West Africa Internet Governance Forum 2026

WAIGF 2026 Final Communique

18th Edition of the West Africa Internet Governance Forum

About the

WAIGF 2026

The West Africa Internet Governance Forum (WAIGF) 2026 is a multistakeholder gathering designed to move beyond policy dialogue toward concrete implementation and investment. It brings together government leaders, tech innovators, and civil society to build a secure, inclusive, and wealth-generating internet for all West Africans. The program features four specialized tracks:

Theme

“Digital Sovereignty and Economic Value in West Africa’s Integrated Digital Market”.
This theme positions digital sovereignty as the practical capacity for West African States to govern digital markets and infrastructure in ways that safeguard public interest and enable fair economic value creation.

W/A School on Internet Governance

A flagship capacity development pillar for the next generation of practitioners and policymakers.

Youth
Track

A dedicated platform for young leaders to surface new perspectives on digital sovereignty and innovation.

Parliamentary Track

Focused on strengthening legislative ownership and harmonizing digital laws across the region.

Main Forum

High-level plenary sessions and interactive workshops focused on regional strategy and actionable outcomes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the WAIGF?

The West African Internet Governance Forum (WAIGF) 2026 in Sierra Leone is a premier gathering of government leaders, tech innovators, and students working to move the region from simply using the internet to owning and profiting from it. Under the theme of Digital Sovereignty, this free, five-day event focuses on building a secure, unified digital market that protects local data and creates real economic wealth for all West Africans.

What exactly will happen during the 5 days?

The event is structured into four specialized tracks so that every sector has a voice:

May 11–12 (WASIG): A “School” for those who want to lead and understand internet policy.
May 13 (WAYIGF): A dedicated day for Youth to discuss innovation and the digital economy.
May 14–15 (WAPNIG): A network for Parliamentarians to work on harmonizing laws across West Africa.
May 14–15 (Main Forum): The high-level plenary where the biggest regional decisions and strategies are discussed.

Is this event only for Tech People?

No. WAIGF is for everyone. Whether you are a student, a lawyer, a business owner, or a government worker, if th e internet affects your life or work, this forum is for you.

How much does it cost to attend?

It is completely free. There is no registration fee for any delegate, regardless of which country you are coming from. If a registration site asks you for money, it is not the official WAIGF process.

How do I make sure my seat is reserved at the Miatta Conference Centre?

You must register online at this link (https://waigf.ecowas.int/)

Select your free ticket.
Enter your details (Name, Organisation, etc.).
Under “Title,” choose Mr, Mrs, Dr, or Pr.

Check your email for your ticket immediately after finishing.

What if I am in Makeni, Bo, or Kenema and cannot travel to Freetown?

You can still participate! The event is hybrid, meaning every major session will be streamed live on social media. You can follow the discussions and contribute virtually.

Will this forum help my local business?

Yes. A major focus this year is “Economic Value.” The forum looks at how West African businesses can better compete in a unified digital market and how we can protect the economic interests of local creators and entrepreneurs.

Does this event discuss internet laws and safety?

Yes. The agenda specifically covers Cybersecurity cooperation, Data Protection, and Platform Accountability. It’s the place where the rules for a safer West African internet are debated.

Is there support for people coming from outside Freetown?

While the forum provides the event for free, delegates handle their own travel.

Who is organizing this in Sierra Leone?

The event is hosted by the Ministry of Communication, Technology and Innovation (MoCTI), in partnership with ECOWAS and other international digital partners.

What if I have more questions or my registration fails?

If you don’t receive your confirmation email or have technical issues, you can email the team directly at info@waigf.org.