1. Key Policy Questions and Expectations:
- How do we best mobilize and challenge policymakers and stakeholders to come together and take constructive steps towards addressing cross-cutting impediments germane to the unlocking of the digital potential of DLDC imperative for it to realize the promise of the new digital age?
- An overarching factor for digital inclusion is the need to have highly resourced human capital across the entire spectrum of DLDC labor market and in this respect, what capacity and capability development options are there to foster inclusive DLDC youth and labor force participation in the evolving digital economy?
2. Summary of Issues Discussed:
AfICTA was the principal organiser of the Workshop with the support of the EITESAL, ICT-Professionals of Namibia, Kontemporary Konsulting Ltd and the ICANN Business Constituency among others. To mobilise and challenge policy makers and stakeholders to come together and take constructive steps towards addressing cross-cutting impediments germane to the unlocking of the digital potentials of DLDC, it was discussed that there is need for self-awareness of the stakeholders to embrace and use internet governance forum platforms in-country and within their regions to articulate critical digital policy directions for their countries. In many cases, there are relevant policies and laws but the gap is the political will to implement those policies. Training and retraining of policy makers would create necessary regulatory know-how for action. A good means of mobilization is for there to be regular South-South peer review through existing regional and international mechanisms. A one-stop portal (broadbandpolicy.org) for policy analysis as a best practise tool would enhance policy makers ability to evaluate the relevance of their policy positions/documents to the contemporary needs of the people. The involvement of parliamentarians would also provide necessary impetus with the instruments of law to unlock the digital potentials of DLDC. A novel approach to steer policy makers to action is for solution providers to deliver life changing solution (e.g.in financial management, transportation etc) for which policy would then do a catch up. It was summarized that clear policy actions should deliver connectivity and electricity as priorities for the realization of the SDGs.
3. Policy Recommendations or Suggestions for the Way Forward:
- Government is encouraged to believe that they do not have it all and as such should embrace multi-stakeholder approach in all policy making and implementation efforts i.e. foster cooperation among all stakeholders.
- The ICT sector should not be over-taxed. In essence multiple taxation should be abolished as a priority.
- Ease of doing business should be enhanced to attract foreign direct investment.
- There should be flexible regulatory frameworks.
- Governments should invest heavily in the youth and the people in general. Policy makers too should be well equiped to carry out their responsibilities.
- School curricular should be revised and enhanced as a matter of urgency
- Focus should be on the development of local solutions because no e-solutions means digital divide and locked digital potentials.
- DLDC should consider electricity as a critical infrastructural right for all citizens to guaranty access and the realization of the SDGs.
- South-South collaboration should be enhanced across all sectors.
- Regulatory institutions are advised to transform by name and policy to unlock the digital potentials for the benefit of their citizens. For example, a telecommunication authority can be transformed to a Digital Society Authority.
4. Other Initiatives Addressing the Session Issues:
The workshop noted several projects and initiatives as follows:
5. Making Progress for Tackled Issues:
Making progress for tackled issues, speakers recommended the localization of discussions among policy makers and stakeholders to review progress and proffer improvements particularly through national and regional internet governance fora among other mechanisms for multi-stakeholder engagement. Policy makers are to ensure evidence based policy that enhanced youth and gender access and also ensure ease of doing business to promote foreign direct investments.
6. Estimated Participation:
There were an estimated 30 onsite participants, of which about 9 were women.
There were 5 online participants, of whom 2 were women.
7. Reflection to Gender Issues:
The session discussed gender issues with regard to gaps in access and connectivity. It was noted that evidenced based policy making would help ensure that the depth of those gaps can in equal measure be addressed.
