(Togo First) - Togo's 2026 Internet Governance Forum (Togo IGF) will be held on June 19 in Lomé, organised by the local chapter of the Internet Society (ISOC Togo). The event will be preceded by the Togolese School of Internet Governance (TogoSIG) and the Youth Internet Governance Forum (Youth IGF Togo), scheduled for June 17 and 18 respectively.
The forum will be held under the theme: "Governance in the Era of Artificial Intelligence, Big Data and Geopolitical Dynamics: Digital Sovereignty Challenges in Togo."
Through this theme, the organisers aim to advance discussions on challenges related to artificial intelligence, data use and the geopolitical changes shaping the global digital ecosystem.
TogoSIG will open proceedings with a training programme for students, digital professionals, researchers, policymakers and civil society representatives. Participants will receive training in topics including internet governance, cybersecurity, digital rights, digital transformation and emerging artificial intelligence issues.
The following day, Youth IGF Togo will provide a platform for young people to discuss digital policies, digital inclusion, personal data protection, internet access and opportunities in the digital economy.
The national forum will bring together representatives from public institutions, the private sector, academia, the media, civil society and international partners. Its objective is to promote multi-stakeholder internet governance and contribute to a more resilient and inclusive digital ecosystem.
"Digital sovereignty is not about isolating ourselves from the world, but about having the capabilities, skills and partnerships needed to build our digital future according to our own priorities," said Agbenonwossi Elolo Emmanuel, chairman of the ISOC Togo board of directors.
The three events are expected to help young people and digital professionals develop their skills, improve multi-stakeholder dialogue on digital public policies and strengthen Togo's representation in regional and international internet governance debates, the organisers said.
Esaïe Edoh