The Minister of Posts, Telecommunications, and the Digital Economy of the Republic of the Congo, Mr. Léon Juste Ibombo, emphasized that the country’s engagement in the event reflects a strong commitment to building an equitable digital future:
“Participating in the Global Digital Forum is an expression of the Republic of the Congo’s determination to actively contribute to the construction of a global digital order founded on respect for sovereignty, balanced cooperation, and innovation for the benefit of all peoples. We are pleased to have the opportunity to speak at the session of the e-Governance Knowledge Sharing Program titled “Russia-Africa: Cooperation for Digital Sovereignty” to discuss current challenges and the tools for addressing them”.
Cooperation between Russia and the Republic of the Congo in the digital sphere gained momentum following a visit by a delegation from the HSE Center for African Studies to the country in 2024. To strengthen collaboration in the digitalization of public administration, the two sides signed a cooperation agreement in 2025 aimed at conducting joint research and organizing advanced training courses for public officials of the Republic of the Congo.
The Republic of the Congo extends its sincere gratitude to the e-Governance Knowledge Sharing Program for the opportunity to take part in this crucial international dialogue:
“This initiative made it possible not only to participate in the Forum, but also to engage meaningfully in global digital transformation processes grounded in partnership and mutual respect.”.
Likewise, the Minister of Posts and Telecommunications of Cameroon, Ms. Minette Libom Li Likeng, highlighted the strategic significance of the forum and her country’s interest in fostering partnerships with fellow nations from the Global South:
“It is with great honour that I take part in the Global Digital Forum in Russia – a strategic platform that brings together digital policymakers from around the world to exchange on the challenges and opportunities of global digital transformation. Under the leadership of His Excellency Mr. Paul Biya, President of the Republic of Cameroon, our country is firmly committed to a path of inclusive, sustainable, and sovereign digitalization. This Forum offers a valuable opportunity to share our vision, strengthen international partnerships, and foster mutually beneficial technological cooperation, particularly with emerging countries and actors from the Global South”.
The official delegation from the Democratic Republic of the Congo was represented by Mr. Mantobo Menetudia Bertin, Secretary-General of the Ministry of Digital Technologies. He noted that the country’s participation in the forum is aimed at “promoting digital transformation in our states through globally harmonized legal and regulatory frameworks and reliable, secure ICT infrastructures”.
A delegation from the Union of the Comoros, led by Minister of Posts, Telecommunications, Digital Economy and Transparency of the Comoros, Mr. M'madi Hassani Umouri, is expected to take part in the events of the Global Digital Forum. Cooperation between Russia and the Comoros under e-Governance Knowledge Sharing Program began in 2023, when then Comorian minister responsible, Kamalidini Souef, participated in the Winter e-Governance Knowledge Sharing Week in Moscow. During the visit, the Comorian delegation not only explored advanced digital practices but also presented their own initiatives.
Mr. Umouri emphasized that digital transformation has already become a central priority in the country's development agenda and stressed the importance of international partnerships in its implementation:
“We sincerely thank the organizers of this prestigious forum for the invitation. As a graduate of the Saint Petersburg Electrotechnical University, it is a great honor for me to attend this digital forum, to share experiences and learn from others in the field of digital development. Digitalisation has become one of the flagship areas of development for the Comoros. Today, 92% of the country’s territory is covered by 3G and 4.5G networks, with 5G expected in the near future. The first national data center is being commissioned, and fiber-optic backbones are being built both within and between the islands. At this forum, the Comoros aims to exchange experiences with other participants and gain support for its digital strategy. We particularly count on the support of the Russian Federation and its active engagement in our initiatives”.
The discussion of current challenges and the search for innovative IT solutions in the field of digital public administration will continue at the Global Digital Forum during the session “Russia-Africa: Cooperation for Digital Sovereignty” and the “e-Governance Knowledge Sharing Hub” lecture platform. Experts will present key achievements in the digital domain, share case studies and practical experience, and provide insights into how to address today’s pressing issues and tackle the challenges faced by our countries. These include cybersecurity, tax administration, and budget planning, as well as the development of robust communication infrastructure, ensuring food sovereignty, and creating a comfortable digital environment for citizens.
