The United Nations Internet Governance Forum (IGF) Secretariat has officially opened the Call for Session Proposals for IGF 2026, scheduled to take place in Nairobi, Kenya, from 14–18 December 2026. Stakeholders from governments, the private sector, civil society, academia, and the technical community are invited to submit proposals for sessions aligned with the overarching theme, “Governing the Internet in the Age of Intelligence: Our Shared Responsibility.”

The call provides an opportunity for organizations and individuals worldwide to contribute to shaping discussions on the future of Internet governance, digital cooperation, emerging technologies, and inclusive digital development. Session proposals must be submitted by 31 July 2026.

AfICTA encourages its members and partners to actively participate in the process and contribute African perspectives to the global Internet governance dialogue.

For more information and submission details, visit the official IGF 2026 Call for Session Proposals page: IGF 2026 Call for Session Proposals

https://intgovforum.org/en/content/igf-2026-call-for-session-proposals

Port Harcourt, Nigeria | June 11–12, 2026

The Africa ICT Alliance (AfICTA) played a prominent role at the Port Harcourt Tech Expo 2026 (PHTech Expo), one of Nigeria’s leading technology gatherings, held at the EUI Event Centre, Port Harcourt, Rivers State. The two-day event, themed “Syntropy,” convened policymakers, innovators, entrepreneurs, investors, academics, and technology leaders to explore collaborative pathways for sustainable digital transformation.

AfICTA was represented by Dr. Jimson Olufuye, Chair of the AfICTA Advisory Council, and Prof. Robinson Tombari Sibe, AfICTA Board Member and renowned cybersecurity expert. Both leaders participated in the Expo’s Cybersecurity Session, where they shared insights on strengthening Nigeria’s digital ecosystem and enhancing cyber resilience.

A major highlight of the session was the call for a coordinated national approach to digital security. Speaking during the discussion, Dr. Jimson Olufuye emphasized the need for interoperability and collaboration across Nigeria’s digital infrastructure.

“Nigeria has been working in isolation, databases in silos. There’s a need for an interoperable security framework.”

He noted that while Nigeria has emerged as a leading force in Africa’s fintech sector, the rapid pace of digital adoption must be matched with robust cybersecurity measures.

“Nigeria’s Fintech dominance is real. But dominance without coordinated digital security leaves millions exposed.”

Dr. Olufuye further challenged stakeholders to move beyond fragmented approaches and embrace a unified strategy capable of addressing the realities of today’s digital economy.

“The infrastructure is growing, but the threats are growing faster.”

The session underscored the growing importance of cybersecurity, digital trust, and multistakeholder cooperation in securing Africa’s rapidly expanding digital economy. Participants highlighted the need for stronger collaboration among government, industry, academia, and civil society to combat emerging cyber threats while fostering innovation and economic growth.

The Port Harcourt Tech Expo 2026 provided a strategic platform for advancing discussions on technology-driven development in the Niger Delta and across Nigeria. The event featured keynote addresses, panel discussions, startup engagements, innovation showcases, and stakeholder dialogues aimed at promoting regional digital growth and entrepreneurship.

AfICTA’s participation reflects its continued commitment to promoting multistakeholder collaboration, digital inclusion, cybersecurity awareness, and ICT-enabled development across Africa. Through the active engagement of its leadership, the Alliance continues to support initiatives that strengthen digital governance, innovation ecosystems, and the continent’s journey toward a secure and prosperous digital future.

As Africa accelerates its digital transformation agenda, AfICTA remains dedicated to ensuring that technology serves as a catalyst for sustainable development, economic empowerment, and inclusive growth for all Africans.

AfICTA also commends the organizers of Port Harcourt Tech Expo 2026 for creating a valuable platform that fosters innovation, knowledge exchange, and collaboration among stakeholders driving Nigeria’s digital future.

 
Geneva, Switzerland | 9 July 2026

The Africa ICT Alliance (AfICTA), in partnership with the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) of Nigeria, successfully convened a high-level multistakeholder session at the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) Forum 2026 titled "WSIS+20 Outcome Document: Fostering Digital Transformation in Africa."

The session brought together representatives from government, international organizations, academia, civil society, and the technical community to examine how Africa can effectively implement the outcomes of the WSIS+20 Review and leverage digital technologies to accelerate sustainable development across the continent.

Moderated by Dr. Jimson Olufuye, Chair of the AfICTA Advisory Council, the session highlighted Africa's growing leadership in shaping global digital governance and translating international commitments into practical actions that benefit citizens, businesses, and communities.

A key highlight of the session was the presentation by the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), which introduced the Africa 2035 Digital Implementation Roadmap. The roadmap provides a structured framework for translating the WSIS+20 Outcome Document, the Global Digital Compact (GDC), Agenda 2063, and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into coordinated national and regional implementation efforts. The roadmap emphasizes harmonized reporting, measurable indicators, accountability mechanisms, and stronger regional cooperation to accelerate Africa's digital transformation.

Representing NITDA, Dr. Dimie Wariowei reaffirmed Nigeria's commitment to implementing the WSIS+20 Outcome Document and advancing digital transformation initiatives across Africa. He highlighted ongoing efforts in digital identity, digital infrastructure development, data protection, and the 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) Programme, which seeks to equip millions of Nigerians with digital skills for the future economy.

The technical community, represented by Engr. Christiana Onoja, Co-Founder and CEO of SheCode.ai, emphasized the importance of accessible computing infrastructure, African language inclusion in artificial intelligence systems, and measurable implementation frameworks. She called for greater investment in data centres, AI infrastructure, and digital public infrastructure to ensure that Africa moves from being a consumer of digital technologies to a producer of innovation.

Civil society and academic representatives stressed the importance of inclusive digital transformation, particularly for women, girls, youth, and underserved communities. Discussions highlighted the need to expand digital literacy, AI skills development, connectivity, and economic opportunities while strengthening collaboration between academia, industry, and policymakers.

Speakers agreed that Africa's digital future will depend on moving beyond policy discussions to implementation, supported by harmonized indicators, sustainable financing, capacity development, and robust multistakeholder partnerships.

AfICTA's participation at WSIS Forum 2026 reflects its continued commitment to promoting multistakeholder digital cooperation and advancing Africa's digital development agenda. Through its engagement with governments, regional institutions, international organizations, the private sector, academia, and civil society, AfICTA continues to champion policies and initiatives that contribute to inclusive digital growth across the continent.

The WSIS Forum remains the world's leading multistakeholder platform for discussing information and communication technologies (ICTs) for development. The 2026 edition provided an important opportunity for African stakeholders to contribute to global digital governance discussions and showcase innovative approaches to achieving the WSIS vision, Agenda 2063, and the Sustainable Development Goals.

Ahead of the WSIS Forum 2026 in Geneva, African stakeholders convened in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on 1–2 July 2026 for the Africa Regional Consultation on the Implementation of WSIS+20 Outcomes. Organized by the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) in collaboration with key regional partners, the consultation focused on translating the outcomes of the WSIS+20 Review and the Global Digital Compact (GDC) into a coordinated African implementation agenda. Participants reviewed the proposed Africa 2035 Digital Implementation Roadmap, explored mechanisms for harmonized monitoring and reporting, and developed policy recommendations to strengthen Africa's role in global digital governance. The meeting reaffirmed the continent's commitment to leveraging digital technologies to advance sustainable development, bridge digital divides, and ensure that Africa's priorities are reflected in the global digital cooperation framework.

As Africa moves toward the implementation phase of the WSIS+20 Outcome Document, AfICTA remains committed to fostering collaboration, strengthening digital capacity, and supporting initiatives that ensure the promise of the digital age benefits all Africans.

Africa Regional Consultation on the Implementation of WSIS+20 Outcomes: Operationalizing WSIS+20 and the Global Digital Compact (GDC)

The global digital community will converge in Geneva, Switzerland, from 6–10 July 2026 for the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) Forum 2026, one of the world's foremost multistakeholder platforms for advancing digital development. Convened by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) in collaboration with other United Nations agencies, the Forum brings together governments, the private sector, civil society, academia, youth, and international organizations to shape policies and partnerships that accelerate inclusive digital transformation and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

As part of this year's Forum, the Africa ICT Alliance (AfICTA) and the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) of Nigeria will co-organize a high-level session titled "WSIS+20 Outcome Document: Fostering Digital Transformation in Africa." The session will take place on Thursday, 9 July 2026, from 17:00–17:45 Geneva Time (15:00 UTC) at Palexpo, Room F, with both in-person and online participation.

Against the backdrop of the WSIS+20 Review, the session will examine how the outcomes of the review can be translated into practical actions that accelerate digital transformation across Africa. Discussions will focus on aligning the WSIS Action Lines with Africa's development priorities, including affordable and meaningful connectivity, Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), trusted data governance, digital skills development, innovation, and inclusive digital ecosystems.

Recognizing Africa's unique opportunities and challenges, the session will explore how governments, businesses, civil society organizations, academia, technical communities, and youth can work together to bridge the gap between global digital commitments and local implementation. Particular emphasis will be placed on multistakeholder collaboration as a catalyst for sustainable digital growth and the realization of the Sustainable Development Goals across the continent.

The session will feature a diverse panel of speakers representing the public sector, private sector, civil society, academia, and youth, ensuring balanced stakeholder participation and strong gender representation. Participants will share perspectives on digital policy, innovation, research, community development, and practical implementation strategies that can strengthen Africa's digital future.

Beyond dialogue, the session aims to generate actionable recommendations, strengthen partnerships, and inspire collaborative initiatives that will contribute to a more inclusive, resilient, and digitally empowered Africa.

Registration for WSIS Forum 2026 is currently open, and stakeholders from around the world are encouraged to participate in this important conversation on Africa's digital transformation journey. Register here: https://www.itu.int/net4/wsis/forum/2026/Home/Registration