A forum for inclusive and sovereign digital governance

The FGI-AC, organized by the Chadian Ministry of Telecommunications, Digital Economy, and Digitalization, brings together public and private actors from the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS) in N’Djamena. According to Digital Business Africa, the forum aims to regulate artificial intelligence, protect data, and promote local languages and cultures. Minister Haliki Choua Mahamat emphasized the importance of moving from political intentions to concrete actions, such as deploying fiber optics or securing networks.

You cannot build a sustainable house without solid foundations. In the digital age, these foundations are data mastery, network security, and technological sovereignty.

ADETIC and public digital services in Chad

The Agency for the Development of Information and Communication Technologies (ADETIC) presented an initiative to modernize the websites of six Chadian ministries: National Education, Health, Civil Aviation and Transport, Communication, Commerce and Industry, and Land Planning. This effort aligns with the goal of improving access to digital public services, as reported by Digital Business Africa. A step forward that could inspire other administrations in the sub-region.

IPv6 and digital resilience in Mauritania

Meanwhile, Mauritania accelerated the deployment of IPv6 in July 2026 under the leadership of Minister of Digital Transformation, Ahmed Salem Ould Bede. According to Digital Business Africa, this measure aims to secure communications and strengthen the country’s digital resilience. An approach that could serve as a model for African states seeking to modernize their infrastructure.

What this means here: opportunities for Benin and West Africa

For businesses and administrations in Benin and West Africa, the FGI-AC could provide concrete avenues to strengthen digital sovereignty. For example, the integration of artificial intelligence into public services, as discussed during the forum, could inspire similar projects in neighboring countries, particularly to optimize data management and improve access to digital services. Likewise, initiatives such as the deployment of IPv6 in Mauritania could encourage governments to invest in more secure and resilient infrastructures.

Discussions on inclusive governance could also prompt local stakeholders to rethink their strategies to include more young people and women in digital projects, as highlighted by N’Djamena’s deputy mayor, Mahamat Ibrahim Siam, who compares the forum to a « great community meeting place » where wisdom and innovation converge.