From Revival to Regional Influence: The Rise of Liberia IGF in Shaping West Africa’s Digital Future
In 2020, Liberia reactivated its national Internet Governance Forum (IGF) after several years of dormancy, marking a transformative step toward building a more inclusive, resilient, and forward-looking digital governance ecosystem. Today, just five years later, the Liberia IGF has evolved into a regional voice and thought leader, contributing meaningfully to policy conversations within the Mano River Union (MRU) and ECOWAS regions, while actively participating in global digital governance platforms. “Liberia IGF is no longer on the sidelines — we are shaping conversations, influencing policies, and building a people-centered digital future,” says Peterking Quaye, the Liberia IGF Coordinator
The revival of the Liberia IGF in 2020 came at a crucial moment. As COVID-19 pushed much of society online, the urgent need for digital policy coordination, access, and security became undeniable. Supported by civil society, academia, the private sector, and government institutions, the reestablished IGF provided a much-needed platform for open dialogue on pressing internet governance challenges. The 2020 national IGF event, held under the theme “Building Trust in the Digital Economy,” gathered over 200 stakeholders across sectors. It marked the beginning of a new era of multistakeholder collaboration, with a strong emphasis on youth inclusion, human rights online, data protection, and digital transformation.
Between 2020 and 2024, Liberia IGF hosted five national forums, produced over ten policy briefs, and led consultations on key digital policy issues such as cybersecurity—raising awareness around the pending Cybercrime Act; data protection and privacy—supporting the development of a national Data Protection law; and addressing online gender-based violence against women—creating space for emerging voices and digital rights advocates to shape safer online spaces in Liberia. In 2023, Liberia IGF facilitated stakeholder input into Liberia’s Digital Transformation Roadmap, aligning national goals with the AU Digital Transformation Strategy (2020–2030) and UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). According to the Liberia Telecommunications Authority (LTA), mobile broadband penetration in Liberia rose from 25% in 2020 to over 38% in 2023 — a sign of growing demand and relevance of digital policy dialogue across the country.
As part of the MRU IGF framework, Liberia has become a pivotal player in cross-border digital conversations, particularly in advancing regional data governance and harmonization, supporting cross-border infrastructure development and roaming initiatives, and contributing to cybersecurity and cyber diplomacy efforts in fragile states. Liberia IGF representatives have been active participants in regional and global events, including the Africa IGF, ECOWAS Digital Ministers’ Roundtables, and UN IGF sessions. At the Africa IGF 2024 in Addis Ababa, Liberia IGF was commended for its growing youth engagement strategy and its push for community-centered internet governance models. “Liberia IGF has become a model for post-conflict states on how to build inclusive, trusted internet governance systems from the ground up,” said a representative from the African Union Commission during a panel on digital cooperation in fragile states.
As the UN IGF 2025 approaches, to be hosted in Norway, Liberia IGF plans to present its five-year impact report, showcasing lessons learned, stakeholder growth, and its expanding role in national and regional policy alignment. Peterking Quaye emphasized the next phase of Liberia IGF’s vision ,“Our future lies in deeper collaboration — not just within our borders, but across the MRU region and with the global community. Liberia IGF will continue to champion inclusive governance, local innovation, and meaningful connectivity for all.”
The story of Liberia IGF is not just about digital policy—it’s about empowerment, collaboration, and resilience. From its modest rebirth in 2020, it has emerged as a beacon of progress, illuminating a path for other post-crisis nations seeking to shape a better digital future.
Follow @LiberiaIGF across social platforms as we continue the journey to digital inclusion and transformation—by the people, for the people.
By the Liberia IGF Communications Desk
