UNU-EGOV, in cooperation with UN ECA, recently launched a new initiative in the form of regional digital governance fora dedicated to advancing inclusive and effective digital transformation. Two such fora have already organised their first meetings. The West Africa Digital Governance Forum (WADGov) met in Banjul, The Gambia, in September 2023. A similar Forum for South and East Africa (SEADGov), met in Pretoria, South Africa, in October, 2024. Both Fora aimed at bringing together Governments and key stakeholders of these regions, to tackle region-specific challenges and explore opportunities in digital governance.
Growing Network
While SEADGov and WADGov mark the initial focus, the Digital Governance Fora initiative is designed to expand, embracing forums from other regions as part of a global vision for inclusive digital governance. By connecting diverse perspectives, the platform aims to drive sustainable development and innovation in governance in the Global South.
We invite policymakers, researchers, practitioners, and citizens to explore, engage, and shape the future of digital governance. Together, we can create a more connected and equitable digital world.
Goals of Digital Governance Fora
- Promote a high-level analysis, debate and experience sharing about the progress, limitations and challenges to digital governance in different regions of the globe.
- Launch a permanent Forum in each designated region to foster synergies and regional cooperation, promote the design, operationalisation and assessment of regional and national digital governance and citizen empowerment strategies, and shape the path to accelerate African Governments' digital transformation.
Learn more about SEADGov and WADGov below.
About SEADGov
The South and East Africa Digital Governance Forum (SEADGov) is an initiative launched in Pretoria, South Africa, on September 30 and October 1, 2024, by the United Nations University Operating Unit on Policy-Driven Electronic Governance (UNU-EGOV), in collaboration with the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA) and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UN ECA). The forum brought together representatives from 18 Southern and Eastern African countries.
Highlights
About WADGov
The West Africa Digital Governance Forum (WADGov) is an initiative launched in Banjul, The Gambia, on September 13–14, 2023, by the United Nations University Operating Unit on Policy-Driven Electronic Governance (UNU-EGOV) in partnership with the Government of The Gambia. WADGov aims to coordinate efforts among West African countries to develop and enhance digital governance practices.
