African ICT ministers to discuss how the internet can accelerate digital economy goals
Group photograph of participants from the 13th edition of the African School on Internet Governance (AfriSIG) short-term training, representing various African countries including Tanzania, with Dr Nkundwe Moses Mwasaga, Director General of the ICT Commission (ICTC), taken shortly after he officially opened the training on 24 May 2025 at the Julius Nyerere International Convention Centre in Dar es Salaam.
What you need to know:
- The forum is expected to bring together over 1,200 participants from across Africa and beyond, representing governments, civil society, the private sector, academia, and technical communities.
Dar es Salaam. Ministers responsible for ICT across Africa will convene in Dar es Salaam next week to discuss how internet access and governance can be harnessed to accelerate progress towards the continent’s digital economy goals.
The high-level discussions will take place during the 14th African Internet Governance Forum (AfIGF), scheduled for 29 to 31 May at the Julius Nyerere International Convention Centre (JNICC).
The forum will be officially opened by Tanzania’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Energy, Dr Doto Biteko.
Speaking at the opening of the African School on Internet Governance training today, Director General of the Tanzania ICT Commission, Dr Nkundwe Mwasaga, said the forum offers a vital opportunity for African governments to align strategies around internet use and digital transformation.
“Tanzania has a rapidly growing digital economy, supported by a population of over 62 million. Of these, around 23 million are youth aged between 15 and 34. This is a powerful economic force that, with the right digital skills and access, can drive inclusive growth through online opportunities,” said Dr Mwasaga.
He added that safe, inclusive, and innovative use of the internet is essential for unlocking the benefits of regional initiatives such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Dr Mwasaga also noted that Tanzania has more than 60 participants in the current training programme, who are expected to go on to train others in future once they have completed the course.
The forum is expected to bring together over 1,200 participants from across Africa and beyond, representing governments, civil society, the private sector, academia, and technical communities.
Director of Communications Infrastructure at the Ministry of Information, Leo Magomba, said special sessions will be led by African ICT ministers focusing on digital policy, infrastructure, and innovation.
“We’ll be exchanging ideas and learning from each other — what works, what can be improved, and how we can collectively build a safer, more inclusive digital Africa,” said Magomba.
Key topics to be covered include digital economy policy, cybersecurity, internet governance, artificial intelligence, and digital rights.
The AfIGF is considered one of the continent’s most influential platforms for shaping the future of the internet in Africa, aiming to ensure that digital development is people-centred, equitable, and sustainable.
