Freetown, Sierra Leone · 11–12 May 2026
West Africa School on Internet Governance 2026
WASIG 2026 was a structured capacity-building programme designed to equip participants with practical knowledge, analytical tools and multistakeholder engagement skills for effective participation in regional and global digital governance processes.
The programme was held in person in Freetown, Sierra Leone, as part of the broader WAIGF 2026 programme week.
Registration and participation
Participation in WASIG is limited and subject to a competitive selection process. Applicants were invited to submit their applications through the official WASIG 2026 call, and selected fellows completed the preparation steps communicated by the organisers ahead of the residential programme.
For future editions and general information, applicants should consult the official WASIG application page and announcements published on the WAIGF website.
Selection criteria
Competitive selection
Selection was based on demonstrated interest, relevant experience, regional diversity and potential contribution to Internet governance in West Africa.
Learning requirement
For the 2026 edition, selected participants were also expected to complete the designated introductory course on the Internet Society Learning Platform.
Curriculum focus
Digital sovereignty frameworks
Governance models and policy implications in West Africa’s digital ecosystem.
AI governance and accountability
Artificial intelligence governance, accountability mechanisms and public-interest safeguards.
Platforms and economic justice
Platform governance, digital economic value and fair participation in integrated digital markets.
Cybersecurity and resilience
Security frameworks, digital resilience and regional cooperation approaches.
Policy literacy
Analytical skills for meaningful engagement in digital policy and multistakeholder governance spaces.
Regional cooperation
Peer learning and cross-border collaboration among future Internet governance leaders.
Learning format
Day 1
Governance foundations and sovereignty.
Day 2
AI, platforms and digital market integration.
Official announcement
Following a rigorous and highly competitive process, 150 finalists from across West Africa successfully completed the online phase of WASIG 2026. Thirty participants were selected to advance to the residential workshop in Freetown, Sierra Leone.