The African Internet Governance Forum (African IGF) is a vibrant and inclusive platform that brings together stakeholders from across the African continent to engage in discussions and shape the future of Internet governance.
The African IGF is dedicated to fostering open and inclusive dialogue on Internet governance issues that impact Africa. We aim to promote collaboration, knowledge sharing, and informed decision-making among diverse stakeholders, including governments, civil society organizations, academia, private sector entities, and technical communities.
We envision an Internet ecosystem in Africa that is accessible, secure, and beneficial to all. Through our efforts, we strive to strengthen digital rights, ensure a robust and reliable Internet infrastructure, and empower African communities to harness the full potential of the digital revolution.
We organize the annual African IGF event, a prominent gathering that brings together participants from across the continent to discuss key Internet governance topics. Additionally, we support national and regional IGF initiatives, facilitating dialogue at local levels.
We actively encourage diverse stakeholders to participate in our discussions and decision-making processes. By providing a neutral platform, we foster collaboration and inclusivity, ensuring that all voices are heard and considered.
We advocate for policies and regulations that promote an open, secure, and inclusive Internet in Africa. We engage with policymakers, contribute to policy development processes, and provide evidence-based recommendations to shape the continent’s digital future.
We recognize the importance of building expertise and knowledge in Internet governance. We organize capacity-building workshops, training sessions, and educational resources to empower individuals and organizations with the necessary skills and understanding.
We facilitate the exchange of best practices, research, and experiences on Internet governance within Africa and beyond. Through publications, reports, and online platforms, we promote the sharing of valuable insights and contribute to a collective understanding of the challenges and opportunities in our digital landscape.
Originating in 2011, AfIGF has grown into a powerful convening space, hosting annual forums in different African countries and bringing together thousands of participants from governments, civil society, youth, private sector, academia, and the technical community.
Whether you are a policymaker, technologist, activist, academic, or simply someone passionate about the digital realm, there are numerous ways to engage with us. Participate in our events, join our working groups, share your research, or reach out to collaborate on initiatives that align with our mission.
In an increasingly interconnected world, the way the Internet is managed its governance has become strategic for economic, social and cultural development. While in Brazil CGI.br and NIC.br lead vital discussions, and in Portugal digital policies are being aligned with the European Union, Africa is consolidating its own space for debate at the AfIGF.
Launched in 2011 in Nairobi during the global IGF, the AfIGF is the multi-stakeholder platform where governments, civil society, the private sector and the technical community discuss Africa’s digital priorities. Hosted by the African Union in Addis Ababa, it aims to bring the continent’s voices to the global stage and ensure that the benefits of a robust Internet reach everyone.
The Africa Internet Governance Forum (AfIGF) is built upon five dynamic sub-regional forums (West Africa IGF, East Africa IGF, North Africa IGF, Central Africa IGF, and Southern Africa IGF). These regional events are further supported by active national initiatives, such as the National IGFs, whose discussions and recommendations contribute directly to the AfIGF and, ultimately, to the global UN Internet Governance Forum (IGF). In addition, initiatives like AfriSIG (African School on Internet Governance), as well as dedicated Youth and Parliamentary tracks, strengthen capacity building and ensure inclusive participation across all stakeholder groups.
The AfIGF is more than an annual conference: it is an ongoing process for Africa to define its own terms in the digital age. In a world without technological borders, but with regulations that are still national, forums like the AfIGF are vital for an inclusive, sustainable evolution aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals. Supporting the AfIGF is essential for Brazil and Portugal to maintain a comprehensive global vision of Internet governance.
Click the link below to access the Draft Charter of the Africa Internet Governance Forum (AfIGF). This document outlines the framework, objectives, and guiding principles that shape the operations and vision of the AfIGF.
Draft Charter of the Africa Internet Governance Forum (AfIGF)
Since its launch in 2011, AfIGF has been hosted in various African countries. Each forum has contributed to shaping Africa’s voice on global Internet governance while strengthening regional and national initiatives.
(Dar es Salaam, Tanzania)
29-31 May 2025
(Addis Ababa, Ethiopia)
20-22 Nov 2024
(Abuja, Nigeria)
19-21 Sept 2023
Lilongwe, Malawi
18-21 Jul 2022
(Virtual)
04-06 June 2021
(Virtual)
25-27 Nov 2020
(N’Djamena, Chad)
10-12 Sep 2019
(Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt)
04-06 Dec 2018
(Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt)
04-06 Dec 2017
(Durban, South Africa)
16-18 Oct 2016
(Addis Ababa, Ethiopia)
06-08 Sep 2015
(Abuja, Nigeria)
10-12 Jul 2014
(Nairobi, Kenya)
24–26 Sept 2013
(Cairo, Egypt)
2-4 Oct 2012