Collaboration on International ICT Policy for East and Southern Africa (CIPESA), a non-governmental organisation that focuses on decision-making to facilitate the use of ICT in support of good governance, human rights, and livelihoods, is set to hold the 2026 edition of its Forum on Internet Freedom in Africa (FIFAfrica26) in Mauritius from September 28 to October 1, 2026.
Since it started in 2014, FIFAfrica has become Africa’s leading Forum for digital rights, democracy, and internet governance. It continues to shape conversations on free expression, privacy, data policies, and emerging topics like cryptocurrency, artificial intelligence (AI), and digital public services. This 13th edition of the Forum is Africa’s leading space for discussing digital rights, inclusion, and how the internet affects daily lives.
Mauritius is one of Africa’s most stable democracies, with strong protections for free expression online and offline. It is also at the forefront of digital transformation and technology-driven governance. Hosting FIFAfrica here provides a chance to explore important topics, such as data governance, AI regulation, platform responsibility, and digital trade, all the while learning from a country actively shaping its digital future.
The country has made impressive strides in artificial intelligence and digital services. It has established a National AI Unit, expanded public digital services, and is working on a strategy for the African Continental Free Trade Area Digital Trade Protocol. Mauritius is quickly becoming a hub for digital and financial services, with growing achievements in fintech, cross-border data flows, and digital public services.
More than 500 participants will come together at FIFAfrica26 to explore Africa’s digital landscape and the most pressing internet freedom issues. This Forum builds on a history of gatherings in Uganda, South Africa, Ghana, Ethiopia, Zambia, Tanzania, Senegal, and Namibia.
FIFAfrica brings together policymakers, journalists, tech companies, regulators, human rights defenders, academics, and law enforcement agencies to exchange ideas and work on solutions for a fair and inclusive digital world. Discussions this year will focus on Digital Democracy and Civic Participation, Data Governance and Sovereignty, Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Technologies, Platform Accountability, Digital Inclusion, Digital Economy, Trade and Practices, Movement Building, and Digital Security and Safety.
The Forum will also serve to gather insights that will shape Africa’s voice in global digital governance processes like WSIS+20. These global processes represent critical opportunities for African voices to influence the emerging digital and AI governance agendas. The annual State of Internet Freedom in Africa report for 2026 will also be released, offering fresh insights into how policies are evolving across the continent.
Over the years, FIFAfrica has grown into a strong community, partnering with governments, organisations, and networks across Africa to promote digital rights and internet freedom. Anyone can get involved, whether by hosting an event, supporting participants, or collaborating with the Forum.
Visit the FIFAfrica website for updates: https://internetfreedom.africa/, or email: internetfreedom@cipesa.org for more information.
