The Mano River Union Internet Governance Forum (MRU IGF) Secretariat is pleased to announce the introduction of two landmark initiatives for the 3rd Annual Mano River Union Internet Governance Forum (MRU IGF 2026)—the MRU Digital Governance Awards and the MRU Digital Innovation & Exhibition Village. Both initiatives will form part of the inaugural MRU Digital Governance Week 2026, scheduled to take place in Monrovia, Liberia, under the theme:“Building an Inclusive, Secure and Resilient Digital Future for the Mano River Union Region.”
These new initiatives reflect the Secretariat’s commitment to transforming the MRU IGF from a regional policy dialogue into a comprehensive platform that recognizes excellence, showcases innovation, strengthens partnerships, and accelerates digital transformation across the Mano River Union region. The MRU Digital Governance Awards will recognize outstanding individuals, institutions, organizations, and initiatives that have made significant contributions to digital transformation, Internet governance, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, digital inclusion, innovation, youth empowerment, and regional cooperation. As the region’s premier digital governance recognition programme, the Awards aim to celebrate leadership, inspire innovation, and promote excellence across Liberia, Sierra Leone, Guinea, and Côte d’Ivoire.
To ensure transparency, credibility, and regional ownership, the Secretariat will launch an Open Call for Nominations, inviting governments, parliamentarians, regulators, academic institutions, civil society organizations, private sector companies, development partners, and the public to nominate deserving candidates. All nominations will be reviewed by an independent Awards Selection Committee, with recipients announced during the MRU IGF 2026 Awards Ceremony. In addition, the Secretariat is introducing the MRU Digital Innovation & Exhibition Village, a dynamic exhibition platform that will showcase digital innovations, public digital services, research, emerging technologies, and entrepreneurial solutions from across the Mano River Union region and beyond. The Exhibition Village will provide an opportunity for government institutions, regulators, telecommunications operators, technology companies, startups, universities, innovation hubs, development partners, and civil society organizations to demonstrate their work, engage with participants, and build strategic partnerships.
For the inaugural edition, selected exhibitors will be provided exhibition space at no cost, reinforcing the Secretariat’s commitment to promoting innovation, collaboration, and regional participation. Organizations will be selected through an Open Call for Expressions of Interest (EOI) based on relevance, innovation, impact, and alignment with the Forum’s theme. Speaking on the introduction of these initiatives, Peterking Quaye, Regional Coordinator and Convener of the Mano River Union Internet Governance Forum, stated: “The introduction of the MRU Digital Governance Awards and the Digital Innovation & Exhibition Village marks an important milestone in the evolution of the MRU IGF. These initiatives will move the Forum beyond dialogue by recognizing excellence, showcasing practical solutions, and creating lasting opportunities for collaboration. Our goal is to celebrate those driving digital transformation while providing a platform where innovators, policymakers, investors, and development partners can connect and shape the digital future of the Mano River Union region.”
The Secretariat believes these initiatives will enhance Liberia’s role as a regional hub for digital governance, strengthen partnerships, encourage investment, and contribute to a more inclusive and resilient digital ecosystem. They also complement the broader objectives of the Africa Internet Governance Forum (Africa IGF) and the United Nations Internet Governance Forum (UN IGF) by promoting multistakeholder engagement, knowledge sharing, and sustainable digital development.
The MRU IGF Secretariat invites governments, international organizations, development partners, technology companies, universities, innovation hubs, civil society organizations, youth networks, and other interested stakeholders to participate as exhibitors, nominators, sponsors, or strategic partners.
Organizations and institutions interested in supporting or participating in the MRU Digital Governance Awards or the MRU Digital Innovation & Exhibition Village are encouraged to contact the Secretariat for partnership opportunities.
Key Dates
| Activity | Date |
|---|---|
| Call for Expressions of Interest (Exhibition) | 1 July 2026 |
| Call for Award Nominations | 1 July 2026 |
| Submission Deadline | 15 August 2026 |
| MRU Digital Governance Week 2026 | 19–25 September 2026 |
| MRU IGF 2026 Awards Ceremony | 24 September 2026 (during the Closing Ceremony) |
The Secretariat looks forward to working with partners across the Mano River Union region and beyond to deliver a successful MRU Digital Governance Week 2026 and to celebrate the people, ideas, and innovations shaping the region’s digital future.
