What is MRU SIG?
The Mano River Union School on Internet Governance and Emerging Technologies (MRU SIG) is a regional capacity-building and leadership programme established under the Mano River Union Internet Governance Forum (MRU IGF) to strengthen knowledge, skills, and meaningful participation in Internet Governance and digital policy across the Mano River Union region.
Governance Structure
MRU SIG is governed through a transparent and multistakeholder structure that ensures academic excellence, strategic oversight, and effective programme delivery.
The governance model reflects internationally recognized Internet Governance principles of openness, inclusiveness, collaboration, and accountability.
Application Open for 2026
The Mano River Union School on Internet Governance and Emerging Technologies (MRU SIG) welcomes applications from passionate and motivated individuals committed to shaping the future of the Internet and digital policy in Africa.
Our admissions process is open, transparent, competitive, and merit-based, ensuring a diverse and inclusive cohort representing different countries, sectors, and perspectives.
Whether you are beginning your Internet Governance journey or are an experienced digital policy practitioner, MRU SIG provides an opportunity to learn, collaborate, and grow within a vibrant regional and global community.
History
Mission
Vision
The MRUSIG is a regional capacity development initiative established by the Mano River Union Internet Governance Forum (MRU IGF) Secretariat in 2024 to strengthen knowledge, leadership, and meaningful multistakeholder participation in Internet Governance and digital policy across the Mano River Union region. The School was created in response to the growing need for structured, high-quality capacity development that prepares current and future leaders to engage effectively in national, regional, continental, and global Internet Governance processes.
MRU SIG serves the four Mano River Union Member StatesLiberia, Sierra Leone, Guinea, and Côte d’Ivoirewhile fostering collaboration with the wider African and global Internet Governance communities. The programme promotes dialogue among governments, academia, civil society, the private sector, the technical community, media, and youth, recognizing that effective Internet Governance depends on inclusive and collaborative decision-making.
Mission
MRU SIG is committed to strengthening regional capacity by providing high-quality education, fostering multistakeholder collaboration, and promoting informed participation in Internet Governance and emerging technology policy. Through knowledge sharing, leadership development, and regional cooperation, the School empowers individuals to contribute to an open, secure, inclusive, and people-centered Internet.
Vision
To become the leading regional center of excellence for Internet Governance and emerging technology education, developing a new generation of informed, inclusive, and influential digital policy leaders across the Mano River Union and Africa.
Partners
