Africa Internet Summit 2026 Opens in Nairobi, Marking a New Chapter for Africa’s Digital Future

The Africa Internet Summit 2026 (AIS’26) officially opened in Nairobi, bringing together government representatives, regulators, industry leaders, technical experts, civil society organizations, academia, and members of the African Internet community for the continent’s premier multistakeholder Internet and ICT event.

Hosted in Kenya, which is the fourth country to host the summit after South Africa in 2023, Mauritius in 2024, Ghana in 2025, AIS’26 provides a platform for dialogue, collaboration, and knowledge sharing on the future of Africa’s digital ecosystem.

Speaking during the opening ceremony, Mary Kerema, OGW, Secretary for ICT, Digital Economy and Emerging Technologies, emphasized the importance of digital infrastructure and inclusive participation in Africa’s digital future. “The Internet is a critical enabler of economic growth, innovation, education, and public service delivery. AIS 2026 is an opportunity for Africa to strengthen its digital infrastructure and ensure that every citizen can participate meaningfully in the digital economy.”

Ms. Kerema also welcomed delegates from across Africa and reaffirmed Kenya’s commitment to fostering collaboration, innovation, and policies that support a secure, inclusive, and resilient digital ecosystem.

In his opening remarks, Prof. Nii Quaynor, Convener of the African Network Operators Group (AfNOG), reflected on the Summit’s enduring legacy and the resilience of Africa’s Internet community. “Since its establishment in 2012, the summit has remained a vital platform for Africa’s technical cooperation, policy dialogue, and Internet development, demonstrating remarkable resilience through periods of global and regional challenge.”

Prof. Quaynor also commended the African Internet community, partners, and stakeholders whose collective efforts contributed to the restoration of AFRINIC, Africa’s Regional Internet Registry. “Now that AFRINIC has been restored, we must work together to ensure it remains stable, credible, and firmly guided by the community it serves.”

Prof. Emmanuel Adewale Adedokun, Chairman of the Board of Directors of AFRINIC, reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to stability, transparency, and community-led governance as it enters a new phase of renewal. “AFRINIC is moving forward with renewed purpose. Our focus is on restoring stability, strengthening trust, and reinforcing the community-driven processes that underpin Africa’s Internet development.”

He emphasized the importance of active community participation in AFRINIC’s policy development and governance processes, noting that the future of Africa’s Internet will continue to be shaped through collaboration, consensus, and shared commitment across the continent.

Welcoming delegates to Kenya, Mr. James Turuthi, Chairman of the Telecommunications Service Providers Association of Kenya (TESPOK), highlighted Kenya’s role as a regional leader in Internet development and digital innovation.

“Through Kenya Internet Exchange Point (KIXP), capacity-building initiatives, and strong industry-government collaboration, Kenya continues to strengthen the Internet ecosystem and expand access to affordable, reliable connectivity across the region.” He further noted that while Africa has made significant progress in expanding Internet access, challenges relating to affordability, digital skills, cybersecurity, and infrastructure development remain. He emphasized that forums such as AIS are essential for fostering collaboration, knowledge sharing, and collective action to advance Africa’s digital future.

Also addressing delegates, Mr. David Mugonyi, EBS, Director General of the Communications Authority of Kenya, called for stronger continental cooperation to address Africa’s digital challenges and opportunities. “Africa’s Internet future demands strong collaboration among governments, regulators, industry, academia, and civil society. When we work together, innovation and resilience follow.” He noted that while Africa has made significant progress in expanding connectivity and digital services, continued collaboration will be essential to address gaps in access, cybersecurity, skills development, and digital infrastructure across the continent.

This year’s Summit takes place against a backdrop of rapid technological transformation, increasing geopolitical competition, and growing demand for secure and resilient digital infrastructure. Participants will explore how Africa can strengthen its digital sovereignty, expand connectivity, foster innovation, and build inclusive digital economies that benefit all communities. Throughout the week, AIS’26 will feature technical workshops, policy discussions, operational forums, training sessions, networking opportunities, and AFRINIC’s Public Policy Meeting, all designed to advance Internet development across Africa.

As Africa’s Internet community gathers in Nairobi, the Summit reaffirms a shared commitment to strengthening the continent’s Internet infrastructure, improving digital resilience, advancing inclusive connectivity, and ensuring that Africa plays a leading role in shaping the future of the global Internet.

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