The ECOWAS Commission, serving as the Secretariat for the West Africa Internet Governance Forum (WAIGF), in collaboration with the Government of Senegal, is planning to host the 16th edition of the WAIGF from July 11 to 12, 2024. Preceding the WAIGF, the 7th West African School on Internet Governance (WASIG) is scheduled to take place online from May 20 to June 20, 2024, followed by an in-person session in Senegal from July 7 to 10, 2024.
The program is designed as a one-month certified online course followed by a three-day intensive learning session in Dakar, Senegal. It aims to introduce participants to Internet governance from both a global and West African perspective. The format features fireside chats with experts in the field and opportunities for participation in the West Africa Youth IGF and WAIGF in Senegal. Participants who successfully complete the training will receive certificates. The key areas covered by the program include:
- Evolution of the Internet and history of IG
- Mapping of IG processes and actors
- Classifications of IG issues (infrastructure, legal, economic and development) from African contexts
- In-depth analysis of opportunities and challenges of emerging issues ( Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Cybersecurity, Digital economy, Human rights)
- A digital policy practicum