The August TICON Africa 2025 conference in Accra, Ghana was never intended to be just another gathering of experts. From the outset, it carried a bolder purpose: to set direction, make firm commitments and shape Africa’s digital roadmap.
That’s exactly what happened. With IFIP as a key contributor, the organisation played a strategic role – helping guide the debate, influence actions and demonstrate real investment in Africa’s digital future.
The event leaned into action rather than talk. Fierce debates unfolded around data sovereignty, AI, policy, and investment in people. Dozens of experts shared insights that pushed the conversation towards practical outcomes.
The image above shows AfICTA Chair Dr Jimson (from right), IFIP President Anthony in Nigerian wear IFIP VP Joice (4TH from right) next to CSZ President Freddy (5TH from right), NCS President Dr. Sirajo (7TH from right) with other colleagues at the TICON Gala Dinner, where Joice received recognition as one of the Women in Tech (image right).
Data Sovereignty Must Be Africa’s Cornerstone
In a panel on AI and Data Governance, IFIP President Anthony Wong argued that “Data is now a policy issue in and of itself” and African and Global South thought leaders need to consider the complex dynamics of AI and Data Governance — examining issues of technological and data sovereignty, intellectual property, creative rights, and digital equity.
The panel, facilitated by Mr Wong, included:
- Teki Akuetteh, Data Protection Commission Chair, Ghana
- Dr. Muhammad Sirajo Aliyu, President, Nigeria Computer Society (NCS)
- Dr Jimson Olufuye, Founder, Africa ICT Alliance (AfICTA)
- Dr Clement Mulenga Sinyangwe, President, ICT Association of Zambia (ICTAZ)
- Cédric Wachholz, Chief, Digital Policies and Digital Transformation Section, UNESCO
Speakers highlighted one of the greatest risks of open access to data: digital coloniality. Global platforms can mine indigenous knowledge without consent or benefit to local communities.
The panel concluded that legal frameworks, community-led consent and fair benefit-sharing must be at the heart of data governance. Without these protections, the value of African data will continue to flow outward for profit, not return to the communities it originates from.
“Africa must move from being a passive subject of data flows to becoming a steward of its own digital assets,” Anthony Wong told participants. “AI governance is not just about algorithms – it’s also about cultural respect, ethics, fairness, and dignity.”
The panel session made several calls for urgent, coordinated action to secure Africa’s digital future.
- Institutionalise data sovereignty through enforceable local laws.
- Invest in infrastructure (data centres, connectivity) and human capital.
- Ensure community-led governance and free, prior, informed consent.
- Establish fair benefit-sharing so communities directly benefit.
- Strengthen legal protections for indigenous knowledge and traditions.
- Promote regional and international cooperation for digital sovereignty.
- Deploy AI tools to safeguard data authenticity and prevent misuse.
Digital Transformation Only Matters if it’s Inclusive
At TICON (image right), IFIP Vice President Joice Benza drove home another vital point: digital transformation is meaningless if it leaves people behind.
“Inclusion is not optional. It is the very foundation of digital transformation,” she said. “Unlike popular opinion, it’s not technology, but people, who are at the centre – employees, policymakers, customers and citizens.”
She pointed to practical examples. In Zimbabwe, the Mbare Musika Community Computer Information Centre is giving traders digital tools that transform livelihoods. Teacher training programmes in robotics and AI are already reaching thousands of students, including those in rural schools usually left out of tech initiatives.
Her message was clear: “Equity is not a slogan, but a tangible phenomenon. It must be represented by infrastructure, tools, enablement and policy – measured by the distance between technology that works and technology that truly lifts people up.”
Investing in People, Platforms, and Policies
A central theme of the conference was the need for investment in people alongside platforms and policies.
Training and enablement are cornerstones of progress. Local talent, rooted in real-world context, is best placed to solve Africa’s unique problems through technology.
This investment must be matched with strong infrastructure – from data centres and wide-reaching networks to supportive policies that enshrine consent, equity and shared benefit. With all these elements in place, innovation has the best chance of success.
As many speakers noted, Africa’s digital future will not be handed down. It must be built – piece by piece – with people at its centre.
Funding Gives Breath to the Vision
To demonstrate its commitment, IFIP awarded three scholarships to students from Uganda, Ghana, and Malawi. The scholarships, presented by Anthony Wong and Joice Benza, are direct investments in Africa’s future digital leaders.
IFIP’s Message to Africa
The conference left a powerful message: Africa’s digital future depends on collaborative investment from governments, enterprises, and non-profits.
Whether funding goes into people, platforms, infrastructure, or policy, every ingredient is essential. Above all, digital transformation must translate into better lives for countries, communities and citizens.
That will only happen through action. Each step forward is an investment in Africa’s connected tomorrow.