Our History

The Rwanda Internet Governance Forum (RwIGF) began in 2014 as Rwanda’s national forum for Internet governance. It provides a multistakeholder space where government, business, civil society, academia, and technical experts work together to discuss Internet policy, digital development, and the wider digital ecosystem in Rwanda.

Since its establishment, RwIGF has grown as an inclusive platform supporting continuous dialogue on Internet governance and digital transformation. It has strengthened collaboration among stakeholders and contributed to national discussions on key issues shaping Rwanda's digital future.

In 2024, the Rwanda School on Internet Governance (RwSIG) was introduced as part of efforts to strengthen national capacity-building in Internet governance and digital policy. This initiative expanded opportunities for learning and engagement across different stakeholder groups.

In 2025, the Rwanda Youth IGF was launched to strengthen youth participation in Internet governance discussions. The Rwanda Internet governance ecosystem has also expanded to include the Parliamentarian IGF, further enhancing engagement of policymakers and legislators in national digital policy dialogue.

Today, Rwanda Internet Governance events continue to serve as a national multistakeholder platform that fosters dialogue, collaboration, and inclusive participation in shaping Rwanda’s digital future, bringing together more than 500 participants annually.

Key milestones

2014 - Rwanda IGF Established

Rwanda IGF was established as a national multistakeholder platform for dialogue on Internet governance, digital policy, and Rwanda's wider digital ecosystem.

2024 - Rwanda School on Internet Governance

The Rwanda School on Internet Governance was introduced to strengthen national capacity building and expand learning opportunities across stakeholder groups.

2025 - Rwanda Youth IGF Launched

The Rwanda Youth IGF was launched to strengthen youth participation in Internet governance discussions and digital policy dialogue.

2025 - Parliamentarian IGF Engagement

The ecosystem expanded to include Parliamentarian IGF engagement, strengthening policymaker and legislator participation in national digital policy dialogue.

2025 - Global IGF Milestone

The United Nations General Assembly confirmed the IGF as a permanent forum of the United Nations, reinforcing the global role of multistakeholder Internet governance cooperation.

Ongoing - Regional and Global Collaboration

RwIGF continues to contribute Rwanda's perspectives to East African, African, and global Internet governance discussions while supporting inclusive national dialogue.

Regional and Global Relevance

RwIGF is part of the global ecosystem of National, Regional, and Youth IGF Initiatives (NRIs), which work in close cooperation with the United Nations Internet Governance Forum (IGF). Established in 2006, the IGF is the United Nations Secretary-General-convened platform for inclusive, multistakeholder dialogue on Internet governance and related digital technologies.

The IGF ecosystem includes more than 180 National, Regional, and Youth IGF Initiatives worldwide, forming a strong intersessional network that supports dialogue, capacity development, and knowledge sharing across regions.

At the regional level, RwIGF contributes to the East Africa Internet Governance Forum (EAIGF) and the African Internet Governance Forum (AfIGF). This engagement strengthens regional collaboration on key issues such as digital inclusion, cybersecurity, connectivity, digital rights, and digital policy development across Africa.

At the global level, RwIGF aligns with the principles of the UN IGF by promoting open, inclusive, and multistakeholder dialogue on Internet governance. In December 2025, the United Nations General Assembly confirmed the IGF as a permanent forum of the United Nations (Resolution 80/173), reinforcing its role as a global platform for Internet governance cooperation.

Through this engagement, RwIGF contributes Rwanda's perspectives to both regional and global Internet governance discussions while benefiting from shared experiences and best practices within the IGF ecosystem.

Our Impact Across Regions & Partner Networks

Global reach distribution of Rwanda Internet Governance Forum across Africa and international partner networks
150+

IGF Initiatives Globally

National, regional, and youth Internet Governance Forum initiatives across more than 149 countries operating under UN-convened IGF principles of multistakeholder, transparent, and inclusive dialogue

5

East Africa IGF Network

EAIGF established 2008 connecting Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Uganda in the first regional IGF created globally. Promotes multistakeholder dialogue on ICT capacity building and internet governance

20

Annual IGF Meetings Since 2006

UN Secretary-General convened platform with 2025 meeting in Norway and 2026 permanent UN forum status established. Brings together governments, private sector, civil society, academia, and technical communities