The West Africa Internet Governance Forum (WAIGF) 2025 recently concluded, with WITIN playing a pivotal role in shaping critical discussions around the future of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and data governance in the region. See also https://witin.org/7-internet-governance-inclusion-advocacy/
WITIN’s Executive Director, Martha Omoekpen Alade, moderated two impactful sessions that explored the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI), data governance, and digital public infrastructure (DPI) for sustainable development.
May 22 Session: Integrating AI and Data Governance into West Africa DPI
Held on May 22, this dynamic session brought together thought leaders and digital policy advocates to explore how AI and data governance can be effectively integrated into West Africa’s digital public infrastructure.
Moderated by Martha Alade, the panel featured:
Engr. Kunle Olorundare – President, ISOC Nigeria Chapter
Raymond Selorm Mamatrah – Founder & President, EGIGFA
Levy Syanseke – President, ISOC Zambia Chapter
Engr. Taurai Nyarufuka – President, ISOC Zimbabwe Chapter
Discussions focused on building ethical, inclusive, and secure frameworks that align with both national development goals and continental strategies like the African Union’s Agenda 2063
May 23 Closing Plenary: AI, Data Governance, and Innovation for Development
On May 23, Martha Alade also moderated the Closing Plenary, and supported online by Folaranmi Umoru, a high-level session titled “AI, Data Governance, and Innovation for Development.” This session examined the transformative potential of emerging technologies in addressing West Africa’s most pressing challenges—from agriculture and healthcare to digital equity and economic inclusion.
Key speakers included:
Sade Dada – Head of Public Policy, Anglophone West Africa; Connectivity & Innovation Policy Manager, Africa, META
Wale Adedokun – Professor, Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) Zaria
Salieu Kanu Mansaray – Chief Information Security Officer, Mammoth, Sierra Leone
Isola Olorunisomo – Director of Research and Strategy, Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC)
Together, they explored the region’s readiness for AI adoption, the importance of strong data governance frameworks, and the role of multi-stakeholder collaboration in shaping inclusive innovation ecosystems.
WITIN’s presence at WAIGF 2025 underscores her unwavering commitment to fostering inclusive technology policies and empowering voices—especially women and underrepresented communities—in West Africa’s digital transformation. As AI and data continue to redefine our societies, WITIN remains at the forefront, advocating for a future that is ethical, inclusive, and locally grounded.
