Keynote Speakers – MRU IGF 2026
MRU IGF 2026 will convene high-level keynote speakers from government, parliament, regulatory bodies, international organizations, the 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
NoteFinal speakers will be confirmed based on official invitations, availability, and country representation balance, ensuring full alignment with MRU IGF multistakeholder principles.