Forum on Internet Freedom in Africa (FIFAfrica26)
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.