26 AUGUST 2026 | The Mano River Union Internet Governance Forum (MRU IGF) Secretariat has officially closed applications for the inaugural Mano River Union School on Internet Governance and Emerging Technologies (MRU SIG 2026), marking an important step toward establishing a new regional platform for digital policy learning, leadership and collaboration across the Mano River Union.
The call attracted approximately 100 applications from professionals and young people across Liberia, Sierra Leone, Guinea and Côte d’Ivoire, reflecting strong regional interest in Internet Governance, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, digital rights, data governance, digital inclusion and emerging technologies.The Secretariat will now begin the Fellow selection and review process, with attention to diversity across the four MRU countries, professional and stakeholder backgrounds, gender, experience, motivation and the potential contribution of applicants to the wider regional digital-governance community.
Selected Fellows will receive official communication from the MRU IGF Secretariat in the coming week. The selected cohort will then proceed into the School’s virtual preparatory phase, ahead of the main programme scheduled for 17–19 September 2026 in Monrovia, Liberia. The virtual phase will provide Fellows with an opportunity to begin engaging with faculty, experts and fellow participants before the in-person School, while introducing key concepts and themes that will form part of the MRU SIG learning programme.
The strong response demonstrates that the demand for practical digital-policy capacity extends across the MRU region. MRU SIG is being established to provide professionals and emerging leaders with access to regional and international expertise while creating opportunities to build networks and collaborate on shared digital challenges. Speaking on the next phase of the programme, Edward William, Programme Lead for Sierra Leone, said“The selection process is an important responsibility because we are not simply choosing participants for a three-day programme. We are helping to form the first regional community of MRU SIG Fellows. We want a cohort that reflects the diversity, talent and commitment of the Mano River Union and can contribute meaningfully to the region’s digital future.”
He added,“The number of applications shows that professionals and young people are ready for a platform where they can learn from one another, engage experts and turn knowledge into practical action. We look forward to welcoming the selected Fellows and building relationships that continue well beyond the School.”The MRU IGF Secretariat emphasizes that the inaugural School is intended as the beginning of a long-term regional learning and leadership network, rather than a standalone training programme.
Following the School, Fellows will be encouraged to remain engaged through alumni activities, mentorship, Policy Lab initiatives, regional policy discussions and future MRU IGF and digital-governance programmes.The Secretariat extends its appreciation to everyone who applied and to the institutions, partners, experts and stakeholders supporting the establishment of MRU SIG 2026.
The applications may now be closed, but the journey is just beginning.
MRU SIG 2026
Learn | Connect | Lead | Impact
17–19 September 2026 | Monrovia, Liberia
www.mrusig.org