Press release
Montreal, October 25, 2025 – The Digital Spring (PN) announces a new phase of collaboration between Quebec and Benin on responsible and inclusive digital practices. Thanks to the commitment of the Institute for Inclusive Digital Africa ( IIDiA ) , the 2025 edition of MTL connects: Montreal Digital Week will be broadcast live to several Beninese universities , allowing students to participate remotely in this major international event.
“By joining forces with IIDiA and Beninese universities, we are ushering in a new era of digital inclusion between Montreal and Africa.
MTL connect is becoming a vibrant space for sharing knowledge without borders.”
— Mehdi Benboubakeur , Executive Director of Printemps numérique
An opening towards Francophone Africa
From October 28 to 31, 2025 , the Society for Arts and Technology (SAT) will host the 7th edition of MTL connect , under the theme <R> evolutions?, which will explore digital transformation through four major themes: artificial intelligence , culture and creativity , cybersecurity and digital identity , and territories and humanities .
For the first time, the event will be broadcast live in Benin thanks to the mobilization of IIDiA and the participation of several partner institutions:
- Higher School of Commerce and Management (HECM) of Cotonou and Parakou ,
- National School of Statistics, Planning and Demography (ENSPD) of Parakou .
“This new phase of IIDiA’s collaboration with the MTL Connect event of Printemps Numérique opens access for young Beninese students at our partner universities to cutting-edge, cross-disciplinary training and workshops covering technology, particularly AI. This aligns perfectly with our mission to prepare future generations of Africans to be agents of the continent’s inclusive, sustainable, and Francophone digital transformation.”
Gontrand NOUNAGNON, Operations Manager at the Institute for Inclusive Digital Africa (IIDiA)
IIDiA will cover all logistical costs related to the implementation of this broadcast, thus confirming its commitment to the digital inclusion of African youth .
Francophone cooperation with a real impact
This project builds on the existing relationships established between Printemps numérique and stakeholders in Benin since 2022 , particularly with the City of Porto Novo .
It aims to strengthen exchanges between the digital ecosystems of Africa and Quebec , promote digital Francophonie , and foster equitable access to knowledge through digital technology .
Beyond Benin, MTL connect 2025 will also be broadcast in other French-speaking African countries, demonstrating its growing influence on the continent:
- Morocco – Tiznit , as part of the TIZNIT TANAMOUT Associations Forum , organized by the Municipality of Tiznit
- Chad – N’Djamena , in collaboration with Chad Innovation
- Gabon – Libreville , with SING Gabon
- Senegal – Dakar , with the Festic-Akassaa
These initiatives, led by local partners, extend the mission of MTL connect: to create bridges between Francophone territories and stimulate international digital collaboration .
About the Digital Spring
Spring (PN) is a Montreal-based non-profit organization dedicated to promoting inclusive, ethical, and responsible digital technology. Through its flagship programs, including MTL connect , Jeunesse QC 2030 , and IA & Toi , PN acts as a catalyst for transformation by mobilizing talent, communities, and organizations to build a digital future that serves the common good.
Source :
Digital Spring
