The inaugural Mano River Union Internet Governance Forum (MRU IGF) 2024 is set to take place in Freetown, Sierra Leone, from Oct 6-10, 2024 marking a significant milestone in addressing digital governance issues in one of West Africa’s most underserved regions. Leading the local implementation of this transformative event is the Internet Society (ISOC) Sierra Leone Chapter, in partnership with the Ministry of Communication, Innovation, and Technology.
The MRU region has long been underserved in terms of digital infrastructure, literacy, and governance, which has contributed to its marginalization in the global digital conversation. The upcoming forum aims to bridge these gaps by bringing together key stakeholders, including governments, civil society, private sector actors, and international partners, to explore solutions that are tailored to the specific needs of the MRU countries.
The President of the ISOC Sierra Leone Chapter, Ajara Bomah, emphasized the importance of this event in giving a voice to the underrepresented communities in the MRU region—Liberia, Sierra Leone, Guinea, and Côte d’Ivoire. In a recent chat, she highlighted how this forum will serve as a platform to address the unique digital challenges faced by these countries.
“The MRU IGF is a critical opportunity for our region to come together and present a unified voice on the digital challenges we face. Being one of the most underserved communities in West Africa, it is vital that we collaborate to present, promote, and project the unique issues of the MRU countries. The Internet Society Sierra Leone Chapter is proud to lead the local implementation of this important forum, working closely with the Ministry of Communication, Innovation, and Technology. This event will not only shine a light on the digital divide but also empower our communities to find solutions through regional collaboration.”
The selection of Sierra Leone as the host country for the inaugural MRU IGF is symbolic of the country’s growing role in regional digital governance. Peterking Quaye, Coordinator of the MRU IGF, spoke about the significance of hosting the event in Freetown and the impact it will have on the entire Mano River Union region. “The decision to host the MRU IGF in Sierra Leone reflects the country’s commitment to advancing digital governance and fostering regional cooperation. This event is not just about highlighting the challenges; it’s about crafting tailored solutions that will benefit the entire MRU region. By collaborating with partners like the Internet Society Sierra Leone Chapter and the Ministry of Communication, Innovation, and Technology, we are ensuring that the voices of our region are heard, and that our unique issues are addressed on a global stage. The MRU IGF will lay the foundation for stronger collaboration across the MRU countries, paving the way for a more inclusive and resilient digital future.”
The event will focus on several key issues affecting the region, including digital infrastructure, internet access, cybersecurity, data protection, and media literacy. By providing a platform for dialogue and knowledge-sharing, the MRU IGF aims to position the MRU region as an active participant in global digital governance discussions, ensuring that the digital future of these countries is both inclusive and forward-thinking. As the host country, Sierra Leone is uniquely positioned to drive the digital agenda for the MRU region. The Ministry of Communication, Innovation, and Technology has been instrumental in advancing digital policies aimed at bridging the gap between underserved communities and the rest of the world. Hosting the MRU IGF further solidifies Sierra Leone’s leadership in this space and its role as a key player in regional digital governance efforts.
The collaboration between the Internet Society Sierra Leone Chapter, the Ministry of Communication, Innovation, and Technology, and the MRU IGF Secretariat demonstrates a shared vision of fostering regional cooperation to address the most pressing digital challenges. By bringing together diverse voices and perspectives, the MRU IGF will not only amplify the concerns of underserved communities but also create pathways for sustainable digital development across the MRU region.
As the MRU IGF 2024 approaches, the strong partnership between local and regional stakeholders promises to yield impactful outcomes that will shape the future of digital governance in West Africa.
The MRU IGF 2024 is more than just an event—it is a movement to elevate the voices of the Mano River Union countries in the global digital governance space. With the leadership of the Internet Society Sierra Leone Chapter, the Ministry of Communication, Innovation, and Technology support, and the collaboration of regional and international partners, this forum marks the beginning of a new era for digital rights, access, and governance in West Africa. The event will serve as a platform to promote the unique challenges of the MRU region and catalyze action to ensure a more inclusive digital future for all.
