Joseph Isangura
The 14th Africa Internet Governance Forum (AfIGF) will officially commence in Dar es Salaam on May 29, 2025, with Tanzania’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy, Dr. Doto Biteko, expected to inaugurate the high-level continental meeting.
The three-day event, which runs through May 31, will be hosted at the Julius Nyerere International Convention Centre (JNICC), drawing experts, policymakers, and youth from across the continent to discuss key digital issues shaping Africa’s future.
The forum is designed to explore challenges and opportunities in areas such as cybersecurity, data protection, artificial intelligence (AI), and inclusive digital transformation. Participants will engage in multi-stakeholder dialogues, aimed at influencing policies that govern the Internet in Africa.
Ahead of the main conference, young African digital professionals are attending the School of Internet Governance, commonly known as AfriSIG, which began earlier this week. The training — a collaborative initiative — is taking place at the same venue and is geared toward empowering young leaders with a robust understanding of how digital policies are formulated and governed globally.
“This is an exceptional platform, especially for Tanzanian youth,” said Dr. Nkundwe Mwasaga, Director General of the Tanzania ICT Commission (ICTC). “They will not only gain knowledge but also become future educators, advocates, and innovators in digital governance.”
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He highlighted that Tanzania is currently witnessing the rise of a fast-growing digital economy, supported by a youthful population of over 62 million people. “Digital skills are not a luxury anymore; they are a necessity for creating jobs and building a sustainable future,” he added.
Engineer Leo Magomba, Director of Communication Infrastructure at the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology, confirmed that the official opening would be led by Dr. Biteko. In addition, a special ministerial session will be chaired by the Minister for ICT to deliberate on new national digital policy, infrastructure expansion, and economic resilience through tech innovation.
This year’s AfIGF will be held under the broader framework of the United Nations Internet Governance Forum (IGF), a global platform under the United Nations established to sustain open and inclusive dialogue on Internet governance.
Tanzania’s role as host underscores its rising profile as a hub for digital innovation in East Africa. The country has already made significant investments in broadband infrastructure and continues to push for expanded access, including in rural areas, through the National ICT Broadband Backbone (NICTBB).
The AfIGF’s diverse lineup of sessions will also address issues like digital rights, online safety, child protection, and ways to empower women in tech — aligning with broader goals like the African Union’s Digital Transformation Strategy and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
