Godsway Kubi
Youth Ambassador, Pan African Youth Ambassador for Internet Governance (PAYAIG) and Lead Facilitator, Internet Society Online Safety SIG
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With a diverse background spanning multiple domains within the technology landscape, I bring a wealth of experience and expertise to the table. As an IT Support specialist, I have honed my skills in troubleshooting, system administration, and network management, ensuring seamless operations for organizations of varying scales.
My journey into Cyber Security and SOC Analysis has equipped me with the ability to detect, analyze, and mitigate security threats, safeguarding critical assets and data from potential breaches. Leveraging my experience as an IT Business Analyst, I have translated technical complexities into actionable insights, driving informed decision-making and business growth.
In my capacity as a Digital Media Strategist and Marketing Manager, I have crafted compelling narratives and executed targeted campaigns to elevate brand presence and drive engagement across digital platforms. As a Digital Transformation Executive, I have led transformative initiatives, harnessing technology to optimize processes and enhance organizational efficiency.
Moreover, my expertise in Internet Governance (IG) underscores my commitment to advocating for digital rights and shaping policies that promote a secure and inclusive online environment. Through continuous learning and innovation, I remain dedicated to navigating the evolving landscape of technology and driving positive change in the digital world.
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Digital Identity Systems on Privacy and Personal Freedoms
This session, led by the PAYAIG Ambassadors at the African IGF, will examine these impacts and explore ways to uphold human rights in digital spaces. As digital identity systems become increasingly prevalent across Africa, there is a growing concern over their impact on privacy and personal freedoms. While digital identities offer significant advantages such as enhancing access to public services, enabling financial inclusion, and fostering digital participation, they also raise critical questions about data privacy, surveillance, and the potential for abuse by both state and non-state actors.
This session will critically examine the development and implementation of digital identity systems across African nations, focusing on the balance between their benefits and the risks they pose to privacy and civil liberties. Through a multi-stakeholder discussion, the session will explore how these systems are impacting personal freedoms, how privacy rights can be safeguarded, and what legal frameworks and policies are needed to ensure a human-rights-centric approach to digital identity.
Objective:
To analyze the current internet policies affecting digital rights across Africa and propose solutions to create a secure, inclusive, and human-rights-centric digital environment.
Key Discussion Areas
Freedom of Expression: Explore the challenges and opportunities in balancing freedom of expression with regulation and censorship in the digital space, ensuring voices are heard while protecting users from harm.
Digital Identity: Discuss the growing use of digital identity systems, examining their impact on accessibility, privacy, and human rights, and the importance of safeguarding individual identities online.
Privacy and Data Protection: Address the importance of privacy and the need for robust data protection policies that safeguard individuals’ rights and prevent misuse of personal information.
Human Rights-Centric Policies: Explore how governments, civil society, and tech companies can collaborate to develop internet policies that prioritize and protect human rights, ensuring no one is left behind.
Format and Structure
Panel Presentations: Experts will present insights on freedom of expression, digital identity, privacy, and the need for human-rights-focused internet governance.
Interactive Dialogue: Moderated discussion for participants to engage with panelists, share experiences, and debate the balance between regulation and rights.
Collaborative Workshop: Attendees will work in groups to develop policy recommendations that ensure a rights-based approach in digital environments.
Expected Outcomes
Heightened Awareness of the impact of internet policies on freedom of expression, digital identity, and privacy.
Practical Recommendations for creating and implementing policies that uphold digital rights and human rights.
Stakeholder Commitments to advocate for a human-rights-centric approach in internet governance discussions and policy formulations.
The session will provide a platform for critical dialogue, collaboration, and action towards a fair and inclusive digital landscape that protects and promotes human rights across Africa.
Beyond the Likes: Tackling Social Media Security Risks and Misinformation
Session Description:
Social media platforms have become integral to modern communication, yet they are rife with risks such as identity theft, misinformation, phishing, and privacy breaches. These vulnerabilities disproportionately affect users in underserved communities, where digital literacy and security awareness may be limited. The session aims to address these issues by equipping participants with strategies to navigate and secure their presence on social media platforms effectively.
This interactive workshop will combine live demonstrations of common social media threats with practical exercises to empower participants to identify, mitigate, and prevent these risks. By highlighting the role of social media platforms in ensuring accountability and security, the session will advocate for collaborative solutions that align with the theme of Promoting Digital Ubuntu in Approaches to Technology.
Key Objectives:
Highlight Risks: Provide an in-depth understanding of social media threats such as identity theft, phishing, and misinformation.
Promote Awareness: Equip participants with tools and best practices for secure social media usage.
Foster Accountability: Discuss the role of social media platforms in enhancing security features and tackling misinformation.
Build Capacity: Empower participants to advocate for and implement secure practices within their communities.
Expected Outcomes:
Practical Skills: Participants will leave with actionable skills to secure their social media accounts and detect misinformation.
Community Advocacy: Empowered participants will advocate for secure and informed social media usage in their communities.
Collaborative Solutions: The session will produce recommendations for improving platform accountability and fostering safer online environments.
Target Audience:
Community leaders and grassroots organizations.
Social media users from underserved communities.
Digital rights advocates and educators.
Policymakers and platform representatives.
African youths Digital Inclusion for Sustainable Development
The session will be led by the Pan African Youth Ambassadors and facilitators for Internet Governance (PAYAIG) and academics that will address the urgent need for digital inclusion in less developed African communities and how an equitable and fair governance of digital technologies can result in sustainable development. The session engages researchers, digital ambassadors and fellows representing diverse stakeholder groups and countries across Africa to explore innovative approaches and best practices to empower African rural communities digitally, fostering an inclusive internet ecosystem for all.
Through interactive discussions, and showcasing, it will examine technologies, policies, and strategies are crucial for enhancing digital access to the affordable and reliable Internet. Moreover, infrastructure, digital literacy and education for marginalized groups (women, youth) and their rights will be addressed. Digital inclusion and participation across African communities, and policy frameworks will be examined through policy recommendations for fostering an open, secure, and inclusive internet. By aligning with the SDGs and Agenda 2063, the session seeks to determine actionable solutions for bridging the digital divide and realizing Africa's potential in the digital age. As PAYAIG ambassadors, the session will amplify the voices of African youth, where participants will hear firsthand experiences, challenges, and aspirations from our diverse group of 100 ambassadors.
At the end of the session, it is aimed to achieve several concrete outcomes, like actionable recommendations, showcasing digital innovations, policy drafting, and publication of digital inclusion frameworks synthesizing the session's key findings and recommendations. will be developed and disseminated widely among policymakers, practitioners, and relevant stakeholders.
This framework will serve as a roadmap for guiding future initiatives and investments aimed at bridging the universal access and meaningful connectivity and fostering sustainable development in Africa.
Discussion areas:
1. Access to Affordable and Reliable Internet, and infrastructure
• Expanding broadband infrastructure for rural youths
• Policies for affordable data and device access
2. Digital Literacy and Education
• Integrating digital skills into the education system for SGDs
• Community-based digital literacy programs and training for youths
3. Digital Inclusion in Governance
• E-governance and youth engagement
• Policies for youth digital rights inclusion and privacy
4. Youths and girl’s rights Digital Inclusion
• Addressing challenges in technology access and use
• Empowering youth through digital skills
Safeguarding Freedom of Expression and Digital Access During Protests and Elections
Session Description
Internet shutdowns have become a pervasive and alarming trend, particularly during politically sensitive periods such as elections, protests, and civil unrest. These shutdowns directly infringe on fundamental human rights, including freedom of expression, access to information, and the right to peaceful assembly, as guaranteed under international human rights law.
Africa has seen a marked rise in such disruptions, leaving millions of people disconnected from vital communication channels and silenced in critical moments of civic engagement. For example, the 2023 Access Now and #KeepItOn coalition report recorded 283 internet shutdowns in 39 countries, with governments using these disruptions to suppress dissent, restrict access to life-saving information, and conceal human rights abuses. From Ethiopia to India, and Sudan to Myanmar, shutdowns have become a favored tool for silencing opposition and undermining democratic processes.
This panel discussion, organized by Ghana School on Internet Governance (GhanaSIG) Fellows, will provide a comprehensive examination of the human rights violations caused by internet shutdowns. The panel will highlight the legal, policy, and technical measures needed to combat these practices and propose actionable recommendations for ensuring a free and open internet during critical national moments. By fostering dialogue among key stakeholders, this session aims to safeguard internet access and reinforce the importance of an inclusive and secure digital ecosystem.
Session Objectives
Highlight Human Rights Violations:
Examine the specific ways in which internet shutdowns violate fundamental rights such as freedom of expression, access to information, and participation in democratic processes.
Promote Legal and Policy Frameworks:
Identify international, regional, and national legal measures that can hold governments accountable for internet shutdowns and protect digital rights.
Explore Technical and Civil Society Solutions:
Discuss innovative technical solutions, such as VPNs and decentralized networks, as well as advocacy strategies used by civil society to mitigate the impact of shutdowns.
Encourage Multi-Stakeholder Collaboration:
Propose actionable recommendations for governments, civil society, private sector actors, and international organizations to work together in safeguarding internet freedom during elections and protests.
Empower Advocacy Networks:
Strengthen the capacity of grassroots organizations and digital rights advocates to combat internet shutdowns and engage in global coalitions like #KeepItOn.
Safeguarding Freedom of Expression and Digital Access During Protests and Elections
Description
Session Description
Internet shutdowns have become a pervasive and alarming trend, particularly during politically sensitive periods such as elections, protests, and civil unrest. These shutdowns directly infringe on fundamental human rights, including freedom of expression, access to information, and the right to peaceful assembly, as guaranteed under international human rights law.
Africa has seen a marked rise in such disruptions, leaving millions of people disconnected from vital communication channels and silenced in critical moments of civic engagement. For example, the 2023 Access Now and #KeepItOn coalition report recorded 283 internet shutdowns in 39 countries, with governments using these disruptions to suppress dissent, restrict access to life-saving information, and conceal human rights abuses. From Ethiopia to India and Sudan to Myanmar, shutdowns have become a favored tool for silencing opposition and undermining democratic processes.
This panel discussion, organized by Ghana School on Internet Governance (GhanaSIG) Fellows, will provide a comprehensive examination of the human rights violations caused by internet shutdowns. The panel will highlight the legal, policy, and technical measures needed to combat these practices and propose actionable recommendations for ensuring a free and open internet during critical national moments. By fostering dialogue among key stakeholders, this session aims to safeguard internet access and reinforce the importance of an inclusive and secure digital ecosystem.
Session Objectives
Highlight Human Rights Violations:
Examine the specific ways in which internet shutdowns violate fundamental rights such as freedom of expression, access to information, and participation in democratic processes.
Promote Legal and Policy Frameworks:
Identify international, regional, and national legal measures that can hold governments accountable for internet shutdowns and protect digital rights.
Explore Technical and Civil Society Solutions:
Discuss innovative technical solutions, such as VPNs and decentralized networks, as well as advocacy strategies used by civil society to mitigate the impact of shutdowns.
Encourage Multi-Stakeholder Collaboration:
Propose actionable recommendations for governments, civil society, private sector actors, and international organizations to work together in safeguarding internet freedom during elections and protests.
Empower Advocacy Networks:
Strengthen the capacity of grassroots organizations and digital rights advocates to combat internet shutdowns and engage in global coalitions like #KeepItOn.
Beyond Awareness: Embedding Digital Security Practices in Marginalized Communities
Session Description:
While digital transformation continues to reshape societies, marginalized communities in Africa often remain excluded from the benefits of secure digital practices. These communities face unique challenges, such as limited access to resources, low levels of digital literacy, and exposure to cyber threats. Despite efforts to raise awareness, a critical gap persists in embedding sustainable digital security practices tailored to the realities of these communities.
This interactive workshop will move beyond theoretical awareness to practical implementation. Participants will explore innovative strategies, grassroots-led initiatives, and actionable tools designed to integrate digital security into the daily lives of underserved populations. Through hands-on demonstrations and real-world case studies, this session will provide a platform to share experiences, foster collaboration, and equip attendees with a framework to address digital security challenges at the local level.
Key Objectives:
Identify Barriers: Explore the unique challenges marginalized communities face in adopting secure digital practices.
Share Innovations: Present creative, low-cost solutions and tools that align with the specific needs of these communities.
Empower Grassroots Organizations: Highlight the pivotal role of grassroots organizations in promoting localized digital safety initiatives.
Provide Practical Frameworks: Equip participants with tools and frameworks to build localized, sustainable digital security programs.
Expected Outcomes:
Participants will leave with:
A deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities in embedding digital security practices in marginalized communities.
Exposure to innovative tools and methods tailored to underserved populations.
A framework for implementing sustainable digital security programs.
Enhanced collaboration between grassroots organizations, policymakers, and digital rights advocates to drive community-centric digital safety initiatives.
Target Audience:
Grassroots organizations working with underserved communities.
Digital rights advocates.
Policymakers focused on inclusivity and digital transformation.
Educators and trainers in the digital literacy space.
Technologists interested in accessible and localized digital security solutions.
Beyond Awareness: Embedding Digital Security Practices in Marginalized Communities
Session Description:
While digital transformation continues to reshape societies, marginalized communities in Africa often remain excluded from the benefits of secure digital practices. These communities face unique challenges, such as limited access to resources, low levels of digital literacy, and exposure to cyber threats. Despite efforts to raise awareness, a critical gap persists in embedding sustainable digital security practices tailored to the realities of these communities.
This interactive workshop will move beyond theoretical awareness to practical implementation. Participants will explore innovative strategies, grassroots-led initiatives, and actionable tools designed to integrate digital security into the daily lives of underserved populations. Through hands-on demonstrations and real-world case studies, this session will provide a platform to share experiences, foster collaboration, and equip attendees with a framework to address digital security challenges at the local level.
Key Objectives:
Identify Barriers: Explore the unique challenges marginalized communities face in adopting secure digital practices.
Share Innovations: Present creative, low-cost solutions and tools that align with the specific needs of these communities.
Empower Grassroots Organizations: Highlight the pivotal role of grassroots organizations in promoting localized digital safety initiatives.
Provide Practical Frameworks: Equip participants with tools and frameworks to build localized, sustainable digital security programs.
Expected Outcomes:
Participants will leave with:
A deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities in embedding digital security practices in marginalized communities.
Exposure to innovative tools and methods tailored to underserved populations.
A framework for implementing sustainable digital security programs.
Enhanced collaboration between grassroots organizations, policymakers, and digital rights advocates to drive community-centric digital safety initiatives.
Target Audience:
Grassroots organizations working with underserved communities.
Digital rights advocates.
Policymakers focused on inclusivity and digital transformation.
Educators and trainers in the digital literacy space.
Technologists interested in accessible and localized digital security solutions.
Exploring Mechanisms to Prevent Internet Shutdowns During Protests and Elections
Session Description:
Internet shutdowns have become an alarming trend in many countries, especially during critical times such as protests, elections, and civil unrest. These shutdowns often lead to the violation of human rights, particularly freedom of expression, access to information, and the ability to participate in democratic processes. In Africa, there has been a rise in the number of internet shutdowns, severely affecting citizens' ability to communicate, mobilize, and hold governments accountable.
This session, organized by the Ghana School on Internet Governance (GhanaSIG) Fellows, will explore the negative impact of internet shutdowns on human rights and discuss actionable strategies and mechanisms to prevent them. Drawing from real-world examples, legal frameworks, and technical solutions, the panel will examine how governments, civil society, and international bodies can work together to protect the internet from being used as a tool of repression. The discussion will focus on ensuring a free, open, and secure internet during protests, elections, and other key moments in civic life.
In 2023, Access Now and the #KeepItOn coalition documented 283 shutdowns in 39 countries. These are staggering results, marking the highest number of shutdown incidents.
From Senegal to Ethiopia, Nepal to India, and Israel to Russia, governments continued to shut down the internet and critical digital communication platforms to muzzle expression, block access to life-saving information, and cover up heinous crimes against humanity.
Despite the increasing momentum gathering globally against the use of internet shutdowns and key examples of past offenders charting a new course, shutdowns are continuing to emerge as the go-to tool for both democratic and authoritarian regimes to suppress fundamental human rights.
Session Objectives:
To highlight the human rights implications of internet shutdowns during protests and elections.
To identify legal and policy measures that can prevent internet shutdowns and protect digital rights.
To explore technical solutions and civil society strategies that can mitigate the impact of shutdowns.
To provide recommendations for multi-stakeholder collaboration to uphold internet freedom during critical national events.
Expected Outcomes:
Increased awareness of the impact of internet shutdowns on human rights and democratic processes.
Practical recommendations for preventing internet shutdowns through legal, technical, and advocacy mechanisms.
Strengthened collaboration between governments, civil society, and technical communities to protect digital rights.
Actionable steps for engaging with policymakers to foster transparency and accountability in digital governance.
Addressing Identity Theft and Fraud in Digital Transactions
As Africa rapidly digitizes, the risks of identity theft and fraud in digital transactions are escalating. Digital financial services, e-commerce platforms and government e-services are crucial drivers of economic growth and inclusion on the continent, yet they are highly vulnerable to fraud and cybercrime. Identity theft poses significant risks to both individuals and organizations, compromising sensitive data, and undermining trust in digital systems.
This session aims to provide a comprehensive overview of identity theft in the African digital landscape, explore the latest trends in digital fraud, and discuss strategies to secure personal and financial information. It will examine the role of legal frameworks, cybersecurity best practices, and innovative technologies such as biometrics and digital identity management systems in preventing identity fraud. Participants will engage with real-world case studies and explore how governments, private sector players, and civil society can work together to protect African citizens and businesses.
Addressing Content Moderation, Multilingualism, Misinformation, and the Role of Local Content in Sha
Media and local content play a crucial role in shaping digital narratives across Africa. However, challenges such as content moderation, language diversity, and misinformation continue to impact the quality and authenticity of digital information. This session, organized by the PAYAIG Ambassadors at the African IGF, will explore these issues and propose strategies to foster a robust and inclusive digital media landscape.
To discuss the challenges and opportunities in enhancing local content, ensuring effective content moderation, promoting multilingualism, and combating misinformation in Africa's digital space.
How DNSSEC Can Contribute to a Safer and More Secure Internet Ecosystem
The Domain Name System Security Extensions (DNSSEC) is a critical technology designed to secure one of the core components of the internet infrastructure, the Domain Name System (DNS). With an increasing number of cyber threats targeting the integrity of DNS services, DNSSEC provides enhanced security by adding a layer of authentication to domain name queries, helping to prevent various types of cyber attacks, including cache poisoning, man-in-the-middle attacks, and DNS spoofing.
This session will delve into the role of DNSSEC in shaping the future of internet security and its potential to contribute to a safer and more secure digital ecosystem. By focusing on the current state of DNS security, the challenges of implementing DNSSEC, and the benefits it offers to internet users, this session aims to foster collaboration among key stakeholders to promote the adoption of DNSSEC across Africa. Today, DNSSEC validation in Africa stands at 38.24% whiles the rest of the world stands at 34.83% The session will also explore DNSSEC validation success stories across the continent, best practices how insights from these implementations can complement broader cybersecurity strategies and contribute to the development of secure online environments in the region.
Session Objectives:
- Provide a comprehensive overview of DNSSEC and its potential to secure internet infrastructure.
- Highlight the current threats to DNS systems and the need for enhanced security mechanisms like DNSSEC.
- Offer practical insights into overcoming the challenges of DNSSEC adoption across different sectors.
- Foster multi-stakeholder collaboration to promote the implementation of DNSSEC in Africa and build awareness about its importance in securing the internet.
- Encourage the integration of DNSSEC into national and regional cybersecurity policies and strategies.
Expected Outcomes:
- Increased awareness and understanding of DNSSEC among participants, especially within African networks and institutions.
- Actionable recommendations for overcoming the challenges of implementing DNSSEC.
- Establishment of collaborations among governments, ISPs, and technical communities to drive DNSSEC adoption.
- Development of strategies to incorporate DNSSEC into national and regional cybersecurity frameworks.
- Encourage policy discussions around promoting DNSSEC as part of broader cybersecurity initiatives in Africa.
- Leveraging community’s technical expertise to improve DNSSEC validation stats from the current 38% to 60% in the first year
Speakers:
1. Name: Mr. Yazid Akanho
Email: YAZID.akanho@icann.org
Role: Speaker
Country: Benin
2. Name: Dr. Akinbo Adebunmi
Email: adebunmi.akinbo@gmail.com
Role: Speaker
Country: Nigeria
3. Name: Benedict Sagoe
Email: benedict.sagoe@gdnr.org.gh
Role: Speaker
Ghana
4. Name: Godsway Kubi
Email: kubigodsway390@gmail.com
Role: Moderator
Country: Ghana
5. Name: Isaac Sakyi
Email: sirizake@gmail.com
Role: Speaker
Country: Ghana
Africa Internet Governance Forum (AfIGF) - 2025 Sessionize Event
West Africa Internet Governance Forum (WAIGF) - 2025 Sessionize Event
Africa Internet Governance Forum (AfIGF) Sessionize Event
Godsway Kubi
Youth Ambassador, Pan African Youth Ambassador for Internet Governance (PAYAIG) and Lead Facilitator, Internet Society Online Safety SIG
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