The third edition of the West Africa Internet Governance Forum (WAIGF) Parliamentary Track will take place in Freetown, Sierra Leone, in May 2026 on the margins of the WAIGF 2026, which will be hosted by the Government of Sierra Leone from May 11 to 15, 2026.
Launched in Dakar, Senegal, in July 2024, the West Africa Parliamentary Network on Internet Governance (WAPNIG) has served as an instrumental platform for sub-regional legislators to synchronize efforts on digital policy.
By fostering high-level dialogue, the network has empowered parliamentarians to lead critical advancements in data protection, cybersecurity, digital rights and the region’s broader technological transformation.
Currently chaired by Senator Shuaib Afolabi Salisu, Chairman of the Senate Committee on ICT and Cyber-security, who is also the Vice Chairman of the Committee on Media and Publicity at Nigeria’s National Assembly, WAPNIG seeks to strengthen the participation of parliamentarians from West Africa in discussions on some of the most pressing issues related to the use, evolution and governance of the Internet and related digital technologies.
The West African Internet Governance Forum (WAIGF) Secretariat has formally announced that the Government of Sierra Leone, through the Ministry of Communication, Technology and Innovation, will host the 2026 WAIGF.
According to the Secretariat, WAIGF 2026 will bring together stakeholders from across West Africa and beyond to engage in inclusive, multistakeholder dialogue on key Internet governance and digital policy issues affecting the region.
Describing WAIGF as “the leading regional Internet governance platform in West Africa”, the Secretariat said WAIGF continues to provide a space for governments, civil society, the private sector, the technical community, academia, and youth to exchange perspectives, share experiences, and contribute to regional and global digital policy processes.
The Secretariat has also invited stakeholders from government, the private sector, civil society, the technical community, academia, youth networks, and international organizations to submit key issues and topics that should shape the programme of WAIGF 2026.
It said the inputs received in response to its call will inform the thematic focus and programme development process for WAIGF 2026 and that a separate “Call for Session Proposals” will be launched at a later stage.
The Secretariat is calling for diverse participation in the Forum, adding that it welcomes contributions from across the West African region and beyond.
