Building Digital Leaders for an Inclusive, Secure and Resilient Digital Future
The Mano River Union School on Internet Governance and Emerging Technologies (MRU SIG) is the premier regional capacity development programme of the MRUSIG. The School is designed to develop the next generation of Internet Governance, digital policy, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and emerging technology leaders across the Mano River Union region.
The inaugural edition of MRU SIG will bring together outstanding participants from Liberia, Sierra Leone, Guinea, and Côte d'Ivoire, while fostering collaboration with experts and practitioners from across Africa and the global Internet Governance community. Through a rigorous, multistakeholder learning environment, participants will gain practical knowledge, leadership skills, professional networks, and policy experience necessary to contribute effectively to national, regional, continental, and global digital governance processes. Theme: Strengthening Digital Cooperation, Inclusion, and Emerging Technology Governance in the Mano River Union Region
Participant Selection Process
Participants will be selected through a competitive application process that seeks to ensure balanced representation from the four Mano River Union Member States while encouraging diversity across stakeholder groups.
Important Dates
| Activity | Timeline |
|---|---|
| Applications Open | August 2026 |
| Applications Close | September 2026 |
| Selection Notification | September 2026 |
| Faculty Orientation | September 2026 |
| Virtual Preparatory Sessions | September 2026 |
| MRU SIG 2026 (Residential School) | 17–19 September 2026 |
The Selection Committee will assess applications based on demonstrated interest, leadership potential, professional experience, commitment to public service, and the applicant’s potential contribution to strengthening Internet Governance and digital transformation within their respective country and the wider MRU region.
Why Choose MRU SIG?
MRU SIG is specifically designed to respond to the digital transformation priorities of the Mano River Union while connecting participants to Africa’s broader Internet Governance ecosystem.
Learn from distinguished experts drawn from governments, international organizations, academia, the technical community, regulators, civil society, and the private sector.
Engage with policymakers, technical experts, innovators, regulators, researchers, youth leaders, and development partners in an interactive and collaborative environment.
Gain practical knowledge, leadership skills, and professional networks that enable meaningful participation in Internet Governance and digital policy processes at national, regional, and global levels.
Become part of the MRU SIG Alumni Network and connect with a growing community of Internet Governance professionals across Africa and beyond.
Join the Inaugural MRU SIG 2026
Whether you are a policymaker, regulator, researcher, technical expert, entrepreneur, civil society leader, academic, or youth advocate, MRU SIG offers a unique opportunity to deepen your understanding of Internet Governance and emerging technologies while contributing to the digital future of the Mano River Union region.
Join us in Monrovia, Liberia, from 17–19 September 2026, and become part of a new generation of leaders driving inclusive, secure, and resilient digital transformation across Africa.