Empowering the Next Generation of Digital Governance Leaders for the Mano River Union Region
Monrovia, Liberia – The Mano River Union Internet Governance Forum (MRU IGF) Secretariat is pleased to officially announce that applications are now open for the 2026 Mano River Union School on Internet Governance and Emerging Technologies (MRU SIG), the region’s premier capacity-building programme dedicated to developing future leaders in Internet Governance, digital policy, and emerging technologies.
The inaugural edition of MRU SIG marks a significant milestone in strengthening digital governance capacity within the Mano River Union region. The School has been established to equip participants with the knowledge, practical skills, and leadership competencies needed to actively contribute to national, regional, continental, and global Internet Governance and digital policy processes.The programme will provide an immersive learning experience through expert-led sessions, policy simulations, multistakeholder dialogue, mentorship, and collaborative learning, bringing together participants from Liberia, Sierra Leone, Guinea, and Côte d’Ivoire while welcoming a limited number of participants from across Africa.
The MRU IGF Secretariat encourages applications from young professionals, policymakers, regulators, civil society organizations, academia, the technical community, private sector representatives, media professionals, entrepreneurs, researchers, and students who are passionate about shaping the future of the Internet and digital transformation. Commenting on the launch of the application process, the MRU IGF Secretariat stated, “The official opening of applications for the inaugural Mano River Union School on Internet Governance and Emerging Technologies represents an important investment in the future of our region. Building resilient, inclusive, and people-centered digital societies requires knowledgeable leaders who understand the complexities of Internet Governance and emerging technologies. MRU SIG has been established to nurture that new generation of leaders, foster regional cooperation, and strengthen meaningful participation from the Mano River Union region in African and global digital policy discussions.”
The Secretariat further emphasized that MRU SIG is designed to become a long-term regional centre of excellence for Internet Governance education and leadership development. “We are committed to delivering a world-class learning experience that reflects international best practices while addressing the unique opportunities and challenges facing our region. Through collaboration with governments, academia, civil society, the technical community, industry, and development partners, MRU SIG will help prepare future digital leaders capable of driving inclusive digital transformation across the Mano River Union and beyond.”
The MRU IGF Secretariat also called upon international organizations, development agencies, academic institutions, technical organizations, foundations, the private sector, and regional partners to support this landmark initiative through strategic collaboration, technical expertise, faculty participation, mentorship, research partnerships, and sponsorship opportunities.“Developing the next generation of digital governance leaders is a shared responsibility. We invite organizations and institutions that share our vision for an open, secure, inclusive, and resilient Internet to partner with us in making the inaugural MRU SIG a lasting success. Together, we can strengthen regional capacity, promote innovation, and empower leaders who will shape the digital future of the Mano River Union region.”The 2026 MRU SIG will adopt a hybrid learning model comprising a mandatory virtual learning phase, a three-day residential School in Monrovia, Liberia, and a structured alumni and mentorship programme to promote continuous learning, regional collaboration, and long-term engagement.
Admission to MRU SIG is competitive and merit-based, with participants selected based on their demonstrated interest in Internet Governance, leadership potential, commitment to community impact, and ability to contribute to digital policy development within their respective countries and communities.
The MRU IGF Secretariat invites all eligible applicants to submit their applications through the official MRU SIG registration portal and become part of a growing network of future digital leaders committed to advancing an inclusive, secure, and innovative digital future for the Mano River Union region.
Apply Today. Learn. Lead. Shape the Future of Internet Governance.
For application details, eligibility requirements, and programme information, visit the official MRU SIG website or follow the MRU IGF Secretariat’s social media platforms for regular updates. –https://forms.gle/kY7ZdeyuLzPu5W6K6
About MRU SIG
The Mano River Union School on Internet Governance and Emerging Technologies (MRU SIG) is the flagship regional capacity-building programme of the Mano River Union Internet Governance Forum (MRU IGF) Secretariat. Established in alignment with the principles of the United Nations Internet Governance Forum (UN IGF) and the global Schools on Internet Governance (SIG) community, MRU SIG aims to develop knowledgeable, ethical, and collaborative digital leaders capable of contributing to Internet Governance, digital policy, and emerging technology discussions at national, regional, and global levels.
Media Contact
MRU IGF Secretariat
Communications and Media Unit
📧 Email: admission@mrusig.org
🌐 Website: www.mruigf.org
🌐 MRU SIG: www.mrusig.org
