About WASIG

WASIG 2025 OVERVIEW

Abuja, Nigeria

The WASIG’s main objective is to build the capacity of West African stakeholders on Internet Governance issues in general, and particularly on prevailing and emerging issues specific to the region. The capacity-building and awareness-raising exercises on Internet Governance will ensure that the participants are well-prepared to contribute at the national, regional, continental, and global levels of the IG process.
2025 is a crucial year for the race for regulation and the governance of technologies based on Artificial Intelligence. In this context, this year’s WASIG will therefore be a special “Alumni” edition that will produce a final document based on the work that began last year during the school. This year with the support of ECOWAS professionals, participants will improve the draft document

West Africa School on Internet Governance

The West Africa School on Internet Governance (WASIG) is a regional capacity-building initiative designed to equip emerging and mid-career stakeholders with the knowledge, skills, and networks required to participate meaningfully in Internet governance processes at national, regional, and global levels.

As the academic and training arm of the West Africa Internet Governance Forum (WAIGF), WASIG contributes directly to building informed, inclusive, and effective participation in digital policy-making across the ECOWAS region.

Context

WASIG was established in response to the outcomes of the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) and the Tunis Agenda, which emphasize inclusive multistakeholder participation in Internet governance.

In West Africa, disparities in access to knowledge, policy processes, and technical understanding continue to limit meaningful engagement in digital governance spaces. WASIG addresses this gap through a structured programme tailored to regional realities and priorities.

Mission

To strengthen the capacity of West African stakeholders to engage effectively in Internet governance processes, promote informed multistakeholder participation, and foster a new generation of leaders shaping the region’s digital future.

Objectives

Build strong understanding of Internet governance ecosystems
Develop practical policy and negotiation skills
Promote peer learning and regional cooperation
Support policy outputs relevant to West African priorities

Programme Structure

Expert-led Sessions

Lectures and discussions on key Internet governance issues, institutions, and current policy developments.

Interactive Workshops

Practical exercises, simulations, and group work designed to strengthen analysis and participation skills.

Policy-Oriented Outputs

Fellows contribute to recommendations, synthesis documents, and structured reflections linked to regional priorities.

Who Participates?

WASIG brings together government officials, regulators, civil society representatives, private sector actors, technical community members, academics, researchers, youth leaders, and emerging professionals from across West Africa.

Selection is competitive and based on demonstrated interest, experience, regional diversity, and potential contribution to Internet governance in West Africa.

Impact & Outcomes

Since its inception, WASIG has helped build a growing network of Internet governance practitioners across the region, strengthened participation in national and global policy spaces, and supported alumni engagement in research, advocacy, and community leadership.