Shaping Africa’s ICT Future: The Role of Multi-Stakeholder Engagement Beyond WSIS +20


AfICTA - Africa ICT Alliance

Session 329

Thursday, 10 July 2025 09:00–09:45 (UTC+02:00) Physical (on-site) and Virtual (remote) participation Room F, Palexpo WSIS+20 Interactive Session 1 Document

Engendering WSIS for SDGs

As the global community reflects on two decades since the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS), Africa stands at a pivotal juncture. The WSIS+20 review offers not just a moment for assessment but a strategic opportunity to redefine the continent’s ICT development priorities in the digital era. Despite commendable progress in digital infrastructure, innovation, and policy, Africa continues to face challenges with connectivity, inclusion, affordability, trust and innovation. Addressing these challenges and harnessing the full potential of ICTs requires broad-based multi-stakeholder collaboration across government, civil society, the private sector, technical communities, and academia.

This session seeks to evaluate Africa’s progress in ICT development since the inception of the WSIS process, while identifying both the persistent and emerging challenges shaping the continent’s digital landscape. A critical focus will be the national adaptation of WSIS outcomes into local ICT policies and strategies. It will emphasize the importance of institutionalizing an annual national review and reporting mechanism to assess the level of adoption and implementation. Such regular evaluations will help monitor progress, identify policy gaps, ensure implementation, and promote accountability and shared learning across the region. The session also aims to foster inclusive dialogue among diverse stakeholders to redefine Africa’s ICT priorities beyond 2025, ensuring they remain responsive to both global digital transformations and the continent’s specific development needs.

Additionally, it will explore practical frameworks to enhance multi-stakeholder participation in digital policy-making and implementation. Central to this effort is the alignment of Africa’s digital transformation agenda with broader global and continental frameworks, including the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the Global Digital Compact (GDC), the African Union’s Agenda 2063, and regional ICT integration strategies.

Panellists
Dr. Jimson Olufuye
Dr. Jimson Olufuye Chair, Advisory Council AfICTA, Nigeria Principal Consultant, Kontemporary Konsulting Ltd Moderator

Dr Jimson Olufuye has more than 30 years of experience in the national, regional and global digital ecosystem. He is the Principal Consultant at Kontemporary® Konsulting Ltd. Founder/1st Chair of the concerned private sector-led and over 40-nation strong Africa ICT Alliance – AfICTA, (2012-2016). He is currently the Chair of the Advisory Council of AfICTA. He distinguished himself as one of the five (5) business representatives in the United Nations Commission for Science and Technology for Development Working Groups on Improvements to the Internet Governance Forum (IGF) (2011-2012), and on Enhanced Cooperation on public policy matters pertaining to the Internet, (2014-2018), where he championed ice-breaking insights that enriched the multi-stakeholder dialogues. He was also a leading voice as a member of the UN Secretary-General’s IGF Multi-stakeholder Advisory Group (2012-2013) and 2025. 

 

As the President of the Information Technology (Industry) Association of Nigeria, (2007-2011), he connected the Nigerian ICT industry with the World Innovation Technology and Services Alliance (WITSA), where he was later elected as the Vice-Chair (2010-2012).  He also rejigged the ICANN Business Constituency, as the Chair, Finance and Operations (2014-2020).

 

He was a member of the Netmundial+10 Steering Committee 2024 and leader of the AfICTA delegation to the UN Summit of the Future 2024, contributing the critical African private sector perspective to the Global Digital Compact. He was the lead consultant to the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) on Cybersecurity for Development in the Fourth Industrial Revolution and was responsible for its report, https://repository.uneca.org/handle/10855/50983. In addition, he is the architect of the new Tripod Cybersecurity Maturity Model, https://TCMM.africa.


Ms. Ulandi Exner
Ms. Ulandi Exner Chairperson AfICTA -Africa ICT Alliance, South Africa

Ms. Ulandi Exner is an ICT professional with over two decades of experience. She runs her own consulting practice and is a former President of the Institute of Information Technology Professionals South Africa (IITPSA). She serves on several boards and committees within the public, academic, and not-for-profit sectors. Ms. Exner advises organizations in areas of IT Governance, Cyber Security, Audit, Risk and policies, standards, and practices.

Ms. Exner holds a Master's degree in IT Governance, is a Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA), Certified Data Privacy Solutions Engineer (CDPSE), Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC) and is also a Certified Director of The Institute of Directors South Africa.


Prof. PAUL O JEMITOLA
Prof. PAUL O JEMITOLA Air Vice Marshal (rtd) Aerospace Engineer and Technology Leader

Air Vice Marshal (rtd) Professor Paul O. Jemitola is a distinguished aerospace engineer and
technology leader with over three decades of experience bridging military aviation,
advanced engineering, and information technology sectors. As a Professor of Aerospace
Engineering and Distinguished Fellow of the National Defence College, he brings unique
expertise in multidisciplinary aircraft design optimization, artificial intelligence, and digital
knowledge transfer systems.

ICT Leadership and Innovation
Professor Jemitola's commitment to ICT-enabled development in Africa is demonstrated
through his current role as CEO of Vector Aeronautics Limited and acting Vice Chancellor of
Isaac Balami University of Aeronautics and Management, Lagos. His previous tenure as Chief
Technology Officer with Origin Tech Group Lagos provided direct experience in leveraging
technology solutions for African markets. His specialisation areas include information
technology, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and digital knowledge transfer – all critical
components for Africa's sustainable digital transformation.
Capacity Building and Knowledge Sharing
With over 30 peer-reviewed publications and numerous international conference
presentations, Professor Jemitola actively contributes to the global knowledge economy
while maintaining strong focus on practical applications. His membership on the Industrial
Advisory Board for the Masters in Aerospace Vehicle Design at Cranfield University, United
Kingdom, demonstrates his commitment to capacity building and international
collaboration.

Multistakeholder Engagement
Professor Jemitola's extensive background spans military service, academia, private sector
leadership, and international partnerships. His experience leading the Tsaigumi UAV design
project showcases his ability to translate innovative technologies into practical solutions
that can drive African technological advancement.
Professor Jemitola's interests in novel air vehicle concepts, light aviation, and R&D align
directly with promoting innovative technologies and supporting regional projects. His
expertise in digital systems positions him to contribute meaningfully to discussions on digital
literacy improvement and Africa's participation in the global digital economy.
As a chartered engineer with both Royal Aeronautical Society UK membership and Nigerian
Society of Engineers registration, Professor Jemitola embodies the international-local
partnership model that AfICTA champions for sustainable ICT development across Africa.


Ms. Christiana Onoja
Eng. Christiana Onoja CEO SheCode.ai

Christiana Onoja (R.Engr, MNSE) is a dynamic and accomplished AI/ML Integrator, Technology Consultant, and Business Analyst with a proven track record in driving digital innovation and inclusive tech solutions. As the CEO of SheCode.ai, she leads strategic initiatives that empower women in STEM, foster digital literacy, and promote gender inclusivity in the tech ecosystem.

A Registered Engineer and member of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (MNSE), Christiana brings a multidisciplinary approach to product development, blending technical expertise with business acumen to design user-centric and scalable solutions. Her work spans AI/ML integration, agile project management, and digital transformation across diverse industries.

A passionate advocate for women in technology, she is committed to closing the gender gap in STEM through mentorship, capacity building, and community-driven programs. Christiana is also a Mandela Washington Fellow, recognized for her leadership and impact in advancing tech-driven empowerment across Africa.


Dr. Mactar Seck
Dr. Mactar Seck Economic Affairs Officer UNECA

Dr. Mactar Seck is an Economic Affairs Officer at UNECA since 2006. He holds
a PhD degree in Telecommunication, Electronic systems and Multimedia
Engineering. He has been involved in the telecommunication, ICT4D and STI field
over the last 20 years, specializing in areas such as digital policy strategy and
regulatory framework, internet governance issues, information infrastructure
development, nanotechnology, Internet related research (IoT, Cloud services,
artificial intelligence. etc.), integrated services digital networks including digital
ID, digital economy, tax policy platforms, etc. He has brought to ECA a long working experience which he
uses in his day-to-day work to support African country to use digital technologies as means of achieving the
SDGs. He assisted several African countries to formulate, implement and evaluate policies and strategies
in digital technologies/applications for achieving SDGs.
Before to join ECA, He held several position in Senegal (Director General of the Telecommunication
Regulatory authority,, Executive Secretary of the Senegalese High Council of Industry, Chief of
Teleservices and Innovation Division at the national Telecom operator, etc.) He served as a senior
researcher at TDF C2R Group France Telecom and was awarded a European patent on data/image
compression systems. Lauréat of the « Grand Prix du Président de la République du Sénégal pour les
Sciences et l’Innovation » Edition 1996, He is also Member of the Senegalese Academy of Sciences and
Technology,


Ms. Baratang Miya
Ms. Baratang Miya CEO Girlhype

At the forefront of digital innovation, my role at the United Nations involves bridging the digital divide. My focus lies in crafting the African Digital Public Infrastructure Stack Blueprint and empowering stakeholders through comprehensive training and workshops. With a background in marketing communications and new business development, my expertise extends to aligning technology solutions with policy and regulatory frameworks.

As COO of Devshired AI, I've honed my skills in organizational strategy and financial oversight, contributing to sustainable growth and cost management. This experience, combined with a tenure as Founder of Girlhype Coders, showcases my commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion in technology, particularly for women and youth. Our team's collaboration with entities like UN Women and Mozilla underlines a mission to enhance women's digital literacy and web participation.


Prof. Abayomi Jegede
Prof. Abayomi Jegede Professor of Computer Science and Information Technology Edo State University, Uzairue, Edo State

Abayomi Jegede is a Professor of Computer Science and Information Technology at Edo State University, Uzairue, Edo State, Nigeria. He is also an instructional facilitator and research advisor at Africa Centre of Excellence on Technology Enhanced Learning (A World Bank Assisted Centre of Academic Excellence) domiciled in National Open University of Nigeria and the Director of Research and Innovation at TechLink Innovations Ltd., Edinburgh, United Kingdom. He holds a PhD in Security in Computing from Universiti Putra Malaysia. He received his BSc and MSc degrees in Computer Science from University of Ibadan Nigeria. Professor Jegede is an EC-Council Certified Ethical Hacker (EC-CEH) and Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator (EC-CHFI). He is a Fellow of Institute of Policy Management Development and the Nigeria School of Internet Governance (FNSIG). He is also a member of several professional bodies including Computer Professionals (Registration Council) of Nigeria, Association for Computing Machinery (ACM), ACM Special Interest Group on Security, Audit and Control ACM SIGSAC), Internet Society of Nigeria and the Society for Digital and Wireless Communication. He has authored several papers in the areas of biometric security, IoT Security, network security and AI applications in cyber security and computer forensics. His wealth of experience in the theory and practice of computing and information technology makes him a regular facilitator of trainings/workshops speaker in conferences within and outside Nigeria. Professor Jegede is a widely travelled scholar who has presented papers in workshops, trainings and conferences in different countries including South Korea, Vietnam, Namibia, Malaysia and Nigeria. He has also made presentations at events organized by reputable organizations and institutions and organizations such as the Nigeria Shippers Council, Bluechip Technologies Ltd., Nigeria Army Cyber Warfare School and the Nigerian Senate Committee on ICT and Cybercrime. His research interests include AI applications in Business and finance, Technology for Business and Organizational Transformation, design and implementation of secure biometric systems, AI applications in cyber security and computer forensics and cyber terrorism and information warfare.


Ms. Stéphanie de Labriolle
Ms. Stéphanie de Labriolle Executive Director, Secure Identity Alliance & Co-Founder of SIDI Hub Secure Identity Alliance (France)

Stéphanie de Labriolle is the Executive of the Secure Identity Alliance (SIA) - Co-Founder of the SIDI Hub Initiative - a globally recognized non-profit that unites public and private technology organizations to advance secure, inclusive, and interoperable identity systems worldwide. Since the Alliance’s inception in 2013, she has led its strategic programme, fostering collaboration, and promoting best practices to ensure identity serves as a force for human, social, and economic empowerment.

With a background as Global Marketing & Communication Director for multiple international B2B organizations, Stéphanie brings deep expertise in launching cross-border initiatives and driving strategic partnerships across Africa, Europe, Asia, and the Americas.

She holds degrees in English from Montpellier University (France) and Business Studies from Nottingham Trent University (UK).


Dr. Kossi Amessinou
Dr. Kossi Amessinou Head, Private Sector Monitoring & Support Service Ministry of Economy & Finances, Benin Republic

AMESSINOU Kossi was born on December 20, 1980, in Ahua - Dimbokro in Ivory Coast. He is married and has three children. He is a Doctor in Information and Communication Sciences from the University of Bordeaux Montaigne in France. He holds a Professional Master's in Design and Management of Digital Territorial Projects (2006-2007) and an International Master's in Development Studies (2009-2010). He has mainly held the following positions: (i) executive at the Directorate-General for Development Policies (2004-2008), (ii) executive at the IT Department (2008-2009), Chief of the IT Department at the Ministry (2009-2015) , resource person of IGF, AfIGF and WAIGF in Benin (since 2011), International Relations Officer of the Office of the Forum on Governance of Internet in Benin (2013-2017), Coordinator of the Pre-Archiving Project (January 2015 to March 2017), Director of Informatics and Pre-Archiving (October 2015-December 2017), Executive Director of IT and of Pré-archivage (January-April 2018), framework of the information management service on development aid in Benin (from April to August 2018), Vice-President of the Bureau of the Internet Governance Forum in Benin (from 2017 to 2019), a member of the Banking and International Organizations Department (since August 2018) and Regional Director for West Africa of the African ICT Foundation (since April 2019). This allowed him to acquire and refine his skills in project management, computer master plan, and computer application design, 


Eng. Kunle Olorundare
Eng. Kunle Olorundare President/CEO Internet Society Nigeria Chapter

Engr. Kunle Olorundare is a Senior Member of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), USA, and currently serves as the President of the Internet Society (ISOC) Nigeria Chapter. He is a prolific researcher with notable academic impact, reflected in both h-index and i10-index citation metrics. A two-time fellow of the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN), he is also a member of the Root Server System Advisory Committee (RSSAC). Engr. Olorundare presently coordinates the Nigerian School on Internet Governance (NSIG) and served as a faculty member at the 2025 edition of the West African School on Internet Governance (WASIG). His contributions span the domains of  Internet governance, data privacy, Metaverse , DPI,  Theory of change, and global internet policy development.


Dr. Jamal Tonzua
Dr. Jamal Tonzua Deputy Director General Cyber Security Authority of Ghana

Dr. Jamal Tonzua is the Deputy Director-General of the Cyber Security Authority of Ghana, where he oversees cybersecurity legislation and policy development, enforcement of Ghana’s cybersecurity regulatory regime, capacity building, and 
international cooperation.

He is a multilingual lawyer, a law lecturer, and a policy consultant with professional experience and specializations in Ghanaian law, public international law, international relations, national security, climate change and sustainability, and dispute resolution. Dr. Tonzua previously served as a government legal advisor, a military staff officer of the Ghana Armed Forces, and a consultant at the United Nations.

In those capacities, he has provided a decade of professional services to the government of Ghana, foreign governments, intergovernmental organizations, and policy think tanks. Dr. Tonzua holds a Master of Public Policy degree from the University of Oxford, a Master of Laws degree from Georgetown Law, and a doctorate in international affairs from the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies, with a specialization in international cyber operations.


Ms. Ms. Olatokunboh Oyeleye
Ms. Ms. Olatokunboh Oyeleye Heads the Digital Economy Department Nigerian Communications Commission.

Ms. Olatokunboh Oyeleye works with the Nigerian Communications Commission. She currently heads the Digital Economy Department where she plays a key role in advancing the implementation of the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy.


Mr. Wisdom Dondor
Mr. Wisdom Dondor CEO .GH , Ghana Domain Name Registry

Wisdom Donkor is a renowned expert in technology and internet governance, with extensive experience in e-government infrastructure, community-driven internet solutions, and digital policy. Based in Accra, Ghana, Wisdom has dedicated his career to advancing internet governance, cybersecurity, and open data initiatives across Africa. He holds key leadership positions, including Executive Director of the Africa Open Data and Internet Research Foundation and the Africa Community Internet Program, President of the Africa Community Internet Program (ACIP), and Chair of ICANN's Non-Commercial Users Constituency. He has served on the UN multistakeholder advisory group (UN MAG) and ICANN GNSO Council. Wisdom is a strong advocate for multistakeholder governance, ensuring global internet policies reflect diverse community needs. His contributions have been recognized with the ICANN Community Leaders Honour Award. He is currently the Executive Director for the Ghana Domain Name Registry.


Topics
Artificial Intelligence Capacity Building Cybersecurity Digital Divide Digital Economy Digital Inclusion Digital Skills Digital Transformation Emerging Technologies Ethics Global Digital Compact (GDC) Human Rights Infrastructure WSIS+20 Review
WSIS Action Lines
  • AL C1 logo C1. The role of governments and all stakeholders in the promotion of ICTs for development
  • AL C2 logo C2. Information and communication infrastructure
  • AL C3 logo C3. Access to information and knowledge
  • AL C4 logo C4. Capacity building
  • AL C5 logo C5. Building confidence and security in use of ICTs
  • AL C7 E–GOV logo C7. ICT applications: benefits in all aspects of life — E-government
  • AL C7 E–BUS logo C7. ICT applications: benefits in all aspects of life — E-business
  • AL C7 E–LEA logo C7. ICT applications: benefits in all aspects of life — E-learning
  • AL C7 E–EMP logo C7. ICT applications: benefits in all aspects of life — E-employment
  • AL C8 logo C8. Cultural diversity and identity, linguistic diversity and local content
  • AL C10 logo C10. Ethical dimensions of the Information Society
  • AL C11 logo C11. International and regional cooperation

This session directly contributes to the 20-year review of WSIS implementation by examining how multi-stakeholder engagement, one of the core principles of the WSIS process, has influenced ICT development across Africa. It reflects on progress made in line with WSIS Action Lines, particularly Action Line C1 (The role of governments and all stakeholders in the promotion of ICTs for development), and explores how collaborative governance models have advanced digital inclusion, infrastructure, and innovation. The session also aims to project future strategies for African ICT development beyond WSIS+20, ensuring sustainability and inclusivity in the evolving digital landscape.

Sustainable Development Goals
  • Goal 4 logo Goal 4: Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all
  • Goal 7 logo Goal 7: Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all
  • Goal 8 logo Goal 8: Promote inclusive and sustainable economic growth, employment and decent work for all
  • Goal 9 logo Goal 9: Build resilient infrastructure, promote sustainable industrialization and foster innovation
  • Goal 10 logo Goal 10: Reduce inequality within and among countries
  • Goal 12 logo Goal 12: Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns
  • Goal 13 logo Goal 13: Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts
  • Goal 16 logo Goal 16: Promote just, peaceful and inclusive societies
  • Goal 17 logo Goal 17: Revitalize the global partnership for sustainable development

This session supports the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure), SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), and SDG 4 (Quality Education), by emphasizing the role of inclusive multi-stakeholder collaboration in shaping Africa’s ICT future. It highlights how digital transformation, when guided by broad stakeholder input, can drive sustainable development, reduce inequalities, and promote resilient digital ecosystems across the continent.

GDC Objectives
  • Objective 1: Close all digital divides and accelerate progress across the Sustainable Development Goals
  • Objective 2: Expand inclusion in and benefits from the digital economy for all
  • Objective 3: Foster an inclusive, open, safe and secure digital space that respects, protects and promotes human rights
  • Objective 4: Advance responsible, equitable and interoperable data governance approaches
  • Objective 5: Enhance international governance of artificial intelligence for the benefit of humanity