Africa Regional Internet and Development Dialogue

The Africa Regional Internet and Development Dialogue was successful held in Kigali, Rwanda May 07 – 10, 2017 under the theme “Enhancing Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Education in Africa through the internet.”

The objective of the dialogue was to create a forum for all stakeholders to discuss the various opportunities and requirements for entrepreneurship and innovation as well as for education for this new age of the internet.

During the two day event, Internet Society launched the Education and Internet in Africa. The report reviews the potential implications of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) in general, and the Internet in particular, for education in Africa.

In her opening remarks Ms. Joyce Dogniez, Senior Director of Global Engagement at Internet Society, urged participants to make meaningful connection. “Connectivity for the sake of connectivity is not enough, connectivity has to be for something” – she said.

The event also saw the launch of  a report showcasing  the impact local content hosting in Rwanda.

Overall, participants raised the following issues:

1. How can policy makers lift the barriers of integrating ICTs in education?
2. It is critical to bring all parts of the economy, government and social services online
3. Internet sector is important in its own right and is also important to create a platform for developing and internet economy
4. What policies are important to create for internet sector and internet economy?
5. What are the key pieces to develop a strong internet sector and internet economy?

More about the event outcomes can be accessed here

This report was compiled by Lillian Achom.