The WAIGF secretariat is proud to announce the official list of fellows selected for the 2025 edition of the West Africa School on Internet Governance (WAISIG). This year, we received an overwhelming number of high-quality applications from across the region, reflecting the growing interest and engagement in shaping the future of the internet in West Africa.
After a rigorous review process, 27 fellows have been selected from 11 countries, representing a broad range of stakeholder groups including civil society, academia, government, the private sector, and the technical community.
This diverse and talented cohort will participate in a unique capacity-building program designed to equip them with essential knowledge, skills, and networks to contribute effectively to Internet Governance processes at national, regional, and global levels.
Meet the WAISIG 2025 Fellows
From digital rights advocates and researchers to policy advisors and tech innovators, this year’s fellows embody the collaborative and inclusive spirit of WAISIG. The 2025 class includes:
SOSSOU Yao Amevi (Benin) – Academia
Kiemde Gontran (Burkina Faso) – Civil Society
Goue Valery Nadège (Côte d’Ivoire) – Government
James Amattey (Ghana) – Private Sector
Bakary Kouyate (Mali) – Civil Society
Koroney Massani (Niger) – Government
Binty Mansaray (Sierra Leone) – Private Sector
Alasana Cham (Gambia) – Civil Society
Princess Zawu (Liberia) – Government
Suzete Centeio Pereira (Cape Verde) – Government
Lanica Mendonça (Guinée Bissau) – Technical
Yaovi Venunye Azasoo (Togo) – Civil Society
Bilyaminu Umar (Nigeria) – Civil Society
Adebunmi Adeola Akinbo (Nigeria) – Civil Society
Nyatefe Wolali Dotsevi (Nigeria) – Government
Awuese Leontina Iorchor (Nigeria) – Private Sector
Hussain Hamzah (Nigeria) – Civil Society
Temitope Ausi (Nigeria) – Government
Abdulmalik Rabiu (Nigeria) – Technical
Chinedu Nwoye (Nigeria) – Academia
Oluwatosin John Odedele (Nigeria) – Private Sector
Chisom Joan Onwuemeka (Nigeria) – Civil Society
Zainab Aminu (Nigeria) – Civil Society
Omolara Esther Hamzat (Nigeria) – Academia
Christiana Yeside Longe (Nigeria) – Civil Society
Taben Emmanuel (Nigeria) – Technical
Alarape Rejoice Mayowa (Nigeria) – Academia
What’s Next?
WAISIG 2025 will offer a blended learning experience that includes:
A dynamic in-person program alongside the West Africa Internet Governance Forum (WAIGF)
Mentoring, networking, and opportunities to join regional policy dialogues
We encourage stakeholders to engage with the fellows, offer guidance, and collaborate on initiatives that promote digital inclusion, rights, and innovation across West Africa.
