The South and East Africa Digital Governance (SEADGov) Forum Launching Event aims to engage digital governance ministries and public agencies from all countries in the South and East Africa region. It is jointly organized by the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA), and the United Nations University Operating Unit on Policy-Driven Electronic Governance (UNU EGOV). The event will take place on September 30 and October 1, 2024, in Pretoria.
Background
Digital governance initiatives, strategies, and policies have significant potential to advance the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda, particularly SDG 16, which calls for effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions within peaceful and inclusive societies. Over the past two decades, digital governance has evolved from the simple use of technology in public administration to a multidisciplinary and holistic approach to governance, transforming relationships between governments, citizens, communities, and broader societal and economic dynamics.
While notable progress has been made globally, many regions, including Africa, continue to face challenges at two key levels:
- Planning and Strategic Level: This includes difficulties with accurate analysis of needs, weak strategic planning, and inadequate monitoring mechanisms.
- Technical and Operational Level: Challenges include weak infrastructure, insufficient funding, poor institutional coordination, and a lack of specialized human capacity and advanced training.
Addressing these challenges is crucial for fully realizing the potential of digital governance in Africa.
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Objective
The primary goal of the forum is to establish a permanent yet flexible cooperation mechanism to harness digital governance and new technologies for promoting sustainable development and building more inclusive societies. It will provide a platform for high-level analysis, debate, and experience sharing on the progress, challenges, and opportunities for digital governance in the region. The forum will also serve as a catalyst for regional cooperation, fostering synergies to accelerate digital transformation in South and East Africa.
Target Audience
The event targets Government and high-level Public Administration officials from South and East African countries, particularly those involved in the digitalization of the public sector. Participants will include:
- Formal representatives from each country's Digital Governance area,
- Experts from South and East African governmental agencies focused on digital transformation and governance,
- Experts from academia, international agencies, and organizations active in digital governance within the region.
Contact Information
For further inquiries regarding the forum, please contact the following focal points:
Sorene Assefa (Ms).
Digital Governance and Cybersecurity Expert
Technology, Innovation, Connectivity and Infrastructure Division (TICID)
Economic Commission for Africa (ECA)
Email: sorene@un.org
Abiy Goshu (Mr.)
Projects Communication Focal, ECA Digital Center of Excellence
Technology, Innovation, Connectivity and Infrastructure Division (TICID)
Economic Commission for Africa (ECA)
Email: abiy.goshu@un.org