Lusaka, Zambia: The Digital Communication Network (DCN) in collaboration with World Learning has today kickstarted a two-day conference in Lusaka, Zambia at the Radisson Blu Hotel to an improved African convergence with over 170 delegates from 35 countries. The conference is held under the theme, “Harnessing the Digital Revolution: Fostering Resilience and Development in Africa”.
Sharing the background of DCN, the President of DCN, Dr. Nikos Panagiotou said the African network forum follows other continents’ successful launched networks. DCN is an assembly of digital professionals, influencers, and thought leaders from diverse fields. The forum, aimed at launching DCN Africa, delves into the far-reaching impacts and implications of digital transformations and innovations on our society, has attracted panel discussions, plenary sessions and engagements.
When welcoming the delegates in Lusaka, the Zambian’s Ministry of Youth, Sport and Arts, Principal IT officer, Miriam Musama Katongo highlighted the importance of collaborating and empowering the youth in African countries to claim their presence in the global world. She further said Zambia is awake to developments set by other stakeholders to engage and better the digital and technology progress.
“About 10 years ago Africa was lacking in digital and technology migration. We are therefore delighted that World Learning and Digital Communication Network has come on board to change the status quo. As the ministry, we are ever willing to collaborate with a lot of programmes set to us by youth. This is our proactive response and dedicated to utilize technology to promote engagement. We are leveraging technology to stimulate progress, technology is an equalizer and transcend borders. We are becoming a global village and it is fascinating to see over 170 delegates from 35 countries in Africa coming to Zambia. Thus, this conference is very critical to change the digital landscape.”
When narrating on the Zambian progress on youth empowerment on technology, she furter said they are equipping centers across the country with collaboration of other stakeholders to create vibrant communities to bridge the gap between opportunities and youth. Meanwhile Katongo advised the delegates to archive technology for future use and exploit the transformative power of technology to be more inclusive and prosperous for all.
For his part, the Public Affairs Officer in US embassy Lusaka, Phil Dimon said, “it is great to see Africa coming together to get stronger in digital and technology migration to foster resilience through forum such as DCN. I further pay gratitude to the Zambian government for allowing such a gathering of a high end network to converge in Zambia to elevate African space in the digital space. As the US government, we are excited to partner with DCN: collaboration and diversity makes us stronger as we learn from all experts in one platform. However with such, it comes with a lot of commitment to avoid misinformation which could be a threat to democracies in Africa, thus plead with all delegates to be mindful of such instances which could hold the progress slower”.
The conference will discuss through panel discussions and plenary sessions through different experts across Africa and world.
About the author: Moagi Madisa is an award winning journalist and co-director of Fan’Mo Group, the parent publisher of Fantastic Moments
