West Africa School on Internet Governance
Building the next generation of Internet governance leaders
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, WASIG contributes directly to 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 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 and outcomes
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.
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