Africa IGF MAG gets new leadership

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The Africa IGF Multistakeholder Advisory Group (AfIGF MAG) has elected a new leadership team to guide its efforts in advancing internet governance across the continent.

Alhagie Mbow, a Member of the Gambia National Parliament and the Pan-African Parliament was elected as Chair, while Winnie Kamau, a data journalist and President of the Association of Freelance Journalists in Kenya, will serve as Vice Chair.

This election follows a rigorous selection process led by the African IGF Secretariat, which received 146 nominations from 39 African countries, representing a broad spectrum of stakeholders.

The Nominations Committee (NomCom) carefully reviewed the applications to ensure a balanced, inclusive, and multistakeholder composition, ultimately appointing 10 members to serve on the MAG in accordance with the AfIGF Charter.

"It is an honour and a privilege to be nominated among other competent personalities to serve the people of Africa as the Chairperson of the Africa Multistakeholder Advisory Group on Internet Governance. I sincerely thank everyone who played a role in my nomination and entrusted me with this responsibility," Mbow said.

Expressing her gratitude for the opportunity to serve, Winnie Kamau, Vice Chair of the Africa IGF MAG, stated: "I am deeply honoured to have been elected as Vice Chair of the Africa Internet Governance Forum (AfIGF) Multistakeholder Advisory Group (MAG) for the 2025-2027 term."

"I extend my sincere gratitude to the MAG members for their trust and confidence in my leadership. It is a privilege to serve in this role and contribute to shaping Africa’s digital future. As Vice Chair, my commitment is to strengthen multistakeholder engagement, promote inclusive internet policies, and drive meaningful discussions on Africa’s digital transformation."

She stated that the internet plays a crucial role in economic growth, innovation, and access to opportunities, adding that "it is our collective responsibility to ensure that governance frameworks reflect the diverse needs of all communities."

The newly elected MAG members include Hon. Alhagie Mbow from The Gambia, Bram Fudzulani from Malawi, Fatou Sarr from Senegal, and Dr. Khouzeifi Issakha Doud-bane from Chad.

Other members are Mohamed Farahat from Egypt, Nanne Mohamedade Farouk from Mauritania, Dr Nazarius Nicholas Kirama from Tanzania, Wildiley Barroca from São Tomé & Príncipe, Winnie Kamau from Kenya, and Dr Sylvia Sathekge from South Africa.

Representatives from UNECA and the African Union Commission also join the group. Additionally, Regional Coordinators from the five African IGF regions are part of the MAG, including Ahmed Farag from North Africa, Lilian Nalwoga from East Africa, Mary Uduma from West Africa, Jacob Munodawafa from Southern Africa, and Michel Tchonang Linze from Central Africa.

With representation from governments, civil society, technical experts, academia, the private sector, and regional institutions like UNECA and the AUC, the Africa MAG is positioned to address key internet governance challenges and opportunities across the continent.

The MAG's inclusive framework empowers it to address pressing internet governance challenges and leverage opportunities across Africa.

Under new leadership, the MAG aims to foster digital collaboration, facilitate policy dialogue, and support initiatives driving Africa's digital growth. Key focus areas include cybersecurity, digital inclusion, and local content development, ensuring all Africans benefit from a thriving information society.