The Gambia will host the first edition of the Western Africa Forum on Digital Governance (WADGov Forum) from September 13th – 14th, jointly organized by Ministry of Communications & Digital Economy of the Gambia and United Nations University Operational Unit in Policy-driven Electronic Governance (UNU-EGOV) in collaboration with the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA). In order to support West African member States in harnessing digital governance mechanisms for promoting sustainable development and more inclusive societies, we are delighted to announce the official launching of the Western Africa Forum on Digital Governance (WADGov Forum).
- share experiences and best practices;
- foster synergies and;
- promote the design and assessment of regional and national strategies for digital governance and citizen empowerment in Western Africa;
- draw attention of the international donors to the WADGov community and the Gambia in particular and help to coordinate efforts and avoid duplications;
- Promote e-governance achievements of the member countries;
It is envisaged that the WADGov Forum will play a role in articulating digital governance development initiatives at different levels and voice this cause in the international arena. The event targets high-level Government representatives from Western African countries, with a specific emphasis on the Ministries and Agencies in charge of digitalization of the public sector and Public Administration in each country. The event will;
- Promote a high-level analysis, debate and experience sharing on the progress, limitations and challenges to digital governance in Western Africa;
- launch a permanent forum to foster synergies and regional cooperation, as well as shape the path to accelerate Western Africa Governments digital transformation.
The first day will discuss communications infrastructure as a key enabler of digital governance, the progress of digital governance in Western Africa (reality, drivers, and challenges), as well as the challenge of data and data-driven governance.
The WADGov Forum will be officially launched in the second day, in a session chaired by H.E the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy of the Gambia.