–Africa cooperation on digital governance? C. What practical EU–Africa initiatives can be developed through the NRI ecosystem to pilot, exchange, and scale innovative approaches to emerging digital governance challenges while preserving the bottom-up, multistakeholder model?
Expected Outcomes
The session will:
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Identify areas of convergence between the Africa IGF 2026 Outcome Message and EuroDIG 2026 Messages, highlighting shared priorities and opportunities for strengthened EU–Africa cooperation on digital governance.
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Develop actionable recommendations on how National and Regional Internet Governance Forum Initiatives (NRIs) can contribute to the implementation of the WSIS+20 Outcomes, including through: 2.1. Peer learning and exchange of national and regional experiences; 2.2. Innovative forms of collaboration and policy experimentation; and 2.3. Stronger multistakeholder engagement while preserving the bottom-up model.
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Identify practical opportunities for EU–Africa collaboration, including joint learning, knowledge exchange, cross-regional partnerships, and cooperative approaches to emerging digital governance challenges.
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Strengthen collaboration among African and European NRIs by sharing practical experiences and approaches to implementing global digital governance commitments at national and regional levels.
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Produce an EU–Africa Dialogue Outcome Note summarising key messages, areas of convergence, and recommendations.
Format
Roundtable Duration (minutes): 90 Format description: The session will be conducted as a 90-minute facilitated roundtable discussion rather than a traditional panel, creating an inclusive environment where African and European stakeholders participate on an equal footing. This format encourages open dialogue, peer-to-peer learning, and active participation from all attendees, fostering meaningful exchanges on shared priorities and experiences.
Following a brief introduction, participants will engage in an interactive discussion guided by a facilitator, with ample opportunities for interventions from both onsite and online participants. The dialogue will focus on identifying practical recommendations, strengthening cooperation between the African and European IGF communities, and exploring how National and Regional IGF Initiatives (NRIs) can support implementation of the WSIS+20 Outcomes and contribute to the 2027 Global Digital Compact review.
The roundtable setting reinforces the multistakeholder model by removing barriers between speakers and participants, promoting collaboration, mutual understanding, and the co-creation of actionable outcomes for enhanced EU–Africa digital cooperation.
Hybrid Format
Hybrid Format: The session will have dedicated onsite and online facilitators working together to ensure balanced participation. The facilitators will actively bring online participants into the discussion, alternating between onsite and virtual contributions and ensuring that questions and comments from both groups are reflected in the dialogue.
The facilitated roundtable will be designed to give onsite and online participants equal opportunities to engage. The facilitators will monitor both channels throughout the session and ensure that neither group becomes a passive audience.
We will use the Global IGF online participation platform, including its chat and Q&A functions, with additional tools such as Mentimeter where useful for real-time input and interaction.
Organizers
Organizer 1: Shifa Sorene Assefa , UNECA Organizer 2: Sandra Hoferichter, 🔒
Speakers
Speaker 1: Shifa Sorene Assefa , Intergovernmental Organization, Intergovernmental Organization Speaker 2: Sandra Hoferichter, Civil Society, Western European and Others Group (WEOG) Speaker 3: Hon Alhagie Mbow, Government, African Group Speaker 4: Philip Thigo Thigo, Government, African Group Speaker 5: Lucien M. CASTEX, Technical Community, Western European and Others Group (WEOG)
Moderator
Sandra Hoferichter, Civil Society, Western European and Others Group (WEOG)
Online Moderator
Shifa Sorene Assefa , Intergovernmental Organization, Intergovernmental Organization
Rapporteur
WINNIE KAMAU, Civil Society, African Group
Participant Benefits
What will participants gain from attending this session?
SDGs
- Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
- Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
- Partnerships for the Goals