Preamble

The 2024 edition of the Mano River Union Internet Governance Forum ((MRU IGF) was held in Freetown, Sierra Leone, from 9^th October -10 October 2024. The forum brought together stakeholders from government, civil society, the private sector, academia, and the technical community, along with representatives from regional and international organizations, to discuss key issues related to internet governance in the MRU region. Under the theme “Bridging the Digital Divide for Inclusive Development”, the forum addressed a wide range of topics, including digital infrastructure development, cybersecurity, digital literacy, financial inclusion, and media literacy.

The Mano River Union /MRU IGF organizers wish to express their gratitude to all participants and stakeholders who contributed to the success of the forum. Special thanks are extended to our regional partners, including  C-squared, ICANN, Paradigm Initiative of Nigeria -PIN, Ministry of Communication, Innovation and Technology -Republic of Sierra Leone, AFRINIC, Internet Society Foundation, Sierra Leone IGF, Liberia IGF, Guinea IGF, MRU Secretariat based in Freetown, Sierra Leone, Internet Society Chapter Guinea, Internet Society Chapter Sierra Leone, APNIC, whose support made this event possible. In all 250 participants attended the event over the 2 days which featured the MRU Youth IGF and MRU IGF.

 Key Discussions and Outcomes

During the forum, 5 panel discussions, 2 technical workshops, and stakeholder engagements took place, highlighting the following key areas:

1. Digital Infrastructure Development in the MRU Region
   • Stakeholders emphasized the need for enhanced broadband connectivity and infrastructure investments.
   • Public-private partnerships were highlighted as critical in addressing the region’s infrastructure challenges.
2. Cybersecurity and Data Protection
   • Discussions centered on the implementation of robust cybersecurity frameworks and the need for national and regional collaboration in securing the digital ecosystem.
3. Digital Literacy for Youth
   • The forum underscored the importance of empowering youth with digital skills for future employment, with a focus on bridging the digital divide through education and access to technology.
4. FinTech and Financial Inclusion
   • Panelists discussed the opportunities presented by mobile money and digital financial services in promoting financial inclusion, alongside the risks and regulatory challenges associated with FinTech growth.
5. Media Literacy and Combating Misinformation
   • The role of media in shaping digital narratives was examined, with participants calling for strengthened media literacy programs to combat the spread of disinformation across the region.

This Communiqué stresses the urgent need for:

• The implementation of regional roaming agreements to reduce the cost of cross-border communications.
• The development of regional cybersecurity frameworks to protect the growing digital economies of the MRU countries.
• Investment in broadband infrastructure to ensure universal access, especially in rural areas.
• The promotion of digital literacy and education programs to empower the youth and prepare them for the future workforce.
• The creation of regional digital hubs that would serve as incubators for local innovators and tech entrepreneurs.

The MRU IGF participants made the following recommendations:

1. Strengthen Public-Private Partnerships (PPP)
   Governments, private sector actors, and development partners should collaborate to invest in digital infrastructure, particularly in underserved areas, to enhance internet connectivity across the MRU region.
2. Promote Digital Literacy
   National governments and educational institutions should integrate digital literacy programs into their curricula to prepare the next generation for the digital economy. Civil society should also play a role in delivering grassroots digital education.
3. Implement Regional Cybersecurity Strategies
   MRU countries should work together to develop and implement cybersecurity strategies that protect critical infrastructure and personal data, ensuring safe access to online services for all citizens.
4. Support Financial Inclusion through FinTech
   Regulatory frameworks for digital financial services should be harmonized across the MRU region to promote financial inclusion while mitigating the risks posed by emerging FinTech technologies.
5. Combat Misinformation through Media Literacy
   Media organizations, civil society, and governments should implement media literacy initiatives that empower citizens to identify and combat disinformation, fostering a more informed and digitally responsible society.

The Mano River Union Internet Governance Forum ((MRU IGF) MRU IGF concluded with a renewed commitment from all stakeholders to work collaboratively towards the development of an inclusive, secure, and sustainable digital environment in the MRU region. The forum underscored the importance of multi-stakeholder engagement in addressing the challenges and opportunities presented by the digital age.

Issued by:
The Mano River Union IGF Secretariat
Date: 11-10-2024

Contact Information:
info@mruigf.org

secretariat.mruigf@gmail.com

manoriverunionigf@gmail.com

This communiqué serves as an official record of the discussions, decisions, and recommendations made during the MRU IGF event. All stakeholders are encouraged to support and implement the outcomes of the forum to promote the growth and sustainability of the digital ecosystem in the MRU region.