WAIGF 2026
Sierra Leone
Digital Sovereignty and Economic Value in West Africa’s Integrated Digital Market
Discover MoreToward 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
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.
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WAYIG 2026
Youth Track: Empowering young innovators to drive the digital economy forward.
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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 (WAYIG) Opening | WAYIG |
| 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
Select a track from the left, view its sessions, and add the ones you want to your calendar.
NB: This is a preliminary agenda and subject to change.
WASIG Sessions
Call for Session Proposals
Do you have a topic, research paper, or workshop idea that fits our 2026 theme? We invite stakeholders to submit proposals for thematic workshops and lightning talks.
Submit Your ProposalTravel & Logistics
Entry Requirements
ECOWAS citizens enjoy visa-free entry. Other international participants should check specific Sierra Leone visa requirements or e-visa options before travel.
Arrival at FNA
Freetown International Airport (FNA) serves the city. Participants can reach the main city via the Sea Coach Express or the Airport Ferry service across the harbor.
Local Transport
Official WAIGF shuttle buses will operate between the recommended hotels and the conference venue throughout the event days.
For detailed information on travel, accommodation, and local logistics, please download our Travel Guidelines
Recommended Accommodation
We have partnered with the following hotels to provide discounted rates for WAIGF 2026 participants. Please mention “WAIGF 2026” when booking.
Radisson Blu Mammy Yoko
Address: 17 Lumley Beach Rd, Freetown
Contact: +232 76 600 000
The Home Suites Boutique
Address: 15 Aberdeen Rd, Freetown
Contact: +232 78 444 555
Atlantic Lumley Hotel
Address: Lumley Beach Rd, Freetown
Contact: +232 30 111 222
Bintumani Hotel
Address: Aberdeen Hill, Freetown
Contact: +232 76 999 888
Country Lodge Complex
Address: Hill Station, Freetown
Contact: +232 22 234 567
New Brookfields Hotel
Address: Jomo Kenyatta Rd, Freetown
Contact: +232 79 123 456
