The importance of local content for increasing global internet connectivity

[Commentary] Earlier in Dec the 11th Internet Governance Forum (IGF) was held in Zapopan, Jalisco, Mexico. The IGF, a multi-stakeholder forum convened by the United Nations (UN) Secretary General, allows over 2000 delegates from 83 countries to convene and discuss a wide range of internet policy issues including internet governance, cybersecurity, and internet access issues. The theme of IGF 2016 was how the internet could enable inclusive and sustainable growth to help meet the UN’s goals in its 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, an effort to “eradicate poverty in all its forms and dimensions.”

From an internet policy perspective, in its efforts to increase internet connectivity and fight poverty, the UN has prioritized finding ways to support the development of local content in developing countries and making sure the “next billion” of unconnected people around the world get connected to the internet. One local content success story that was highlighted at IGF 2016 was that of “An African City,” a Ghanaian internet video series that went viral. This story shows the potential and importance of local content, which can serve as an important incentive for internet adoption in developing countries.

[Shane Tews is also a consultant for Vrge Strategies.]