Annual RWIGF 2026

Rwanda's premier multi-stakeholder dialogue on internet governance

What is Annual RWIGF?

The Annual Rwanda Internet Governance Forum (RWIGF) is Rwanda's premier platform for multi-stakeholder dialogue on internet governance. Bringing together government officials, private sector leaders, civil society representatives, academics, technical experts, and international partners, the Annual RWIGF creates a space for meaningful discussions on digital policy, cybersecurity, digital rights, and infrastructure development. This flagship event shapes Rwanda's digital future and contributes to regional and global internet governance conversations.

2026 Theme & Focus

Inclusive, Trusted Internet Governance
for Rwanda's Digital Future

01. Inclusive

Ensuring all stakeholders (government, private sector, civil society, youth, academics) have a voice in internet governance decisions.

02. Trusted

Building confidence in digital systems through security, transparency, and accountability.

03. Digital Future

Developing sustainable, forward-thinking policies that advance Rwanda's digital economy and technology adoption while protecting citizens' rights.

Who Should Attend

The Annual RWIGF welcomes government officials, private sector representatives, civil society organizations, technical community members, academics, media professionals, youth leaders, and international observers. Whether you're a policy maker, technology expert, digital rights advocate, or business leader, there's a place for you in Rwanda's internet governance conversation.

What to Expect at Annual RWIGF 2026

Key opportunities for engagement and collaboration

Keynote Sessions

Hear from international and local thought leaders sharing insights on the future of internet governance, digital transformation, and policy innovation.

Panel Discussions

Participate in dynamic conversations on cybersecurity, digital rights, infrastructure, policy frameworks, and digital economy with expert panelists.

Working Groups

Join specialized working groups addressing critical issues like critical infrastructure protection, digital inclusion, and emerging technologies.

Networking Opportunities

Build valuable connections with government, private sector, civil society, and international partners working on internet governance.

Capacity Building

Access workshops and training sessions on internet policy, digital security, and governance frameworks relevant to your sector.

Policy Development

Contribute to the development of Rwanda's digital policy recommendations through collaborative discussions and working group outputs.

Background and Context

Understanding Rwanda's Internet Governance Journey

The Internet has become a critical driver of socio-economic development, innovation, and governance, making inclusive, secure, and forward-looking Internet governance frameworks increasingly essential. As a global platform, the Internet Governance Forum (IGF) brings together governments, the private sector, civil society, the technical community, academia, and users to collaboratively address Internet-related public policy issues through a multi-stakeholder approach.

The Rwanda Internet Governance Forum (Rwanda IGF) is a national multi-stakeholder platform aligned with the mandate of the United Nations Secretary-General and the global IGF. It provides an open and inclusive space for dialogue on Internet governance issues, ensuring that Rwanda's digital development agenda is shaped through broad participation and shared responsibility. Rwanda's commitment to digital transformation is clearly reflected in the second National Strategy for Transformation (NST2), which positions digital transformation as a cross-cutting enabler for inclusive growth, improved governance, and sustainable development.

In parallel with global IGF priorities such as digital inclusion, trust and security, emerging technologies, human rights online, and sustainable development, Rwanda continues to strengthen a resilient and people-centered digital ecosystem. Against this backdrop, the Rwanda IGF 2026 provides a national platform to assess progress, address emerging challenges, and reinforce multi-stakeholder cooperation, while ensuring that Rwanda's perspectives contribute meaningfully to regional, continental, and global Internet governance processes.

Objectives of Rwanda IGF 2026

Overall and Specific Goals for the Forum

Overall Objective

To provide a national, inclusive, and multi-stakeholder platform for dialogue on Internet governance issues that support Rwanda's digital transformation agenda.

Specific Objectives

Informed Dialogue

Facilitate informed and inclusive dialogue on key Internet governance issues affecting Rwanda's digital ecosystem.

NST2 Progress

Discuss progress and challenges in implementing NST2 digital transformation priorities from an Internet governance perspective.

Trust & Security

Strengthen trust, security, and resilience of Rwanda's Internet infrastructure and digital services.

Multi-Stakeholder Coordination

Recommend creation of a multi-stakeholder coordination mechanism in the form of a Secretariat.

Policy Recommendations

Generate policy-relevant recommendations that contribute to national, regional, and global Internet governance processes.

Proposed Thematic Tracks

Structured Dialogue Around Key Internet Governance Areas

Digital Inclusion and Meaningful Access

Addressing affordability, connectivity, digital skills, and inclusion of underserved groups to ensure equitable access to the Internet and digital services across Rwanda.

Trust, Safety, and Security in the Digital Space

Cybersecurity, data protection, privacy, online safety, and combating digital risks to build confidence in Rwanda's digital ecosystem.

Emerging Technologies and Innovation

Governance of AI, IoT, data-driven innovation, and responsible adoption of new technologies to position Rwanda as a leader in digital innovation.

Special High-Level Session: Parliamentary Policy Dialogue

Strengthening Legislative and Policy Frameworks for an Inclusive, Secure, and Trusted Digital Rwanda

This high-level session, integrated into the Rwanda IGF program, will provide Parliamentarians with a focused platform to engage other stakeholders on key Internet governance and digital policy issues. It will highlight Parliament's role in law-making, oversight, and representation within Rwanda's digital transformation agenda under NST2 and Vision 2050, with outcomes contributing directly to Rwanda IGF 2026 policy messages and recommendations.

Expected Outcomes

What Rwanda IGF 2026 Will Deliver

Enhanced Understanding

Enhanced understanding of Internet governance issues among national stakeholders and broader awareness of digital transformation priorities.

Strengthened Partnerships

Strengthened multi-stakeholder cooperation and partnerships among government, private sector, civil society, and international organizations.

Policy Recommendations

Practical and policy-oriented recommendations aligned with NST2 priorities and Rwanda's digital transformation vision.

Youth Engagement

Increased participation of youth in Internet governance processes through dedicated youth IGF activities and youth-led initiatives.

Global Contribution

Consolidated national inputs to regional and global IGF discussions, positioning Rwanda as a thought leader in Internet governance.

Target Audience

Who Will Participate in Rwanda IGF 2026

Government Institutions

Policymakers and government officials shaping digital governance frameworks.

Private Sector

ISPs, MNOs, tech companies, and startups driving digital innovation.

Civil Society

Organizations advocating for digital rights and social inclusion.

Technical Community

Internet experts, engineers, and technical professionals.

Academia

Research institutions and academic leaders in digital innovation.

Youth & Women

Young leaders and women groups shaping the digital future.

Pre-Forum Activities

Building Capacity and Engagement Before the Main Forum

Rwanda School on Internet Governance (RWSIG) 2026

Prior to the main forum, the Rwanda School on Internet Governance will be hosted to build capacity and awareness among stakeholders. The school will target 100 participants from diverse stakeholder groups, including government, civil society, academia, the private sector, and technical communities. The curriculum will cover foundational topics in internet governance, emerging trends, and Rwanda's digital transformation agenda.

Rwanda Youth IGF 2026

The Rwanda Youth IGF is a platform dedicated to engaging young people in internet governance discussions. Prior to the main forum, it will bring together 200 participants from universities in Kigali, fostering youth-led initiatives and ensuring that the voices of the next generation are integrated into national and global internet governance processes.

Rwanda Parliamentarian IGF Track Launch

The forum will witness the official launch of the Rwanda Parliamentarian IGF Track, a dedicated platform that brings legislators into the heart of national dialogue on digital transformation, internet governance, and public policy. This track underscores the important role of Parliament in shaping inclusive, secure, and future-ready digital laws that advance Rwanda's development agenda.

Event Details

Key Information About Rwanda IGF 2026

Expected Attendance

300 in-person participants with a large number of online participants. Moderators will provide equal engagement opportunities to remote participants.

Budget

RWF 121,570,000 to cover all expenses including venue, food and drinks, expert facilitation fees, materials, and logistical arrangements for all associated events.

Be Part of Annual RWIGF 2026

Join Rwanda's premier internet governance forum and shape the future of digital policy. Connect with stakeholders, learn from experts, and contribute to Rwanda's digital transformation agenda.

Register Now