By FIFAfrica |
The Collaboration on International ICT Policy for East and Southern Africa (CIPESA) is excited to announce that the 2026 Forum on Internet Freedom in Africa (#FIFAfrica26) will take place in Mauritius from September 28 to October 1, 2026. This marks the 13th edition of FIFAfrica, which serves as Africa’s premier platform for advancing digital rights, inclusion, and governance conversations.
Mauritius is Africa’s most stable democracy, with strong rule of law and robust protection for freedom of expression, both offline and online. The country is also a pioneer in technology-driven governance and digital transformation. Hosting FIFAfrica in Mauritius offers a space for policy-oriented discussions on data governance, regulation of Artificial Intelligence (AI), platform accountability, and digital trade within a context that is progressively navigating these transitions.
Recognised by the Oxford Insights Government AI Readiness Index 2024 as a continental front-runner in AI adoption, Mauritius has established a National AI Unit, is steadily expanding digital public services, and is pursuing a national strategy for the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Digital Trade Protocol. The country is an emerging digital and financial services hub, with notable achievements and ambitions in fintech, cross-border data flows, and digital public services.
It is against this backdrop that over 500 participants will convene at FIFAfrica26 to delve into the evolving digital landscape in Africa and cast a light on the most pressing internet freedom issues today. This builds on a legacy of previous editions hosted in Uganda, South Africa, Ghana, Ethiopia, Zambia, Tanzania, Senegal, and Namibia.
FIFAfrica offers a unique, multi-stakeholder platform where key stakeholders, including policymakers, journalists, global platform operators, telecommunications companies, regulators, human rights defenders, academia, and law enforcement deliberate and craft rights-based responses for a resilient and inclusive digital society for Africans.
Key themes at FIFAfrica26 will include:
- Digital Democracy and Civic Participation
- Data Governance and Sovereignty
- Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Technologies
- Platform Accountability
- Digital Inclusion
- Digital Economy, Trade and Practices
- Movement Building
- Digital Security and Safety
The Forum will also serve to gather insights that will shape Africa’s voice in global digital governance processes like WSIS+20. These global processes represent critical opportunities for African voices to influence the emerging digital and AI governance agendas.
Additionally, the 2026 edition of the annual State of Internet Freedom in Africa report will be launched. The reports serve to capture the evolving policy landscape through in-depth research and analysis.
Be part of the #InternetFreedomAfrica movement
Over the years, the Forum has been co-hosted with various government ministries, regional and national partners, and a vibrant network of allies and collaborators. Together, this community has illustrated a commitment towards building an inclusive digital rights and internet freedom ecosystem around the continent.
Partner with us, host a side event, or support the participation of individuals who might otherwise be unable to attend the Forum. Email us at [email protected] or schedule a call with us to discuss how to collaborate with FIFAfrica26.
Next Steps
In the lead-up to FIFAfrica26, please take note of the following important dates.
| Important Dates | |
| Opening of registration | April 7, 2026 |
| Call for proposals and travel support announcement | April 7, 2026 |
| Closure of proposal acceptance | June 5, 2026 |
| Notification of successful applicants | Jule 7, 2026 |
| Pre-event days | September 28-29, 2026 |
| Main event days | September 30 – October 01, 2026 |
About FIFAfrica
Since its launch in 2014, the Forum on Internet Freedom in Africa (FIFAfrica) has grown into Africa’s premier multi-stakeholder convening on digital rights, digital democracy, and internet governance. The Forum has consistently shaped continental and global conversations on freedom of expression, access to information, privacy, data governance, and has integrated more recent shifts in the digital ecosystem including on topics like cryptocurrency, AI, platform accountability, and digital public infrastructure. Visit the FIFAfrica website for updates: https://internetfreedom.africa/
