The Republic of Liberia has officially been selected to host the 3rd Annual Mano River Union Internet Governance Forum (MRU IGF 2026), reaffirming the country’s growing leadership in regional digital policy, Internet governance, and multistakeholder cooperation within the Mano River Union (MRU) region. The decision was endorsed by the MRU Internet Governance Forum Multistakeholder Advisory Group (MAG) following the successful organization of the 2025 edition, which brought together governments, regulators, parliamentarians, the private sector, civil society, the technical community, academia, youth leaders, and development partners from across Liberia, Sierra Leone, Guinea, and Côte d’Ivoire.
Scheduled to take place in Monrovia, Liberia, under the theme “Building an Inclusive, Secure and Resilient Digital Future for the Mano River Union Region,” the Forum will convene policymakers and stakeholders to advance dialogue, partnerships, and innovation that support digital transformation and regional cooperation. The MRU IGF has become a leading regional multistakeholder platform for addressing key digital policy issues, including artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, data protection, digital inclusion, digital public infrastructure, meaningful connectivity, digital rights, and cross-border digital cooperation. It also strengthens the region’s contribution to the Africa Internet Governance Forum (Africa IGF) and the United Nations Internet Governance Forum (UN IGF). Since its inception, the Forum has strengthened regional collaboration, expanded capacity-building opportunities, encouraged broader participation in Internet governance processes, and promoted knowledge sharing and policy dialogue across the four MRU member states.
Commenting on Liberia’s selection as host, Peterking Quaye, Regional Coordinator and Convener of the Mano River Union Internet Governance Forum, described the decision as a strong vote of confidence in Liberia’s growing leadership in regional digital cooperation. “Hosting the 3rd Annual MRU Internet Governance Forum in Liberia reflects the confidence our regional stakeholders have in the country’s commitment to advancing digital policy and multistakeholder collaboration. More than an annual gathering, the Forum serves as a catalyst for partnerships, informed policymaking, and regional cooperation, while ensuring that the priorities of the Mano River Union are represented in African and global digital governance discussions. We are committed to delivering an inclusive and impactful Forum that supports sustainable digital development across our region.” Mr. Quaye emphasized that rapid technological change requires closer regional collaboration. “As digital technologies continue to reshape our economies and societies, collaboration has never been more important. The Mano River Union is home to a young and innovative population with tremendous potential. By working together, we can strengthen digital inclusion, promote responsible innovation, improve cybersecurity, expand meaningful connectivity, attract investment, and create greater opportunities for our people. MRU IGF 2026 will provide a platform to advance these shared priorities and build a more resilient digital future for the region.”
MRU IGF 2026 will introduce several new initiatives aimed at strengthening regional cooperation and expanding stakeholder participation. A key highlight will be the inaugural Parliamentarian Track, bringing together legislators from across the Mano River Union to enhance parliamentary engagement on digital governance and emerging technologies. The Forum will also launch the MRU Parliamentarian Network on Internet Governance, providing a regional platform for collaboration and knowledge exchange on digital policy and legislation. The programme will further feature the MRU Youth Internet Governance Forum (Youth IGF), the inaugural MRU School on Internet Governance (MRU SIG), high-level ministerial and regulatory dialogues, technical workshops, policy forums, exhibitions, and networking sessions involving experts and decision-makers from across Africa and beyond. Hosting the Forum provides Liberia with an opportunity to showcase its digital transformation efforts, strengthen regional partnerships, and position itself as a leading hub for digital policy dialogue and innovation in West Africa.
The event is expected to attract government leaders, parliamentarians, regulators, development partners, international organizations, technology companies, researchers, civil society, and youth representatives, further enhancing Liberia’s role in advancing regional digital cooperation.
Preparations for MRU IGF 2026 are already underway, with the Secretariat, the Multistakeholder Advisory Group (MAG), and the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) working closely with national, regional, and international partners to deliver a Forum that reflects international best practices and the core principles of the global Internet Governance Forum process. The MRU IGF Secretariat has called upon governments, development partners, the private sector, international organizations, and all stakeholders to support the successful organization of the Forum and contribute to advancing an inclusive, secure, and resilient digital future for the Mano River Union region.
