Forum on Internet Freedom in Africa 2026
FIFAfrica26 Concludes with Renewed Commitment to Advancing Internet Freedom Across Africa and the Launch of the State of Internet Freedom in Africa Report
More than 300 delegates from 60 countries gathered for the 2026 Forum on Internet Freedom in Africa (FIFAfrica26), reaffirming a shared commitment to advancing digital rights, internet freedom, and inclusive digital development across the continent.
The Forum was held from 28 September to 1 October, 2026, at InterContinental Resort Mauritius.
Jointly organised by the Halley Movement Coalition and the Collaboration on International ICT Policy for East and Southern Africa (CIPESA), the four-day forum brought together policymakers, civil society leaders, journalists, researchers, academics, technologists, entrepreneurs, private sector representatives, development partners, and activists to examine the evolving state of Africa’s digital society.
The forum was officially opened by The Hon Lutchmanah Raj PENTIAH, Minister of Public Service and Administrative Reforms, who underscored the importance of protecting digital rights while fostering innovation and economic growth through inclusive digital transformation. In his opening address, he called on stakeholders to work collaboratively to ensure that technological advancement contributes to sustainable development, democratic participation, and social progress across Africa.
Throughout FIFAfrica26, participants explored a broad range of issues shaping the continent’s digital future, including internet governance, digital inclusion, cybersecurity, media freedom, artificial intelligence, data protection, online surveillance, and the growing influence of emerging technologies.
Discussions highlighted both the opportunities presented by Africa’s rapidly evolving digital ecosystem and the challenges that accompany this transformation. Participants emphasised the need for policies and practices that protect human rights, strengthen democratic participation, and create an enabling environment for responsible innovation.
A recurring theme throughout the forum was the need to safeguard freedom of expression online while ensuring affordable, universal, and meaningful access to the internet. Participants raised concerns about internet shutdowns, digital surveillance, misinformation, and shrinking civic space, while highlighting the importance of transparent, accountable, and rights-based approaches to digital governance.
FIFAfrica26 also provided a platform for civil society organisations, researchers, entrepreneurs, and other innovators to showcase initiatives demonstrating how technology can strengthen transparency, expand citizen participation, and advance social and economic inclusion.
Launch of the State of Internet Freedom in Africa Report
The forum concluded with the launch of the 2026 edition of the State of Internet Freedom in Africa report, providing a timely examination of how digital transformation is reshaping the relationship between states and citizens.
This year’s report focuses on Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) and its implications for digital rights, democratic governance, and civic participation. While much of the existing discourse on DPI has centred on technical design, economic efficiency, and service delivery, the report draws greater attention to the human rights dimensions of DPI governance and implementation.
The report was officially launched during the FIFAfrica26 closing ceremony by Dr. the Hon. Avinash Ramtohul, Minister of Information and Communication Technology of Mauritius.
Hosted in Mauritius, FIFAfrica26 created space for stakeholders from across Africa and beyond to exchange experiences, challenge assumptions, and engage with some of the most pressing questions facing the continent’s digital society.
Mahendranath Busgopaul, the Halley Movement Secretary General, notes that, “Africa’s digital future is one that we have to put in effort to shape. The decisions that we make about digital transformation, inclusion, protection and access will determine what kind of digital societies we will have in the future. Hosting FIFAfrica26 in Mauritius gives us an opportunity to bring our experiences to the continental conversation, learn from others, and collectively shape a digital future that is responsive to the diversity of the continent.”
