West African Youth Internet Governance Forum 2023

The Impact of emerging technologies and AI on Content Regulation and Ethics in a Digital Age: Emerging technologies and artificial intelligence have revolutionized the way we create, consume, and share information. However, this has also posed significant challenges to content regulation and ethics. West African youth are particularly vulnerable to the negative impacts of unregulated and unethical content on digital platforms. Therefore, it is crucial to develop policies and guidelines that promote responsible content creation and consumption in the digital age. This will require collaboration between governments, civil society, and the private sector to ensure that the benefits of emerging technologies are harnessed while mitigating their negative impacts on youth.

Advancing Digital Inclusion and Cybersecurity for Youth: In West Africa, many young people lack access to digital infrastructure and face significant cybersecurity risks. This limits their ability to participate fully in the digital economy and puts them at risk of online exploitation. Therefore, there is a need for targeted interventions that advance digital inclusion and cybersecurity for youth in the region. This includes initiatives that improve access to digital infrastructure and training programs that equip young people with the skills and knowledge necessary to navigate the digital landscape safely and responsibly.

Future of Work: Fostering Entrepreneurship and Innovation in the West Africa sub-region: The future of work in West Africa is characterized by a rapidly changing technological landscape that requires innovative solutions to remain competitive. Young people in the region have a critical role to play in driving entrepreneurship and innovation in this context. However, they face significant barriers to entry, including limited access to finance, inadequate skills training, and a challenging business environment. To address these challenges, there is a need for policies and programs that promote entrepreneurship and innovation, such as incubators, mentorship programs, and funding initiatives. This will enable young people in the region to leverage emerging technologies to create innovative solutions that drive economic growth and social development.