Africa IGF Parliamentary Track

IGF Parliamentary Track, Global Level History

Engaging African Legislators in Shaping Digital Policy

In recent years, the Internet Governance Forum (IGF) has sought to strengthen the participation of parliamentarians in discussions on some of the most pressing issues related to the use, evolution and governance of the Internet and related digital technologies. In 2019 and 2020, a parliamentary roundtable was held in the context of the IGF annual meeting. In 2021 and 2022, an extended Parliamentary Track was introduced, which included a series of activities for parliamentarians in the lead-up to and at the annual IGF meeting.

Africa IGF 2025 Parliamentary Track

The Parliamentary Track at Africa IGF 2025, scheduled for 29 May 2025, brings together Members of Parliament from across the African continent and beyond to engage in critical discussions on Internet governance, digital rights, and policy frameworks.

This track provides a platform for legislators to share national and regional experiences, foster alignment on digital regulations, and explore opportunities for cross-border cooperation. It aims to strengthen the role of policymakers in advancing inclusive, secure, and rights-based digital development across Africa.

By connecting with civil society, technical communities, and the private sector, the Parliamentary Track reinforces multi-stakeholder collaboration in shaping the continent’s digital future.

Objectives and Goals

Building on past year’s Parliamentary Track experience, the IGF plans to further strengthen its Parliamentary Track, in particular through expanding the set of intersessional activities dedicated to fostering inter-parliamentary dialogue and cooperation on key digital policy issues and delivering more action-oriented outputs.

Encourage collaboration among Members of Parliament across African regions, and between MPs and global counterparts, to strengthen joint legislative efforts and inclusive digital policy-making.

Promote greater understanding of Internet governance issues among legislators and relevant stakeholders, ensuring informed decision-making in national and regional digital policy processes.

Enhance the knowledge and skills of parliamentarians through dialogue, expert engagement, and peer exchange and empowering them to lead and support effective, rights-based digital legislation.

2025 Parliamentary Track Schedule

Regional & Global Policy Engagement for Lawmakers

This year’s schedule also includes alignment with the Global IGF Parliamentary Track, allowing African legislators to contribute to and reflect on broader global policy discussions. Sessions will explore pressing digital governance themes such as cybersecurity legislation, online safety, data protection, and digital rights.

EuroDIG 2025 took place from 12 to 14 May in Strasbourg, France. It hosted by the Council of Europe in cooperation with the Luxembourg Presidency of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe. Interested Parliamentarians are welcome to join this regional IGF. 

The Parliamentary Track at the West Africa IGF 2025, taking place in May 2025 in Nigeria, will convene Members of Parliament from the sub-region to deliberate on key digital policy priorities. This track aims to foster inter-parliamentary dialogue on Internet governance issues such as digital inclusion, cybersecurity, and regulatory harmonization.

The Parliamentary Track at Africa IGF 2025 will be held on 29 May 2025 in Dar es Salaam, bringing together African Members of Parliament and international legislative partners for a day of high-level roundtable discussions and regional consultations.

The 20th Internet Governance Forum (IGF 2025) takes place from 23 to 27 June 2025 in Oslo (Norway). Within IGF 2025, a dedicated Parliamentary Track takes place from 23 to 24 June.

Parliamentarians from relevant parliamentary committees and parliamentarians who work on digital affairs and Internet policy issues will engage in dialogue with the private sector, the technical community and civil society, including youth, on challenges and potential solutions for in creating an inclusive, risk-free, ethical, and sustainable digital space.

To participate in the Parliamentary Track, participants need to register for IGF 2025 via the registration link dedicated to Members of Parliament and parliamentary staff. For any questions or information regarding the Parliamentary Track at IGF 2025, please contact parliamentarytrack@intgovforum.org

The Parliamentary Track at IGF 2025 is jointly organized by the Internet Governance Forum Secretariat from the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA), the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), and Storting, the Norwegian Parliament.