On May 22, at 12:00 Moscow Time (GMT+3), the Valdai Club will host an expert panel discussion titled “Advanced Information Technologies as a Driver of Socio-Economic Development for African Countries.”

       The development of a knowledge-based economy is a priority for both developed and developing nations. Innovative technologies are seen as a powerful tool for achieving sustainable socio-economic progress.

       African countries have recognized the importance of adopting advanced information technologies in their national strategies. Over the past two decades, they have made significant strides in this area, but they still face challenges such as providing high-speed internet access, training IT professionals, establishing data processing centers and developing domestic software.

       As part of the panel discussion, experts will examine the potential for the adoption of advanced information and communication technologies (ICTs) in African countries, with a focus on how these technologies can contribute to the sustainable socio-economic development of the continent. How can ICT innovation contribute to sustainable socio-economic development in African countries? How to avoid the already excessive dependence on Western technologies and standards? Participants in the discussion will try to answer these and other questions.

       Speakers:

       Konstantin Pantserev, Professor at St. Petersburg State University Claire Ayuma Amuhaya, Senior Lecturer at the Department of Theory and History of International Relations, Patrice Lumumba People's Friendship University of Russia Olusesan Michael Awoleye, Ph.D., Senior Research Fellow, African Institute for Science Policy, and Innovation, Obafemi Awolowo University, Nigeria Ibrahim Diagne, Director of Ydna Vita Ltd and member of the Board of the Wagadu Action Alliance for Sharing Knowledge and Culture in Senegal Artwell Nhemachena, Research Fellow at the University of South Africa and Senior Lecturer at the University of Namibia Macharia Munene, Professor of History and International Relations at the United States International University, Nairobi, Kenya Adu Yao Nicaise, Associate Professor at Department of International Law, Patrice Lumumba People's Friendship University of Russia

       Moderator

       Oleg Barabanov, Programme Director of the Valdai Discussion Club

       Working languages: Russian, English

       Information for the media: Dear journalists, to be accredited for the event, please fill out the form on our website. If you have any questions about the event, call +79269307763.

       Links to the live broadcast of the discussion will be posted on all online platforms of the Valdai Club: on the website, X (formerly Twitter), VK, Telegram and Dzen.