West Africa School on Internet Governance 2026
The West Africa School on Internet Governance (WASIG) is a structured capacity-building programme designed to equip participants with practical knowledge, analytical tools, and multistakeholder engagement skills to participate effectively in regional and global digital governance processes.
WASIG 2026 will be held in person in Freetown, Sierra Leone, as part of the broader WAIGF 2026 programme week.
Apply for WASIG 2026
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.
Selected fellows are required to follow all pre-event preparation steps communicated by the organisers ahead of the in-person programme in Freetown.
Selection Criteria
Competitive Selection
Selection is competitive and based on demonstrated interest, relevant experience, regional diversity, and potential contribution to Internet governance in West Africa.
ISOC Learning Requirement
For the 2026 edition, selected participants were also expected to have completed the designated introductory course on the ISOC Learning Platform as part of the preparation and selection framework.
Curriculum Focus
Digital Sovereignty Frameworks
Understanding sovereignty, governance models, and policy implications in West Africa’s digital ecosystem.
AI Governance and Accountability
Examining artificial intelligence governance, accountability mechanisms, and public interest safeguards.
Platform Regulation & Economic Justice
Exploring platform governance, digital economic value, and fair participation in digital markets.
Cybersecurity and Digital Resilience
Strengthening knowledge of resilience, security frameworks, and regional cooperation approaches.
Policy Literacy
Building the analytical skills required to engage in digital policy and multistakeholder governance spaces.
Regional Cooperation
Encouraging peer learning and cross-border collaboration among future Internet governance leaders.
Learning Format
Expert-led Lectures
Sessions led by regional and international experts on key digital governance questions.
Interactive Policy Labs
Guided exercises that help participants apply governance concepts to practical challenges.
Case-based Exercises
Discussion and analysis of real examples relevant to West Africa’s digital policy environment.
Regional Policy Simulation
Practical engagement with multistakeholder dialogue and regional governance processes.
Expected Outcomes
Strengthened Policy Literacy
Participants deepen their understanding of Internet governance and digital transformation issues.
Regional Leadership Development
Fellows strengthen their ability to engage meaningfully in public policy and multistakeholder spaces.
Contribution to WAIGF Outputs
Participants are better prepared to contribute to regional recommendations and follow-up processes.
Agenda Overview
Day 1
Governance Foundations and Sovereignty
Day 2
AI, Platforms, and Digital Market Integration
Official Announcement
WASIG 2026 Selected Fellows
Following a highly competitive selection process with applications received from across West Africa, we are pleased to announce the selected fellows for the 2026 West Africa School on Internet Governance.
Congratulations to all selected participants who will now engage in the next preparation steps ahead of the in-person meeting in Freetown, Sierra Leone.
View List of Selected FellowsApplication Information
Learn more about the application framework, pre-event preparation, and future participation opportunities for the school.
Apply for WASIG 2026