The African Parliamentary Track on Internet Governance commenced today as a major highlight of the West African Internet Governance Forum (WAIGF) 2025, drawing Members of Parliament from across the sub-region.
The gathering signals a renewed effort to strengthen digital governance frameworks with direct implications for small businesses and media stakeholders.
Deliberations focused on key areas such as cybersecurity, online safety, data protection, artificial intelligence, digital inclusion, and safeguarding investigative journalists.
Lawmakers acknowledged that creating an enabling digital environment is essential for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to thrive, especially as more African businesses move operations online.
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Also on the agenda was how to harmonize legislation across the region to support digital innovation and build trust in online transactions—a move expected to ease cross-border trade for SMEs and startups.
The session resumes tomorrow with the goal of producing a joint Parliamentary Declaration. This declaration is expected to outline actionable strategies for digital policy that empower businesses, protect digital rights, and foster economic growth across West Africa.
For SMEs and digital entrepreneurs, the outcomes of this forum could shape the next phase of online business operations and innovation across the region.
