Monrovia, Liberia – A pivotal regional consultative meeting took place in Monrovia on 12 April , 2024 , bringing together key stakeholders, experts, and policymakers to lay the groundwork for the upcoming Mano River Union Internet Governance Forum (MRU IGF) 2024. Hosted under the theme “Empowering Connectivity and Fostering Inclusive Internet Governance in the Mano River Region,” the meeting highlighted Liberia’s leading role in shaping the digital future of the MRU region, alongside upcoming events in Guinea and Sierra Leone.
The Monrovia consultative event was a critical step in setting the agenda for the MRU IGF, which will focus on promoting inclusive internet governance, building robust digital infrastructures, and addressing key issues such as cybersecurity, data protection, and regional digital inclusion.
The keynote address was delivered by Dr. Darren Wilkins, a renowned technology expert and internet governance advocate. Dr. Wilkins spoke passionately about the need for the region to focus on building scalable and inclusive internet infrastructures that will promote digital literacy and enhance access for all citizens. He stressed, “Digital transformation must not only be about connectivity but also about creating a safe, secure, and equitable internet environment where everyone has a voice and opportunity.”
Peterking Quaye, Coordinator of the MRU IGF, emphasized the importance of the forum in advancing internet governance and digital policy discourse across the region. “This consultative meeting in Liberia marks the beginning of an important journey for the Mano River Union countries. We are focused on building a strong regional agenda that will drive sustainable digital transformation and empower citizens through technology,” Quaye remarked. The MRU IGF consultative meeting in Monrovia is the first of several engagements set to take place across the region, with further discussions scheduled for Guinea and Sierra Leone. These consultations are expected to bring together a broad range of stakeholders, including government officials, civil society, private sector representatives, and international partners, to refine the regional internet governance agenda.
A representative from the Mano River Union office in Liberia Mr. Christain W. Jallah Sr. Resident Representative/Coordinator Resident Coordinator MRU Secretariat ,underscored the significance of these meetings in fostering cross-border collaboration on internet governance. “The MRU IGF provides an essential platform for us to come together as a region, exchange ideas, and forge solutions to the unique challenges we face in the digital space. The spirit of cooperation we are fostering here in Monrovia will be critical as we move forward with similar events in Guinea and Sierra Leone,” the representative noted.
The consultative session saw participation from prominent figures in Liberia’s tech and internet governance space, including Henry Benson, a representative of the Cable Consortium of Liberia (CCL), who provided insights into the country’s digital infrastructure and its potential to bridge the connectivity gap in underserved areas. “Liberia’s role as a digital hub within the region cannot be understated. The investments we are making today in building resilient internet infrastructure will have lasting impacts across the MRU region,” said Benson.
As the MRU IGF 2024 draws near, the outcomes of these consultative meetings will shape the forum’s key themes, ensuring that it addresses the most pressing digital issues facing the region. The forum is expected to attract a diverse array of participants and stakeholders from across Africa and beyond, all united in their goal to promote a more inclusive and secure internet ecosystem.
The Monrovia meeting concluded with a renewed sense of commitment among participants to work collaboratively to strengthen the region’s digital resilience and ensure that the MRU nations are not left behind in the rapidly evolving global digital landscape. With high expectations set for the MRU IGF 2024, the regional consultations signal the beginning of a transformative journey toward a more connected, inclusive, and prosperous future for the Mano River Union countries.
