Ghana has advanced preparations toward hosting the 15th Africa Internet Governance Forum (AfIGF) 2026, with government outlining a comprehensive policy framework, clear objectives, and an inclusive programme structure to guide the continental event.
At the official press briefing and inauguration of the Local Organising Committee (LOC) in Accra, the Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George (MP), stated that the forum will not only convene stakeholders but drive actionable outcomes across Africa’s digital governance landscape.
Scheduled for November 2–5, 2026, the forum will be held under the theme “Advancing Africa’s Digital Future Through Innovation, Inclusion, and Trust,” with strategic sub-themes designed to guide policy dialogue, technical cooperation, parliamentary engagement, youth participation, and multistakeholder collaboration.
The Minister emphasized that the forum’s thematic focus areas will anchor high-level discussions and partnerships across critical domains including artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, digital inclusion, data governance, and digital identity systems.
He noted that these sub-themes are deliberately aligned to address both emerging opportunities and persistent challenges within Africa’s digital ecosystem, ensuring that outcomes from the forum translate into practical policy coordination and implementation across member states.
Outlining the objectives of AfIGF 2026, the Minister explained that the overarching goal is to strengthen Africa’s multistakeholder dialogue and cooperation on digital governance and transformation priorities.
Specifically, the forum will:
1. Strengthen Africa’s voice and coordination in global digital governance processes.
2. Facilitate dialogue on emerging digital policy issues.
3. Promote inclusive, secure, and rights-based digital ecosystems.
4. Advance discussions on artificial intelligence and emerging technologies
5. Expand meaningful connectivity and digital inclusion.
6. Strengthen collaboration on cybersecurity and digital trust frameworks.
7. Enhance youth and gender participation in digital governance.
8. Foster cooperation among governments, private sector, civil society, academia, and development partners
9. Promote knowledge exchange, innovation, partnerships, and regional integration
The Minister stressed that these objectives reflect Africa’s collective ambition to shape its own digital future while contributing meaningfully to global governance conversations.
Inclusive and Capacity-Driven Programme Structure.
As part of efforts to ensure broad participation and capacity development, the Minister announced that the forum will be preceded by a five-day African School on Internet Governance, aimed at building the knowledge and skills of stakeholders, particularly young people and emerging digital leaders.
Hon. George added that, the main forum will feature a dynamic mix of high-level policy sessions, technical workshops, parliamentary engagements, youth-led discussions, and innovation showcases designed to encourage inclusive participation and cross-sector collaboration.
The programme will also integrate key initiatives such as the Youth IGF, Children’s IGF, and stakeholder-specific tracks to ensure that diverse voices contribute to shaping Africa’s digital governance agenda.
Reiterating Ghana’s commitment, the Minister highlighted the government’s ongoing investments in digital public infrastructure, cybersecurity, innovation ecosystems, and digital skills development, aligned with the vision of President John Dramani Mahama.
He noted that hosting AfIGF 2026 positions Ghana as a key leader in advancing Africa’s digital transformation and fostering continental collaboration.
Hon. George further reaffirmed Ghana’s readiness to work with international partners including the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, the United Nations Internet Governance Forum Secretariat, and the African Union Commission to deliver a successful and impactful forum.
He urged members of the Local Organising Committee and all stakeholders to ensure that AfIGF 2026 delivers tangible outcomes that go beyond dialogue to influence policy, strengthen partnerships, and accelerate Africa’s digital development.
Ghana is expected to welcome policymakers, industry leaders, innovators, and development partners from across Africa and the global community to Accra, as the continent works toward a more inclusive, secure, and innovation-driven digital future.
The Local Organising Committee (LOC) for AfIGF 2026 comprises 35 members drawn from a broad spectrum of stakeholders, including Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), Civil Society Organisations, the security services, academia, and key industry players, reflecting a strong multistakeholder approach to the planning and successful delivery of the Forum.
