Ali Sabo is a Senior Program Officer at the Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD), leading initiatives on digital rights advocacy, digital inclusion and anti-corruption. A passionate journalist with the interest in reporting the untold stories, he champions internet freedom, civic engagement, and social justice. Ali has trained thousands of young people, journalists, and civil society leaders, influencing policy reforms and expanding digital inclusion. He currently leads a team of professionals, driving impactful change in digital rights and digital inclusion.

I currently work in the New Media and Information Security Department of the Nigerian Communications Commission, where I focus on promoting Internet Governance best practices across Nigeria. My responsibilities include assisting in the development and implementation of Child Online Protection policies, monitoring global strategies to enhance internet penetration, overseeing internet activities through ISO-aligned frameworks, and advancing data governance practices in line with the Nigeria Data Protection Act. Beyond my official role, I actively contribute to youth engagement in Internet Governance as a member of the executive committees for the Nigeria, West Africa, and Africa Youth Internet Governance Fora (IGF). As Nigeria’s Universal Acceptance (UA) Ambassador since 2023, I have trained over 300 individuals on the importance of building a multilingual and inclusive internet. I also serve as the Vice President of Events and Programs for Women in Cybersecurity (WiCyS) Nigeria, advocating for the recruitment, retention, and advancement of women in cybersecurity. As a two-time fellow of the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) and the African School of Internet Governance (AfriSIG), I have engaged with global industry experts and contributed to discussions on IPv6, data protection, diversity, and leadership. My commitment to bridging the digital and gender divides earned me the ICANN Tarek Kamel Award for ICT capacity building, further fueling my passion for mentoring young women in technology.

Audace Niyonkuru is the founder and CEO of Digital Umuganda, an AI and open data firm based in Kigali, Rwanda. His company focuses on enhancing access to information and services in local African languages. Under his leadership, Digital Umuganda has built an open voice datasets in over 14 countries across the continent to improve natural language processing (NLP) and AI applications for African languages. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, his team developed the Mbaza AI Chatbot to provide accurate and timely information, showcasing the real-world impact of their work.

Belinda Matore is a human rights practitioner and researcher with experience working within the African Human Rights System, with a particular focus on digital rights and children’s rights in the digital age. She currently serves as a Project Officer at the Centre for Human Rights, University of Pretoria, where she works on initiatives that promote human rights in the context of technology, law, and policy across the continent. Her PhD research focuses on child digital rights, exploring how legal and policy frameworks in Africa can be strengthened to better protect and empower children online. Her work engages with key themes such as online safety, privacy, access, and meaningful participation of children in digital governance processes. She is particularly interested in rights-based approaches to digital inclusion and in ensuring that children’s voices are not only heard but centred in conversations around internet governance, data protection, and digital transformation in Africa.

Brian Horlick-Cruz is an Associate Program Officer at the Internet Society Foundation, where he has supported management of their grant and sponsorship programs since 2022. His work largely centers on the Foundation’s funding opportunities for chartered Internet Society chapters as well as their sponsorship program for National and Regional Initiatives of the IGF and Schools on Internet Governance, among others. He has a diverse professional background that spans civil service, international education, and the social sciences.

An experienced advocate from the United Republic of Tanzania who is passionate about law and technology. Has worked with various institutions including fintech's and is always enthusiastic in finding legal solutions which help organisations thrive.

Sen. Catherine Muyeka Mumma is a Nominated Senator representing women in the Senate. She is a member of the Senate’s Speaker’s Panel, the Vice-chairperson of the Devolution and Inter-Governmental Relations Committee and a member of the Justice, Legal and Human Rights Committee (JLAHRC) of the Senate. She is the Deputy Chair representing the Senate in the Kenya Women Parliamentarians Association KEWOPA and is also a member of the Kenya Women Senators Association (KEWOSA). She is a member of the parliamentary caucuses on Climate Change and the SDGs. Sen. Mumma is a lawyer by profession who has a passion for human rights practice and activism. She has served in all sectors including the public, non-profit and private sectors. She served in the Kenya government as a State Counsel and served in independent commissions as a commissioner in the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR), the Independent Review Commission (“Kriegler”; Commission) that recommended the overhaul of the electoral system in Kenya following the 2007 post-election violence and the Constitution Implementation Commission (CIC) that was established to guide the implementation of the 2010 constitution after its promulgation. She is the former Chairperson of the ODM National Elections Board which was the first to introduce electronic voting in party primary elections last year. She has served on several boards locally and internationally and has co-founded several NGOs that work on various human rights concerns. She has also served as an independent consultant for many organizations on gender, governance, human rights approaches, devolution, and social risk management among others.

Honorable Vuanga Christelle, élue, 2 ieme mandat kinshasa. Presidente commission droits humains et Presidente commission genre, famille et enfant. Journaliste, conférencier, activiste des droits humains.

Christian Fazili Mihigo is a Deputy Public Prosecutor in Goma, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), and a legal expert at the intersection of judicial practice and digital rights. Holding an LL.M. in Human Rights and Democratization (University of Pretoria) and an LL.B (University of Goma), he prosecutes complex cases while advocating for data protection, privacy, and equitable internet governance. Fazili’s scholarship, including his award-winning dissertation on privacy frameworks in the DRC and published research on digital inclusivity (Global Campus for Human Rights), informs his judicial approach to cybercrime, digital evidence, and surveillance. As a volunteer with Rudi International, he advanced digital rights through pandemic-era policy critiques and co-facilitation of the DRC’s Internet Governance Forum. A participant in the Africa Law Tech Festival and Francophone Digital Rights Litigation Workshops, he bridges courtroom accountability with grassroots tech policy reform, striving to balance security, innovation, and human rights in fragile states.

Daniel Mvalo is a highly skilled Technology and Innovation Specialist with a deep passion for leveraging technology to solve community challenges in Malawi and Africa. With more than 10 years of experience in supporting digital literacy initiatives and overseeing the development of software innovations in fields ranging from education and health to politics, human rights and entertainment. Daniel has also spearheaded digital transformation initiatives where he has trained over 6000 teachers and 20000 students in basic digital and programming skills, nurturing the next generation of tech-savvy individuals from various schools across the country. Additionally, he has trained over 1000 children in mobile app development and over 5000 youths in robotics and Micro bits, contributing significantly to the socio-economic transformation of livelihoods through technology.

Député à l'Assemblée nationale du Cameroun depuis 2013, présidente de la commission des affaires culturelles sociales et familiales, membre du réseau parlementaire sur le NTIC oeuvre pour la fête l'alphabétisation numérique des parlementaires et des membres de notre association contre l'action gouvernementale sur les politiques publiques sur la bonne gouvernance Internet et l'intelligence artificielle.

Employed by the Judiciary of Tanzania as Resident Magistrate,I hold Master in Procedural and International legal Practice, post graduate diploma in legal practice. I completed Advanced Human rights course on Artificial Intelligence and Data Protection.registered as an Advocate, Tanzania member of Privacy professions.

Ernest is a Telecommunications Expert and the founder of E-Telecom Consult, where he has overseen the certification of telecommunications and ICT products entering the Zambian market on behalf of manufacturers since 2018. His extensive background in equipment conformity assessment ensures that all products meet rigorous national and international standards. As a member of the Zambia National Standardization Technical Committee, he plays a crucial role in developing and adopting Quality of Service (QoS) standards that enhance user experience in telecommunications across Zambia. Previously, Ernest served as the chair of the Affordable Internet Access Special Interest Group under the Internet Society, advocating for equitable access to technology. Actively engaged with the Zambia IGF and the Internet Society Zambia Chapter, he is passionate about connecting people and technology. Internationally, he participates in ITU focus groups on Emerging Technologies and Cybersecurity, as well as the U4SSC Thematic Group on Digital Public Infrastructure for Cities. An ICANN82 Fellow and recipient of the Paul Muchene Technical Fellowship Award, Ernest contributes to the Internet Governance Community by speaking at African and UN Internet Governance Forums and volunteering as a rapporteur and technical support. His professional expertise includes telecommunications, Communications Infrastructure Economics and Regulation, public management, and governance, along with a certification in wireless analysis.

Esther Nyapendi is an Information Technologist by profession and currently serving as the Technical Support Officer at Women of Uganda Network (WOUGNET) with over 5 years of experience working at the intersection of Gender and Technology and ICT4D. Currently pursuing a masters in Information Systems. Esther is a trainer in Digital literacy, Security and Safety as well as Digital Rights. She is dedicated to advocating for inclusive technology programs and passionately defends the rights.

I am Fatima Waziri, currently working as an Officer in the New Media and Information Security Department (NMIS) of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC). My job description includes contributing to promoting a safe and inclusive online environment, with child online protection as my area of expertise and a cause close to my heart. With an understanding of Nigeria's unique challenges and opportunities, I am dedicated to ensuring that the internet benefits everyone, while minimizing its risks.

I have been a Telecommunications Works Engineer at the Ministry of Telecommunications and the Digital Economy since 1992. I obtained my Telecommunications Works Engineering degree from the Multinational Higher School of Telecommunications in Dakar in 2002. I worked from 1992 to 2019 at the Chad Telecommunications Company, where I held several positions of responsibility, including coordinator of the Fiber Optic Management Network, Head of the Human Resources, Sales, Marketing, and Customer Service Departments. I currently hold the position of Director of Legal Affairs and Litigation within the Ministry, and previously, I was appointed Deputy Inspector General of the Ministry. Member of several working committees set up within the Ministry, MAG IGF AC focal point and participant in the work of ITU Study Group 2 on “digital transformation”.

Je suis tres intéressée pour participer et tres content.

Je suis membre du réseau de IGF et parlementaire de la CEDEAO.

Isaac Danny Kargbo is an Assistant Researcher and Data Scientist at the Environmental Protection Agency Sierra Leone (EPA-SL). Im also the coordinates the Earth Regenerative Project Sierra Leone (EaRP-SL) and serves as the coordinator of the Internet Society Sierra Leone Chapter. I am passionate about climate action, internet governance, and sustainable development. I am an alumnus of the Africa Peering and Interconnection Forum (AfPIF) 2024, and is actively engaged in community-driven environmental and digital initiatives across Africa.

Joachim is deeply committed to leveraging the potential of data and technology in an ethical and responsible manner to drive positive social impact. He has actively contributed to the establishment of open and reliable digital and data ecosystems. Joachim's professional journey includes collaborations with reputable institutions such as Enabel, World Bank, Novartis, Data4Change, Open Knowledge Foundation, Open Data Institute, D-tree International, HIVOS, and Tanzania Open Data Initiative to name a few. His involvement spans various domains, including Digital Transformation and Digital Inclusion, Building of Innovation Ecosystems, Digital and Data Literacy, Open Data, Open Contracting, and Open Government Data.

Joshua Joshua is a Data Policy Advisor at GIZ, specializing in digital transformation, data governance, and policy development across Africa. With over six years of experience, he supports regional bodies like the African Union, ECOWAS, and the East African Community, as well as national governments, in strengthening regulatory frameworks for data protection and cross-border data flows. Joshua is passionate about inclusive digital development, multi-stakeholder engagement, and advancing evidence-based policy for Africa’s digital future.

Kelvin Modo is a Data Analytics and Governance Specialist with a passion for leveraging data to drive business transformation and decision-making. With a strong foundation in data science, engineering, and business management, he has developed expertise in data governance, data protection, predictive analytics, and revenue assurance across the banking and telecom industries for the last 8 years. He holds a Bachelor of Engineering in Computer Engineering, a Master of Science in Data Science and a Commonwealth Executive Master of Business Administration and various industry related certifications. Over the years, I have successfully led data governance frameworks, compliance initiatives, and analytics-driven strategies that have enhanced operational efficiency, mitigated risks, and maximized revenue. I am particularly skilled in data pipeline design, automated data integrity checks, fraud detection, and machine learning-driven insights. Key expertise: Data Governance and Data Protection – Established and led Data Governance Committees, ensuring enterprise-wide compliance with data protection regulations and best practices; Advanced Analytics and AI – Designed predictive models and machine learning algorithms for customer segmentation, churn reduction, and risk assessment; Revenue Assurance and Fraud Detection – Developed automated processes to detect billing errors, fraud risks, and revenue leakages within banking and telecom environments; Digital Transformation – Championed data-driven innovation, successfully integrating automation, cloud analytics, and AI-driven solutions in financial operations; Data-Driven Decision-Making – Built dashboards and reporting frameworks that empower executives with real-time business intelligence.

Lyndcey Oriko is a trained lawyer and a Program Officer at Kenya’s National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC), where she leads the Commission's efforts to address online hate speech, disinformation, ethnic contempt, and discrimination and advance peace, social cohesion, and inclusive digital policy.

Mark serves as a Policy Associate for the Digital Impact Alliance (DIAL) at the United Nations Foundation, where he works to bridge digital divides and promote inclusive technologies that improve lives worldwide. As a key member of the policy team, Mark advances DIAL's mission to ensure no one is left behind in the digital age. His current portfolio includes leading global initiatives on the Principles for Digital Development while supporting critical research on Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI). Through his work, Mark helps shape policies that enable vulnerable communities to benefit from technological advancements, contributing to DIAL's vision of a more equitable digital future for all.

Détenteur d’une licence en mathématiques et informatique. Administrateur réseaux. Certifié Cisco comptia+.

Mwinanu Mwala is a Fraud and Cybercrime Investigator and MSc Cybersecurity graduate from the University of Kent Canterbury England.

Necta Richard is a dynamic humanitarian technologist and digital policy advocate with a strong background in STEM and internet governance. She has led transformative programs that leverage technology to bridge the digital divide, particularly for women and marginalized groups. With expertise in capacity building, innovation management, and inclusive digital transformation, Necta plays a key role in advancing gender-responsive digital policies and skills development across Tanzania. In her current role at GIZ, she supports initiatives that strengthen technical capacities in digital governance and human rights. Necta is also active in multistakeholder dialogues, contributing thought leadership on equitable digital futures at national and international forums.

Nigel Nyamutumbu is a human rights practitioner currently serving in the media development sphere as the Coordinator of a network of media professional associations and support organizations, the Media Alliance of Zimbabwe (MAZ). He has over a decade experience in media development and journalistic work, which has seen him lead various programs and projects that promote human rights with particular focus on freedom of expression, access to information and digital rights in Zimbabwe and in Southern Africa. As part of this leadership in media, Nyamutumbu is the current Zimbabwe National Facilitator of an International Training Program (ITP) on media regulation supported by the Swedish government. He is a columnist and writer at the Standard, a weekly newspaper in Zimbabwe. Nyamutumbu is a former Programs Manager at the Zimbabwe Union of Journalists (ZUJ) and has had journalistic stints at the Zimbabwe Independent and Daily News. In the broader civic space, Nyamutumbu sits on the Heads of Civic Society Organizations Coalitions, a platform for information sharing and joint advocacy for civics. He has worked with the European Union Observer Mission to Zimbabwe as the Assistant to the Social Media Analyst, a role that gained him experience in media monitoring and understanding digital rights in elections. He earned his academic qualifications in Media and International Relations from the University of Witwatersrand in South Africa. Further to academic qualifications, he has completed mid-career programs including in project management done with the US Aid through PACT and Conflict sensitive journalism completed at Rhodes University, South Africa. A member of Amnesty International Zimbabwe, Nyamutumbu is an alumni of the prestigious United States of America (USA) International Visitors Leadership Program (IVLP). Among his portfolio, Nyamutumbu has done research and consultancy work for American Friends Service Committee (AFSC), where he was one of the researchers in a global publication on restricted spaces. He has done work the Voluntary Media Council of Zimbabwe (VMCZ), the Zimbabwe Elections Support Network (ZESN), Media Monitors and the Zimbabwe National Editors Forum (ZINEF). He has edited several MAZ research papers and policy briefs. Nyamutumbu was in 2023 recognized by the Al Jazeera Centre for Studies and the Mass Communication at Qatar University, for valuable research contribution on “Social Media Networks and Ideological Polarization: Power Relations and Socio-cultural impact.”

With a strong legal background and a commitment to advancing gender equity and community involvement, Peninah is passionate about the intersection of the law, technology, and social justice. Her work focuses on bridging the gender digital divide, amplifying digital rights, and empowering underrepresented communities. As a dedicated leader in feminist advocacy and a contributor to key digital-rights initiatives, she strives to drive impactful change, making digital spaces safer and more inclusive for all, especially women, girls and vulnerable communities. Conversations that drive social change through inclusive and sensitive technology and legal frameworks are some of her greatest interests.

I’m based in Cape Town, South Africa, and hold the position of Senior Manager for Engagement and Insights at the Digital Impact Alliance (DIAL). My role involves overseeing the Africa Data Leadership Initiative (ADLI), which is a peer-learning policy network created for African policymakers and data decision-makers. The initiative focuses on facilitating collaborative problem-solving and the development of strategies to include non-governmental stakeholders in the development and implementation of data policies. I have a diverse background in digital policy, communication, and political management, drawing on my experiences in the public sector and international development. My focus is on promoting effective governance and inclusive digital strategies. Previously, I served as a Data Economy Policy Advisor at GIZ, where I closely collaborated with the African Union and other African regional bodies to aid in the development of data governance policies. I have also provided consultation on responsible and inclusive AI research projects for the Global Partnership on AI and the Global Index on Responsible AI, following a fellowship with the Centre for AI and Digital Policy (CAIDP).  

Rachel Magege is a lawyer based in Tanzania. She holds expertise in data protection law, investment law, alternative dispute resolution (ADR), digital and tech law, and regional data governance frameworks in Africa. She currently works in project development and implementation at Pollicy, with a heavy focus on data governance work to improve data practices and across Africa. Outside of work, she sits on the Board of Directors under the Tanzania Privacy Professionals Association LTD, managing the Professional Development Committee. Rachel is also a well-versed legal author, public speaker and developing expert in mediation and arbitration, holding certification in Fundamentals of Effective Negotiation from the Ministry of Justice in the United Kingdom. Notably, Rachel holds membership with several associations such as the Project Management Institute (Global and Tanzanian Chapters), Tanzania Women Lawyers Association (TAWLA) and has recently been appointed to serve under the Data Protection and Privacy Committee of the East Africa Law Society.

Président du réseau des jeunes parlementaires malagasy. Président fondateur de l'association AS RAMIM'S. Téchnicien supérieur. Député de Madagascar.

Saba Tiku is an AI researcher and youth advocate with a background in Electrical and Computer Engineering. Her work focuses on AI ethics, digital rights, and inclusive Internet governance. She has contributed to several global and regional initiatives, including the Pan-African Youth Ambassadors for Internet Governance (PAYAIG) as a facilitator, ICANN (as a Fellow for ICANN81 and ICANN83), and the Internet Society as a youth ambassador. Saba holds leadership roles at the Youth IGF Ethiopia and the Youth Coalition on Internet Governance (YCIG), and served on the UN IGF 2024 Multistakeholder Advisory Group (MAG), where she now co-leads youth engagement efforts to strengthen youth participation in global digital governance. Through these roles, she champions an inclusive, open, and secure Internet that empowers communities and protects rights across the African continent and beyond.

Stephen Fosu co-founded Step Network, an organization dedicated to building community networks and promoting digital literacy in underserved areas. Passionate about technology and inclusivity, he has led the establishment of several community networks, including Samreboi Community Network, Kuntu Community Network, and Bruben Community Network, to bridge the digital divide in rural Ghana. He also heads the IT unit at Presbyterian Hospital, Donkorkrom, in the Eastern Region of Ghana.