Digital Platform Governance Conference 2026 concludes with adoption of Pretoria Declaration

By:  Nana Appiah Acquaye

The Digital Platform Governance International Conference 2026 has concluded with the adoption of the Pretoria Declaration, marking a significant step toward strengthening global cooperation on digital platform oversight. The two-day conference brought together regulators, policymakers, and industry stakeholders to examine issues surrounding digital platform accountability, transparency, collaboration, and information integrity.

Organisers indicated that the Pretoria Declaration will serve as the conference’s primary outcome, outlining an action-oriented framework to guide regulatory engagement over the next two years. The declaration acknowledges the evolving state of digital platform governance at both global and regional levels, identifies priority areas for regulatory cooperation for the 2026–2028 period, and promotes coordinated, non-binding actions among regulators and key stakeholders.

The conference highlighted growing international consensus on the need for collaborative approaches to address challenges posed by rapidly expanding digital ecosystems. Discussions focused on balancing innovation and consumer protection while ensuring platforms operate within frameworks that uphold fairness, competition, and information integrity.

The ICT Media and Regulators Forum, led by Chairperson Tshiamo Maluleka Disemelo, expressed support for the declaration, emphasizing its relevance to ongoing regulatory efforts. The Forum noted that among the objectives set out in the proposition for action from Pretoria, advancing regulatory capacity and cooperation will be a central priority.

In addition, the Forum outlined plans to invest in evidence-based policymaking through the development of research programmes on platform governance at national and regional levels. The initiative is expected to strengthen regulatory effectiveness by improving understanding of emerging digital market dynamics and platform-related risks.

The adoption of the Pretoria Declaration underscores the conference’s broader objective of fostering coordinated regulatory responses in an increasingly interconnected digital environment. Stakeholders indicated that the framework will guide future engagements aimed at enhancing transparency, accountability, and cooperation across jurisdictions.