ADF Updates

MDI Appoints Strategic Leadership for 2027 Continental Summit and Beyond

ADF Editorial Board·August 19, 2026·2 min

ADF Updates

Media and Digital Institute (MDI) has officially announced the appointment of Marc Aboflan and Emmanuel Clifford Gyetuah as its Organizing Directors for the Africa Digital Forum. This leadership team is tasked with spearheading the landmark 2027 Forum in Lomé, Togo—an event poised to become the premier platform for digital innovation, policy, and investment across the continent.

Marc Aboflan: The Architect of Strategic Partnerships

Serving as the Organizing Director for Strategy & Global Partnerships, Marc Aboflan brings over 15 years of expertise in media development and international project management. His career is defined by high-impact initiatives at the intersection of technology, governance, and inclusion.

Aboflan’s extensive background includes leadership roles with prominent international bodies such as Reporters Without Borders (RSF), the Journalism Trust Initiative (JTI), and the Global Media Registry. As the Executive Director of the Media and Digital Institute (MDI), he has been a vocal advocate for responsible and inclusive technology adoption across more than forty African countries. At the Africa Digital Forum (ADF), Aboflan will oversee:

The strategic positioning and institutional vision of the Forum.

International stakeholder engagement and government relations.

Developing programming themes focused on digital sovereignty and global competitiveness.

Emmanuel Clifford Gyetuah: Driving Operational Excellence

Leading the financial and logistical backbone of the Forum is Emmanuel Clifford Gyetuah, the Organizing Director for Finance & Institutional Operations. With 12 years of experience spanning finance, business development, and the non-profit sector, Gyetuah is recognized for his ability to scale multinational entities while maintaining rigorous operational standards.

A co-founder of Bolingo Consult, Gyetuah has successfully managed complex partnerships with global institutions including the African Union, the World Bank, and GIZ. His role at the ADF focuses on:

Ensuring fiscal sustainability and long-term institutional health.

Managing sponsor outreach and vendor logistics to ensure seamless execution.

Optimizing resources to bridge the digital usage gap and foster a sustainable African digital ecosystem.

A Vision for Lomé 2027

The Africa Digital Forum 2027 is designed to go beyond traditional conferences by delivering a multi-dimensional experience where innovation meets action. Scheduled for May 2027, the summit will feature high-level presidential dialogues, a ministerial forum, and a startup and investor forum designed to unlock venture capital opportunities. As the Forum’s maiden edition, the 2027 event will set the tone for future summits and establish the foundational success of the platform.

Under the leadership of Aboflan and Gyetuah, the Forum aims to produce measurable outcomes—ranging from investment deals to continental policy recommendations. The event will also host the AI & Innovation Summit and an Awards Gala celebrating "Africa’s Digital Champions".

By combining Aboflan’s strategic vision with Gyetuah’s operational rigor, the Africa Digital Forum is positioned to accelerate the continent’s journey toward a globally competitive and inclusive digital economy.

ADF Editorial Board

The Africa Digital Forum Editorial Board brings together influential leaders shaping digital transformation across African institutions. Their expertise, perspectives, and leadership help guide conversations and ideas that advance Africa’s digital future.

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