Smart Africa and ICANN Partner to Strengthen Internet Governance in Africa

Smart Africa has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN), marking a pivotal step to enhance Internet governance capacity development across Africa. Through this collaboration, Smart Africa and ICANN aim to drive digital transformation by leveraging each organization’s expertise and resources.

The MoU outlines a joint commitment to foster a stable, secure, and inclusive Internet in Africa, establishing a foundation for long-term collaboration between Smart Africa and ICANN. Under this MoU, the two organizations, along with their close cooperation within the Coalition for Digital Africa, will:

• Organize capacity development events and training workshops to empower African stakeholders.
• Host community outreach and engagement activities to raise awareness on key topics within Internet governance, where the missions of Smart Africa and ICANN intersect.
• Increase African stakeholders’ participation in regional Internet governance discussions.

This collaboration with Smart Africa exemplifies ICANN’s commitment to ensuring that every community has the resources and knowledge to shape their digital future. Together, we are building a stronger, more secure Internet infrastructure that will help bring more Africans online, empowering communities and fostering economic growth across the continent.

– Sally Costerton, Interim President and CEO, ICANN

The Internet is fundamental to Africa’s digital transformation, and this partnership with ICANN demonstrates our commitment to building a more secure, stable, and inclusive digital future for the continent. This MoU marks a strategic step in strengthening Africa’s Internet governance capabilities. Through this collaboration, we are equipping African stakeholders with the knowledge and resources needed to shape the future of the Internet.

– Lacina Koné, CEO, Smart Africa

In addition, Smart Africa and ICANN are collaborating on an initiative within the Coalition for Digital Africa, focusing on tailored capacity development programs for governments and lawmakers. This effort will support African stakeholders in deepening their understanding of the Internet’s technical functions, enhancing their contributions to global Internet governance. It also aligns with the Coalition for Digital Africa’s mission, initiated by ICANN, to bring more Africans online through secure, resilient Internet infrastructure.