The 2024 African School on Internet Governance (AfriSIG), held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia from 14 to 19 November, brought together a high-profile cohort of 45 parliamentarians, policymakers, academics and civil society leaders to deepen their expertise in navigating the complexities of internet governance.
As a co-convener of the school, Research ICT Africa (RIA) contributed its expertise in evidence-based research, offering insight into fostering policymaking capacity through a deepened understanding of the digital ecosystem. Three RIA researchers — Dr Sandra Makumbirofa, Liz Orembo, and Relebohile Mariti — played pivotal roles as faculty members, sharing insights on pressing topics such as data governance, digital trade, and meaningful access and connectivity. Their participation underscored RIA’s commitment to equipping leaders with the tools to navigate complex policy landscapes and advocate for equitable and inclusive digital development.
The intensive five-day programme delved into critical themes such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), cybersecurity and crimes, AI governance, and a human rights framing for digital governance. Sessions were designed to blend theoretical frameworks with practical application, emphasising the interplay between global standards and Africa’s unique digital context.
Through AfriSIG, RIA continues to play a leading role in building the continent’s digital policymaking capacity. By leveraging its expertise in continental forums, RIA not only contributes to shaping the discourse on internet governance but also ensures African voices are central to global conversations on the future of technology and society.
Also taking place in Addis Ababa, was the African IGF (AfIGF) under the banner ‘Building a multistakeholder digital future for Africa,’ from 20-22 November. Here Makumbirofa and Orembo, along with RIA’s Distinguished Fellow Dr Guy Burger, also contributed to the special Parliamentary Track designed to facilitate dialogue and exchanges on key digital policy issues among Members of Parliament (MPs) from across the continent.
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