West Africa Parliamentary Network on Internet Governance 2026
WAPNIG is the Parliamentary Track of WAIGF. It brings together Members of Parliament, legislative advisors, and regulatory leaders to strengthen regional coordination on digital public policy and Internet governance across West Africa.
Since its landmark launch in Dakar, Senegal, in July 2024, the West Africa Parliamentary Network on Internet Governance (WAPNIG) has served as an important platform for sub-regional legislators to align efforts on digital policy, cooperation, and legislative innovation.
About WAPNIG 2026
WAPNIG 2026 provides a dedicated space for parliamentarians and legislative stakeholders to engage with the major policy and governance issues shaping West Africa’s digital future. It supports peer exchange, legislative learning, and coordinated reflection on Internet governance, digital transformation, and regional policy alignment.
The parliamentary track contributes to stronger cooperation among national legislatures and encourages greater understanding of the legal, regulatory, and institutional choices required to support a more secure, inclusive, and integrated digital ecosystem in West Africa.
Strategic Focus
Data Governance
Strengthening legislative understanding of data governance as a core foundation for digital trust, innovation, and the governance of artificial intelligence.
Artificial Intelligence Governance
Advancing policy discussion on accountability, regulation, rights, and institutional readiness for AI governance in the region.
Digital Public Infrastructure
Examining legislative and public policy implications of digital identity, interoperable services, and public-interest digital systems.
Global Governance Frameworks
Positioning West African legislative perspectives within broader international digital governance processes and emerging global norms.
Regional Cooperation
Encouraging harmonised legislative approaches to support ECOWAS digital market integration and coordinated platform governance.
Legislative Readiness
Supporting lawmakers and advisors with structured exchange on how to respond to fast-evolving digital policy issues in an informed and coordinated way.
Expected Outputs
Discussion Summary and Action Points
A structured summary of key discussions, identified priorities, and actionable next steps emerging from the Parliamentary Track.
WAPNIG Strategy Document
A forward-looking document outlining the way forward for the Network and a proposed set of capacity-building and coordination activities.
Legislative Knowledge Exchange
Strengthened peer learning and exchange of experiences among parliamentarians and legislative advisors across West Africa.
Regional Policy Coordination
Better alignment of parliamentary thinking on digital governance issues relevant to the ECOWAS region.
Programme Components
Parliamentary High-Level Dialogue
Strategic discussion among legislators and senior stakeholders on regional digital governance priorities.
AI & Digital Regulation Roundtables
Focused conversations on data governance, AI regulation, accountability, and legislative responses.
Regional Market Integration Discussions
Exchanges on legal and policy approaches that support digital market integration and cross-border cooperation.
Legislative Drafting Exchange
Practical knowledge-sharing on legislative approaches, policy drafting, and parliamentary oversight in digital matters.
Reference Documents
Parliamentary Declaration on Digital Governance in West Africa
Access the Parliamentary Declaration adopted during WAIGF 2025 and review its guiding principles and commitments.
View WAIGF 2025 DeclarationRegional Parliamentary Track Summary
Read the summary of the Parliamentary Track discussions and outcomes from WAIGF 2024.
Read WAIGF 2024 Summary