Shaping data governance and advancing digital inclusion in Africa

In an increasingly data-driven world, the ability to govern data responsibly, effectively, and inclusively has become a defining global challenge—particularly urgent in African countries. Significant data governance gaps hinder efforts to balance data rights, responsibilities, and data reuse in ways that serve the public good while protecting individual freedoms and human rights. Meanwhile, persistent digital divides and AI divides, especially affecting women, girls, rural communities, linguistic minorities, and persons with disabilities, continue to undermine equitable access to and participation in the digital economy and society.

In response to emerging data governance challenges, the Broadband Commission Working Group on Data Governance - co-chaired by UNESCO, ITU, UNDP, and the African Union - has developed the Data Governance Toolkit: Navigating Data in the Digital Age, a practical resource designed to support governments and institutions in building inclusive, rights-based, and future-ready data governance frameworks.

Aligned with the IFAP Strategic Plan for 2023-2029 and in the light of 2025 the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology (IYQ), UNESCO Information for All Programme (IFAP) continuously explore the multiple implications of frontier technologies. IFAP recently launched IFAP Issue Brief Human rights centered global governance of quantum technologies: advancing information for all. The issue brief unpacked the multiple implications of  quantum technologies including its convergence to AI and impact on data governance, and provided stakeholder-tailored policy recommendations on shaping human rights centered governance.

In this context, UNESCO will organize a roundtable on Shaping Data Governance and Advancing Digital Inclusion in Africa. The event aims to engage global stakeholders and regionl policymakers in exchanging good practices and sparking dialogue on strengthening data governance frameworks and promoting digital inclusion across the continent.

Following the endorsement of IFLA-UNESCO School Library Manifesto 2025 by the 13^th IFAP Council, the roundtable will also engage with IFLA and libraries community in Africa to explore how to empower and enhance libraries in advancing data convernance and  digital inclusion in Africa, particularly in underserved communities.

Building on UNESCO’s ongoing initiatives, the roundtable aims to reinforce collaboration with partners and expand the synergies via the IGF Dynamic Coalition on Measuring Digital Inclusion (DC-Digital Inclusion), aiming to advancing inclusive data governance, digital inclusion and gender equality through  evidence-based approaches.

Objectives for Participants:

• Facilitate multi-stakeholder dialogue on emerging data governance challenges in Africa, with a focus on inclusivity and ethics, contributing to actionable recommendations for a human-centered and inclusive data future.
• Mobilize regional stakeholders to actively engage with UNESCO and contribute to advancing digital inclusion in Africa, via its initiatives, including the DC-Digital Inclusion network, the IFAP Issue Brief series, and the implementation of the Data Governance Toolkit.