Kenya Hosts Africa Internet Summit as Digital Economy Agenda Expands
The Nairobi gathering brings together stakeholders from across the continent as efforts continue to restore stability at Africa's internet registry and expand access to digital services.
Nairobi is hosting the Africa Internet Summit 2026 (AIS’26), bringing together policymakers, regulators, technology experts, industry leaders, civil society organizations, and academics to discuss the future of the continent’s digital ecosystem.
The summit comes at a time when African countries are seeking to expand connectivity, strengthen digital infrastructure, improve cybersecurity, and increase participation in the digital economy amid rapid technological change and growing geopolitical competition.
Opening the summit, Secretary for ICT, Digital Economy and Emerging Technologies Mary Kerema said the internet has become a key driver of economic growth, innovation, education, and public service delivery.
“The Internet is a critical enabler of economic growth, innovation, education, and public service delivery. AIS 2026 is an opportunity for Africa to strengthen its digital infrastructure and ensure that every citizen can participate meaningfully in the digital economy,” she said.
Kerema also reaffirmed Kenya’s commitment to supporting policies and partnerships aimed at building a secure, inclusive, and resilient digital ecosystem.
Among the key issues discussed was the future of the African Network Information Centre (AFRINIC), Africa’s Regional Internet Registry, following recent efforts to restore the institution’s operations.
African Network Operators Group (AfNOG) Convener Prof. Nii Quaynor described the summit as an important platform for technical cooperation and internet development across the continent.
“Since its establishment in 2012, the summit has remained a vital platform for Africa’s technical cooperation, policy dialogue, and internet development, demonstrating remarkable resilience through periods of global and regional challenge,” he added.
He urged stakeholders to safeguard AFRINIC’s future, saying the organization must remain stable, credible, and firmly guided by the community it serves.
AFRINIC Board Chairman Prof. Emmanuel Adewale Adedokun said the registry is entering a new phase focused on restoring stability, strengthening trust, and reinforcing community-led governance. He called for continued participation in policy development and governance processes to support the growth of Africa’s internet ecosystem.
“Africa’s internet future demands strong collaboration among governments, regulators, industry, academia, and civil society. When we work together, innovation and resilience follow.” Said Mr. David Mugonyi, EBS, Director General of the Communication Authority of Kenya.
He noted that despite progress in expanding connectivity and digital services, significant gaps remain in internet access, cybersecurity, digital skills, and infrastructure development.
The summit is also highlighted on Kenya’s role in regional internet development. Telecommunications Service Providers Association of Kenya (TESPOK) Chairman James Turuthi pointed to initiatives such as the Kenya Internet Exchange Point (KIXP) and industry-government partnerships that have contributed to the expansion of internet access and connectivity in the region.
Hosted in Kenya, AIS’26 follows previous editions held in South Africa, Mauritius, and Ghana. The event will feature technical workshops, policy discussions, training sessions, operational forums, networking events, and AFRINIC’s Public Policy Meeting throughout the week.
Furthermore, participants are expected to explore strategies for strengthening digital sovereignty, expanding connectivity, fostering innovation, and building more inclusive digital economies across Africa.
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