Background

The United Nations Internet Governance Forum (IGF) serves as a global platform for stakeholders from various sectors to come together and discuss digital public policy. Its activities span throughout the year, focusing on policy development, outreach, and capacity building, with an annual meeting aimed at addressing critical digital issues and providing policy recommendations.

As a vital component of the IGF ecosystem, the Ghana Internet Governance Forum (Ghana IGF) plays a key role in fostering inclusive discussions among government, industry, civil society, and academia. The forum addresses important topics such as artificial intelligence, data governance, access and inclusion, cybersecurity, the digital economy, privacy, and freedom of expression. In 2025, Ghana IGF will continue its mission to tackle emerging digital challenges and ensure alignment of national policies with regional and global digital trends.

Objective

The Ghana IGF 2025 aims to provide an inclusive and participatory platform for discussions on the Internet and digital transformation, with a focus on Ghana’s evolving digital landscape. The forum will bring together policymakers, business leaders, technologists, civil society organizations, academia, and other stakeholders to share knowledge, collaborate, and develop actionable policy recommendations.

Key Goals for 2025:

1. Facilitate Multi-Stakeholder Engagement: Foster participation from diverse sectors to ensure that all perspectives are considered in the decision-making process.
2. Shape Digital Policy in Ghana: Contribute to the creation of inclusive, transparent, and responsive policies that address the needs of all sectors of society.
3. Promote Digital Literacy and Inclusion: Tackle the challenges of the digital divide, enhance access to technology, and support capacity-building initiatives for all Ghanaians.
4. Develop Actionable Outcomes: Deliver clear, practical recommendations and frameworks to guide government, private sector, and civil society actions on Internet governance and digital transformation.

Proposed Themes for 2025

The Ghana IGF 2025 will feature discussions around the following proposed themes:

• Cybersecurity and Data Protection: Developing robust policies to ensure secure digital spaces and protect user privacy.
• Digital Transformation in Ghana: Exploring the digital infrastructure, skills, and policies necessary to drive economic development and digital inclusion.
• Inclusive Internet Access and Digital Literacy: Addressing strategies to bridge the digital divide and ensuring equitable access to digital technologies across Ghana.
• Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Emerging Technologies: Assessing the opportunities and challenges posed by AI, blockchain, and other advanced technologies in terms of policy and governance.

Expected Outcomes

• Collaborative Policy Recommendations: Formulating concrete actions and proposals aimed at influencing government policy and shaping business practices related to Internet governance.
• Increased Stakeholder Awareness: Raising awareness about emerging issues in Internet governance and digital technologies.
• Strengthened Network of Experts and Practitioners: Expanding the community of Ghanaian digital and technology stakeholders committed to collaboration on Internet governance matters.

Forum Format

The Ghana IGF 2025 will adopt a dynamic and interactive format designed to encourage participation, knowledge exchange, and collaboration among all stakeholders. The forum will consist of the following components:

1. Opening Session:

The forum will commence with an official opening ceremony featuring keynote speeches from government leaders, international experts, and prominent figures in the digital space. This session will set the tone for the discussions and highlight key priorities for the digital transformation in Ghana.

1. Plenary Sessions:

These sessions will bring together experts and thought leaders to address key issues under each proposed theme. Plenary sessions will provide a broad overview of pressing topics, sharing insights and perspectives from different sectors, and establishing the context for deeper discussions in breakout sessions.

1. Breakout Sessions:

Smaller, focused discussions will take place in parallel sessions, allowing participants to dive deeper into specific topics. Breakout sessions will be organized around the proposed themes, offering participants the opportunity to engage in more targeted, problem-solving discussions. These sessions will be designed to promote dialogue, share best practices, and foster collaborative solutions.

1. Panel Discussions:

Panels comprising experts from government, industry, civil society, and academia will discuss key issues in more detail. Panels will be interactive, with audience members invited to ask questions and contribute their insights on the topics being debated. These discussions will be moderated to ensure that diverse voices are heard.

1. Workshops and Capacity-Building Sessions:

Practical workshops will be held throughout the day to address specific technical, policy, or educational needs. These sessions will focus on building skills and capacity, especially in areas such as digital literacy, cybersecurity, data protection, and the adoption of emerging technologies. Workshops will also provide opportunities for networking and learning from experts in a more hands-on environment.

1. Networking Opportunities:

Dedicated networking spaces and social events will allow participants to meet, exchange ideas, and explore potential collaborations. These informal interactions are vital for strengthening partnerships and establishing ongoing dialogues among stakeholders.

1. Interactive Discussions and Q&A:

A key feature of the forum will be interactive discussions and live Q&A sessions, where attendees can ask questions directly to panellists, share their experiences, and contribute to the development of policy recommendations. These sessions will ensure that the voices of diverse participants are included in the conversation.

1. Closing Session:

The forum will conclude with a closing session, where the outcomes and key recommendations from the discussions will be summarized. Participants will be invited to contribute final thoughts, and the way forward will be outlined. A statement summarizing the forum’s conclusions and action items will be shared with participants, media, and relevant stakeholders.

1. Post-Forum Engagement:

Following the event, the Ghana IGF Secretariat will engage participants through online platforms, sharing documents, recordings, and outcomes from the forum. Continued collaboration will be encouraged through webinars, follow-up workshops, and digital forums to monitor progress on the recommendations discussed at the event.

The format of the Ghana IGF 2025 will ensure that all voices are heard, that meaningful collaboration is fostered, and that the forum leads to actionable outcomes that contribute to Ghana’s digital transformation.

Target Audience

The Ghana IGF 2025 will engage a broad range of stakeholders involved in the digital ecosystem, including but not limited to:

• Government Officials: Policymakers, regulators, and representatives from government ministries, departments, and agencies responsible for digital policies, cybersecurity, and economic development.
• Private Sector Leaders: Executives and professionals from the technology, telecommunications, and digital economy sectors, including start-ups, corporations, and digital service providers.
• Civil Society Organizations: Representatives from non-governmental organizations (NGOs), advocacy groups, and consumer rights organizations focused on digital rights, privacy, and inclusivity.
• Academia: Scholars, researchers, and educators from universities and research institutions with a focus on Internet governance, technology policy, and digital transformation.
• Technologists and Innovators: Developers, engineers, and other professionals working in emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, cybersecurity, and data science.
• Media and Journalists: Representatives from the media who will help raise awareness and disseminate the discussions and outcomes from the forum.
• International and Regional Partners: Global and regional Internet governance organizations, multilateral institutions, and development agencies involved in digital policy and governance.
• Youth and Digital Advocates: Young people and youth organizations advocating for digital inclusion, access to information, and participation in the digital economy.

The event will serve as an inclusive space for all stakeholders to engage, learn, and collaborate on solutions that will impact the digital future of Ghana.

Conclusion

The Ghana IGF 2025 promises to be an essential platform for dialogue and collaboration on the future of Ghana’s digital economy and Internet governance. With the support and active participation of key stakeholders, the forum will have a substantial impact on shaping the future of digital transformation in Ghana.

We look forward to working closely with you and the broader community to make the Ghana IGF 2025 a resounding success.