DEPUTY Prime Minister and Minister for Energy, Dr Doto Biteko, is set to officiate at the African Internet Governance Forum (AfIGF) in Dar es Salaam this week, a key continental gathering aimed at promoting dialogue on internet connectivity, data governance and cybersecurity.

Scheduled to take place from Thursday to Saturday, the forum will convene a diverse group of stakeholders, including representatives from governments, civil society, the private sector, academia and technical communities. It will serve as a vital platform for collaboration and exchange of ideas on critical issues shaping Africa’s digital future.

Dr Nkundwe Mwasaga, Director General of the Information and Communication Technologies Commission (ICTC), said this at the weekend during the official opening of the 13th Annual African School on Internet Governance (AfriSIG) which commenced on Friday preceding the main forum.

Dr Mwasaga described the training as a valuable opportunity for Tanzanian youth, noting that participants who incorporate youth from various parts of Africa would not only gain knowledge on internet governance but also be empowered to educate their peers about the economic and security opportunities offered through responsible and secure internet use.

“Tanzania has a rapidly growing digital economy, supporting a population of approximately 62 million people,” he said.

He added: “According to the 2022 Population and Housing Census, around 23 million Tanzanians are aged between 15 and 34. This is a powerful demographic that, if effectively engaged, could drive significant economic transformation through digital innovation—especially given the immense opportunities offered by the African Continental Free Trade Area.”

AfriSIG 2025 is jointly convened by the Association for Progressive Communications (APC), the African Union Commission’s Information Society Division and Research ICT Africa (RIA), in collaboration with the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) and the UN Internet Governance Forum Parliamentary Track.

This year’s edition continues to provide a comprehensive overview of internet and digital policy trends both on the continent and globally. A particular focus will be placed on data governance, alongside a special session reviewing 20 years of the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS+20).

Leo Magomba, Director of ICT infrastructure at the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology, underscored the strategic importance of the AfIGF.

“This forum is not merely a routine meeting; it is a high-level, strategic gathering aimed at shaping policies and fostering cross-border collaboration in digital transformation—an area central to Africa’s development,” he said.

The conference will address a wide array of thematic areas aligned with the African Union’s digital development objectives, with particular focus on digital inclusion, artificial intelligence, digital rights, governance and expansion of ICT infrastructure.

The event will include youth-focused tracks designed to equip the next generation with tools and insights to participate in shaping Africa’s digital future—especially in emerging areas such as artificial intelligence.

Magomba added: “We are particularly looking forward to the sessions on AI, which promises to spark meaningful dialogue about the technology’s real-world applications and how Africa can harness its potential in a responsible and inclusive way.”