WAIGF 2026
Sierra Leone
Digital Sovereignty and Economic Value in West Africa’s Integrated Digital Market
Register NowToward a Unified Digital Market
WAIGF 2026 is framed under the theme Digital Sovereignty and Economic Value in West Africa’s Integrated Digital Market. The theme positions digital sovereignty as the practical capacity of West African States and regional institutions to govern digital markets, technologies and infrastructures in ways that safeguard the public interest, protect users and enable fair economic value creation. It reflects a shift from a narrow focus on connectivity toward a broader agenda that connects infrastructure choices, data governance, platform accountability, cybersecurity, skills, innovation and fiscal justice into a single regional policy and market logic.
Under the host leadership of Sierra Leone, we move from policy dialogue to concrete implementation of digital sovereignty goals.
Expected Delegates
ECOWAS Member States
Host Country — Sierra Leone
A Welcome Message
Sierra Leone is honoured to welcome the West Africa Internet Governance Forum to Freetown. As we convene under the theme of Digital Sovereignty and Economic Value in West Africa’s Integrated Digital Market, we reaffirm our commitment to an inclusive, secure, and prosperous digital future for all West Africans. We look forward to the rich dialogues, shared learning, and concrete outcomes that WAIGF 2026 will deliver.
Government of the Republic of Sierra Leone
Host Country
Republic of Sierra Leone, West Africa
Host City
Freetown — Capital of Sierra Leone
Conference Venue
Miatta Conference Centre, Youyi Building, Freetown
Event Dates
11 – 15 May 2026
Host Ministry
Ministry of Communication, Technology and Innovation, Sierra Leone
Delegate Registration
Join over 500 policy makers, technical experts, and digital innovators in Freetown. Secure your spot to participate in the high-level dialogues and thematic tracks of WAIGF 2026.
Complete Your Registration2026 Strategic Pillars
Data Sovereignty
Digital Sovereignty Human Capacity Development Platform Accountability and Economic Justice.
Artificial Intelligence
Data Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Technologies Governance Protection and Redress Mechanisms.
Digital Market
Regional Digital Single Market Digital Infrastructure Sovereignty and Coordinated Platform Governance.
WAIGF 2026 Tracks
WASIG 2026
The School of Internet Governance: Training the next generation of policy leaders.
Learn More
WAYIGF 2026
Youth Track: Empowering young innovators to drive the digital economy forward.
Learn More
WAPNIG 2026
Parliamentary Network: Harmonizing digital laws across the West Africa region.
Learn MoreEvent Schedule
| Day / Time | Session Title | Track |
|---|---|---|
| May 11-12 | West Africa School on Internet Governance (WASIG) | WASIG |
| May 13 | West Africa Youth IGF (WAYIGF) Opening | WAYIGF |
| May 14-15 | West African Parliamentary Network on Internet Governance (WAPNIG) | WAPNIG |
| May 14-15 | Main Forum: High-Level Plenary Sessions | Main Forum |
Forum Agenda
Full Session Programme
NB: This is a preliminary agenda and subject to change.
Travel & Logistics
Official Document
Sierra Leone Travel Pack
Ministry of Communication, Technology and Innovation
Recommended Accommodation
Top recommended hotels in Freetown for WAIGF 2026 participants, as listed in the official MoCTI Travel Pack. Mention “WAIGF 2026” when booking.
Hotel Barmoi
Location: Freetown, Sierra Leone
From $95 / night
Swiss Hotel
Location: Freetown, Sierra Leone
From $120 / night
Mamba Point Hotel
Location: Freetown, Sierra Leone
From $130 / night
New Brookfields Hotel
Location: Jomo Kenyatta Rd, Freetown
From $135 / night
Atlantic Lumley Hotel
Location: Lumley Beach Rd, Freetown
From $157 / night
Home Suites Hotel
Location: Aberdeen Rd, Freetown
From $220 / night
Radisson Blu Mammy Yoko
Location: 17 Lumley Beach Rd, Freetown
From $240 / night
Dining & Local Attractions
Top Restaurants in Freetown
Mamba Point Lagoonda Restaurant
Lebanese, Seafood, International, Mediterranean, Sushi & Middle Eastern cuisines. Vegetarian-friendly.
Gigibontà Ice Cream & Pizzeria
Italian cuisine, a variety of pizzas and a wide selection of ice creams.
Home Suites Boutique Hotel Restaurant
Diverse menu of local and international dishes in a cosy atmosphere.
Key Local Attractions
🏖️ Beaches
River No. 2 · Tokeh Beach · Lumley Beach — popular spots for relaxation and local entertainment.
🇼 Nature & Wildlife
Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary — a must-visit for nature lovers, observing rescued chimpanzees in their natural habitat.
🏛️ Historical Sites
Bunce Island (UNESCO-listed) · Sierra Leone National Museum · Banana Island — ruins of a historic slave fortress.
