On June 6, the session “Digital Sovereignty: Resisting the Monopoly of Global Platforms” was held as part of the Global Digital Forum in Nizhny Novgorod, with support from the Center for Global IT Cooperation. The discussion focused on building a fair digital environment free from the dominance of transnational corporations and the pressure of global platforms on sovereign nations.
The session was moderated by Kristina Amor Maclang, Secretary General of the International Digital Economy Association (IDEA). Participants included government officials, legal experts, IT entrepreneurs, and civil society leaders from Cuba, Namibia, Indonesia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Russia, and other countries.
“Though we’re labeled the ‘Global South,’ we represent 82% of the world’s population. We reject digital neocolonialism and platform dictatorship. Independence is not isolation — it’s the right to choose and make our own decisions,” said Amor Maclang in her opening remarks.
Cuban Minister of Communications Mayra Arevich Marín shared Cuba’s unique experience under more than 60 years of sanctions. “Despite having no access to Google platforms and other major digital ecosystems, Cuba has been actively developing digital government services, offering free internet access for education, and involving up to 80% of the population in digital transformation. For us, sovereignty is first and foremost about cybersecurity, infrastructure protection, and owning our IT platforms.”
Regulatory challenges took center stage. Pavel Magoni, head of regulatory and antitrust risk practice at Art De Lex law firm, stressed the need for supranational oversight mechanisms — potentially within BRICS — especially as global IT corporations continue violating national laws. He cited Russia’s antitrust action against Google, which recognized it as a de facto monopolist in video hosting, as a sign that governments can and should defend their digital jurisdictions.
Louis van der Merwe, CEO of Vander Designs and a member of Namibia's ruling SWAPO party's international committee, emphasized the importance of African collaboration. “We must define our own regulatory norms, address our people’s specific needs, and build independent platforms. We need alternatives that are understandable and affordable — especially for citizens earning $15 to $30 a month.”
Sanjib Subba, founder of Kathmandu FinteK, argued that technological sovereignty begins with digital literacy and trust. “If we don’t teach young people how to use and develop their own platforms, every effort we make will remain superficial.”
One of the most powerful statements came from Muchuchuti Tavonga, a tech entrepreneur from Botswana and Chairman of the country’s Fintech Association. He observed that while many young Africans dream of leaving the continent, some of the most impactful African startups are born in the slums. “Young people need support and funding. Paradoxically, wherever there are problems, there’s also money — because every problem demands a creative startup solution,” he said.
The session concluded with a joint call to strengthen international cooperation and develop shared principles for digital governance. Participants agreed: the future lies in digital sovereignty, fair competition, and equal access to technology.
The session was moderated by Kristina Amor Maclang, Secretary General of the International Digital Economy Association (IDEA). Participants included government officials, legal experts, IT entrepreneurs, and civil society leaders from Cuba, Namibia, Indonesia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Russia, and other countries.
“Though we’re labeled the ‘Global South,’ we represent 82% of the world’s population. We reject digital neocolonialism and platform dictatorship. Independence is not isolation — it’s the right to choose and make our own decisions,” said Amor Maclang in her opening remarks.
Cuban Minister of Communications Mayra Arevich Marín shared Cuba’s unique experience under more than 60 years of sanctions. “Despite having no access to Google platforms and other major digital ecosystems, Cuba has been actively developing digital government services, offering free internet access for education, and involving up to 80% of the population in digital transformation. For us, sovereignty is first and foremost about cybersecurity, infrastructure protection, and owning our IT platforms.”
Regulatory challenges took center stage. Pavel Magoni, head of regulatory and antitrust risk practice at Art De Lex law firm, stressed the need for supranational oversight mechanisms — potentially within BRICS — especially as global IT corporations continue violating national laws. He cited Russia’s antitrust action against Google, which recognized it as a de facto monopolist in video hosting, as a sign that governments can and should defend their digital jurisdictions.
Louis van der Merwe, CEO of Vander Designs and a member of Namibia's ruling SWAPO party's international committee, emphasized the importance of African collaboration. “We must define our own regulatory norms, address our people’s specific needs, and build independent platforms. We need alternatives that are understandable and affordable — especially for citizens earning $15 to $30 a month.”
Sanjib Subba, founder of Kathmandu FinteK, argued that technological sovereignty begins with digital literacy and trust. “If we don’t teach young people how to use and develop their own platforms, every effort we make will remain superficial.”
One of the most powerful statements came from Muchuchuti Tavonga, a tech entrepreneur from Botswana and Chairman of the country’s Fintech Association. He observed that while many young Africans dream of leaving the continent, some of the most impactful African startups are born in the slums. “Young people need support and funding. Paradoxically, wherever there are problems, there’s also money — because every problem demands a creative startup solution,” he said.
The session concluded with a joint call to strengthen international cooperation and develop shared principles for digital governance. Participants agreed: the future lies in digital sovereignty, fair competition, and equal access to technology.
