The 2025 Central Africa Internet Governance Forum opened on Monday in Bujumbura, with the Government of Burundi hosting regional stakeholders to discuss the role of digital technology in driving innovation, inclusion, and resilience. The event runs through Saturday, February 21.
The forum brings together policymakers, regulators, private sector representatives, civil society, and technical experts from across Central Africa to address key issues shaping the region’s digital future. Discussions focus on expanding digital access, enhancing digital sovereignty, and bridging the persistent digital divide that limits connectivity and economic opportunities for underserved populations.
Organizers emphasized the importance of digital technology as a catalyst for economic growth and social development. Participants will explore strategies to strengthen digital infrastructure, promote affordable internet access, and foster a regulatory environment conducive to innovation.
The Central Africa Internet Governance Forum is part of a broader continental and global effort to ensure that emerging digital economies benefit from equitable, secure, and sustainable internet governance. It provides a platform for knowledge exchange, capacity building, and collaboration among governments, technology companies, and civil society organizations.
Officials in Burundi highlighted the forum as an opportunity to showcase national initiatives aimed at improving broadband coverage, supporting local tech ecosystems, and integrating digital tools into public services.
As Central Africa seeks to accelerate its digital transformation, forums such as this play a critical role in aligning regional policies with global best practices and in addressing challenges related to cybersecurity, data protection, and equitable access.
The discussions are expected to culminate in recommendations for strengthening regional cooperation, improving digital literacy, and promoting inclusive digital development across Central African nations.
Central Africa faces significant challenges and opportunities in the realm of digital technology and internet governance. Internet penetration rates across the region remain below the global average, with many rural and underserved communities lacking reliable access to broadband and mobile networks. These gaps limit access to education, healthcare, e-commerce, and other digital services, reinforcing social and economic inequalities.
Countries such as Burundi, Cameroon, Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Rwanda have prioritized expanding internet infrastructure, adopting digital strategies, and establishing regulatory frameworks to enhance connectivity, cybersecurity, and data protection. Investments in fiber-optic networks, 4G/5G deployment, and digital literacy initiatives are helping to build more inclusive digital ecosystems.
Internet governance in Central Africa involves multiple stakeholders, including governments, regulators, civil society, private sector actors, and international partners. Regional forums, such as the Central Africa Internet Governance Forum (CIGF), provide a platform to discuss policies on digital inclusion, network infrastructure, cybersecurity, privacy, and the legal and regulatory environment for emerging technologies.
The region’s digital agenda is also influenced by continental initiatives like the African Union’s Digital Transformation Strategy and global frameworks promoted by organizations such as the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). These programs emphasize equitable access, local content development, and harmonization of digital policies to promote cross-border connectivity and innovation.
Bridging the digital divide remains a key priority. Limited access to affordable devices, inconsistent network coverage, and low digital literacy continue to impede participation in the digital economy for large segments of the population. Strengthening local capacity, supporting start-ups and small digital enterprises, and promoting public-private partnerships are central to achieving more resilient and inclusive digital ecosystems.
By convening regional stakeholders, forums like the CIGF aim to foster collaboration, share best practices, and identify actionable strategies to expand access, enhance digital sovereignty, and ensure that Central Africa can harness technology as a driver of economic growth, social inclusion, and resilience in the face of climate and economic challenges.
