East Africa Centre For Internet Governance and Policy Research (CIGAP)

 

 

Policy

 

 

The East Africa Centre for Internet Governance and Policy Research (CIGAP) focuses on evolving governance and policy issues that impact the growth of the Internet and related disruptive technologies.  The core purpose of East Africa Centre for Internet Governance and Policy Research (CIGAP) is to conduct and commission rigorous relevant research on evolving governance and policy issues that impact the growth of the Internet and related disruptive technologies

CIGAP is guided by the following values in order to fulfil its mission and pursue its vision:

  •  Innovative research in Internet governance and disruptive technologies.
  • Excellence in delivery of research and dissemination.
  • Ethical standards and scholarly integrity.
  • Promotion of collaborative ventures and partnerships.
  • Friendly work environment that mentors the next generation.
  • Hub for exchange programs with similar centres globally.

Sir Tim Berners-Lee designed the World Wide Web (WWW) as an open platform to foster collaboration and innovation. Yet, for it to succeed there has to be political will to ensure all benefit equally and to promote sustainable development. The UN Agenda 2030 aims to achieve sustainable development by 2030 with 19 of 169 targets with a direct link to technology. There is a clear convergence with the AU’s Agenda 2063 as both aim for STI driven skills revolution. The only way is for policymakers to assess the risks in their national context and then establish corresponding policies and programs. They must work with academia and entrepreneurs to manage technological change, make associated institutional adjustments, and expand public engagement.

Objectives of the Centre:

  1. To be the source for independent data on the “current state of play” in ICT governance and policy issues.
  2. To use policy findings by CIGAP to formulate matrixes for measuring effectiveness of existing policies and track their evolution.
  3. To provide training on policy issues that informs Internet governance and disruptive technologies.

The Centre employs the thought leadership strategy to carry out its activities, which will revolve around five key approaches:

  • Research Resources
  • Benchmark Indicators
  • Research Promulgation
  • Regional Focus
  • Global Best Practice

CIGAP provides a variety of services, such as:

  • Independent research on evolving governance and policy issues that impact the growth of the Internet and related disruptive technologies.
  • Consultancies to Corporates that require these services.
  • Knowledge sharing through events – such as, trainings, conferences, workshops, policy round tables – designed to achieve specific objectives that contribute to building the centre’s reach and influence.
  • Publications, especially for policy dissemination.

 

For more information on the Centre contact: ilabafrica@strathmore.edu