Keynote Speakers

Keynote Speakers

Keynote Speakers – MRU IGF 2026

MRU IGF 2026 will convene high-level keynote speakers from government, parliament, regulatory bodies, international organizations, private sector, and youth leadership across the Mano River Union region.

The keynote sessions will provide strategic direction on regional digital transformation, policy alignment, trust, and innovation.

 

 Suggested Keynote Speakers (Regional Representation)

Category Name Country Institution / Role Proposed Focus Area
Minister (ICT/Telecom) Hon. Sekou M. Kromah ( TBC ) Liberia Ministry of Posts & Telecommunications National digital transformation & infrastructure
Minister (ICT/Telecom) Minister (ICT/Telecom) Rep Sierra Leone Ministry of Communication, Technology & Innovation Regional connectivity & policy innovation
Minister (Digital Economy) Minister (Digital Economy) ( Rep.) Guinea Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications & Digital Economy Digital economy & inclusion
Parliamentarian Senaor Francis Dopoh or Hon. Ivar Kokulo Jones Liberia Chair, Committee on Post & Telecommunications Legislative role in ICT policy

 

Parliamentarian

 

Hon. Member (ICT Committee) (suggested)

 

Sierra Leone

 

Parliament of Sierra Leone

 

Policy alignment & oversight

Regulatory Leader Sierra Leone Sierra Leone National Communications Authority (NATCA) Regulation & spectrum governance
Regulatory Leader LTA Commissioner (suggested) Liberia Liberia Telecommunications Authority Infrastructure & regulatory frameworks
International Expert UN IGF Secretariat Representative Global United Nations IGF Global digital governance & WSIS+20
International Expert ISOC Foundation Representative Global Internet Society Open internet & digital inclusion
Regional Policy Expert CIPESA Representative Africa ICT Policy Think Tank Digital rights & internet freedom
Private Sector Leader Orange / MTN Representative (suggested) Regional Telecom Operator Investment & digital economy growth
Tech/Innovation Leader Local Innovation Hub Lead (suggested) MRU Region Startup Ecosystem Innovation & entrepreneurship
Youth Leader Samuel Kpator Liberia MRU Youth IGF Chair Youth digital inclusion & leadership
Youth Leader Paul M , Kamara Sierra Leone Youth ICT Advocate Skills, innovation & gender inclusion
Youth Leader

Mamadi Kallon – TBC

Aissatou Diallo

Guinea Youth Digital Network Youth participation in policy

 

 Keynote Focus Areas

Keynote sessions will address the most pressing and forward-looking issues in the MRU region:

Focus Area Description
Regional Digital Transformation Strengthening infrastructure, access, and innovation ecosystems
Policy Alignment & Legislative Progress Harmonizing ICT laws and regional frameworks
Trust, Cybersecurity & Resilience Building secure and trusted digital environments
Digital Economy & Innovation Expanding FinTech, startups, and cross-border trade
AI & Emerging Technologies Governance, ethics, and regional readiness
Youth & Inclusion Empowering youth, women, and underserved communities

 

 Strategic Importance of Keynote Sessions

The keynote segment will:

  • Set the policy and strategic tone for MRU IGF 2026
  • Strengthen government and parliamentary leadership in digital transformation
  • Promote regional coordination and harmonization
  • Bridge regional priorities with global digital governance processes
  • Highlight youth and private sector contributions

 

Note

Final speakers will be confirmed based on official invitations, availability, and country representation balance, ensuring full alignment with MRU IGF multistakeholder principles.

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Importance within MRU Region

The MRU School on Internet Governance is of paramount importance within the MRU region because.

Capacity Development

It addresses the critical need for skilled individuals who can shape and implement effective internet governance policies within the MRU countries.

Knowledge Dissemination

By offering educational programs, it disseminates crucial internet governance knowledge and best practices.

Empowerment

It empowers participants to take an active role in shaping the digital policies and strategies of their nations.

Youth Inclusion

The school actively engages and trains young leaders, ensuring that the next generation is equipped to lead in the digital era.

Together, the MRU IGF and the MRU School on Internet Governance form a dynamic partnership that advances digital inclusion, fosters collaboration, and empowers MRU countries to shape their digital destinies. They stand as a testament to the MRU region’s commitment to embracing the digital age and ensuring that the benefits of the internet are accessible to all.

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