Digital transformation for a sustainable and equitable digital future:
Accelerating the implementation of the SDGs in Africa through digital transformation
The
ITU Regional Development Forum for Africa (RDF-AFR) was organized by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and hosted by the Government of Ethiopia. The Forum took place from 3 to 5 October 2023 at Elilly Hotel in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia under the theme “Digital transformation for a sustainable and equitable digital future: Accelerating the implementation of the SDGs in Africa through digital transformation".
Watch some highlights from RDF-AFR 2023
The Regional Development Forum for Africa provided an opportunity for the exchange of views between ITU Member States, Sector Members, partners, and other stakeholders. RDF-AFR offered an opportunity for matchmaking regional as well as country specific priorities and partners' pledges as announced since the launch of the Partner2Connect Digital Coalition at the World Telecommunication Development Conference in Kigali, Rwanda. The overall aim was to convert pledges into concrete commitments that will lead to the implementation of impactful projects in line with the priorities outlined in the Kigali Action Plan (KAP), including Regional Initiatives.
RDF-AFR also provide an opportunity for the ITU's Telecommunication Development Bureau (BDT) to report on the progress that has been made towards implementing the outcomes of the World Telecommunication Development Conference 2022 (WTDC-22), including the four Regional Initiatives for Africa.
Call for contributions
The Telecommunication Development Bureau (BDT) through the ITU Regional Office for Africa, launched a call for the contributions on their priorities to be presented during the RDF for consideration by participants and partners. Partners were encouraged to submit their commitments aligned with country and regional priorities.
All stakeholders were invited to submit their written contributions to be used as basis for discussions. All contributions received were posted on the RDF website.
Participation and registration
The Forum was conducted in English and French. Assistance was provided with visa and travel arrangements through itu-ro-africa@itu.int
Partner2Connect at RDF-AFR
A special segment of the RDF was dedicated to the Partner2Connect Digital Coalition regional roundtables and their matchmaking process. This segment offered an opportunity for stakeholders to express their commitments based on contributions or pledges aimed at addressing country needs in Africa, with the goal of advancing digital development in the region and implementation of the Regional Initiatives.
