The International Telecommunication Union (ITU), ITU-T SG20, organized the
Virtual Forum on “Accelerating Digital Transformation in Africa”. This forum took place virtually from
09h00 to 11h30 CEST Geneva time, on
02 June 2021. The forum was followed by the third meeting of ITU-T Study Group 20 Regional Group for Africa (SG20RG-AFR), which took place virtually on 3 June 2021 from 10h00 to 13h00 and 14h00 to 16h00 CEST Geneva time. The virtual forum was held in English only.
The forum provided a platform to discuss the role of emerging technologies and standards such as IoT, digital twins, drones, AI, and other information and communication technologies to advance digital transformation. These technologies are essential to sustainability, liveability, inclusion, resilience and economic prosperity in the era of the 4th industrial revolution.
However, the digital transformation process can entail challenges just as it provides opportunities. Strategy setting and policy making tools supported by international best practices, evidence and standardization are needed to assist countries, cities, business and other organizations to undergo their digital transformation processes effectively and efficiently, maximize the desired positive outcomes and return on technological investment, and accelerate progress toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. This virtual forum explored these themes in the African context.
Participation in both the virtual forum was open to ITU Member States, Sector Members, Associates and Academic Institutions and to any individual from a country that is a member of ITU and who wishes to contribute to the work. This includes individuals who are also members of international, regional and national organizations. Participation was free of charge.
