FIFAfrica 2026 Set for 500 Attendees in Mauritius
The 13th Forum on Internet Freedom in Africa convenes in Mauritius in late September, uniting 500 stakeholders to shape digital governance and AI policy.
Key points
- The 13th Forum on Internet Freedom in Africa will be held in Mauritius from 28 September to 1 October 2026.
- Over 500 participants, including policymakers and tech operators, are expected to attend the event organized by CIPESA and APC.
- Key discussions will focus on AI governance, gender-based violence, and shaping Africa's role in global digital standards.
The Association for Progressive Communications (APC) has announced its active participation in the 13th Forum on Internet Freedom in Africa, scheduled to take place from 28 September to 1 October 2026 in Mauritius. According to APC, the event serves as a critical multistakeholder platform for advancing digital rights, inclusion, and governance discussions across the continent.
Organized annually by the APC member organization CIPESA, the forum is expected to gather over 500 participants. This diverse group includes policymakers, journalists, global platform operators, telecommunications companies, regulators, and human rights defenders, all converging to influence the technological practices shaping Africa's digital future.
Strategic Focus on Digital Governance
APC staff, members, and partners will host and speak at various sessions throughout the event. The primary objective is to map out pathways for collective action that support social, gender, and environmental justice. These efforts are designed to influence emerging digital and artificial intelligence governance agendas, including the upcoming WSIS+20 process.
Key Sessions on AI and Rights
The program features specialized workshops and panels addressing specific challenges. Sessions include navigating legal risks for civil society organizations in AI governance, building frameworks that serve local realities, and assessing the human rights impact of digital technologies. These discussions aim to ensure that technological advancements do not undermine fundamental freedoms.
Additional topics cover technology-facilitated gender-based violence and the development of feminist approaches to digital resilience. APC and its partners will also engage with international frameworks to advocate for women’s digital rights, highlighting the intersection of gender equity and technological access.
Forward-Looking Regional Advocacy
The forum aims to gather insights that will strengthen Africa’s voice in global digital governance processes. By coordinating efforts among various stakeholders, the event seeks to create a unified stance on issues such as AI surveillance and information integrity. Participants are encouraged to register online and review preparatory resources to maximize their engagement.
