I currently work in the New Media and Information Security Department of the Nigerian Communications Commission, where I focus on promoting Internet Governance best practices across Nigeria. My responsibilities include assisting in the development and implementation of Child Online Protection policies, monitoring global strategies to enhance internet penetration, overseeing internet activities through ISO-aligned frameworks, and advancing data governance practices in line with the Nigeria Data Protection Act. Beyond my official role, I actively contribute to youth engagement in Internet Governance as a member of the executive committees for the Nigeria, West Africa, and Africa Youth Internet Governance Fora (IGF). As Nigeria’s Universal Acceptance (UA) Ambassador since 2023, I have trained over 300 individuals on the importance of building a multilingual and inclusive internet. I also serve as the Vice President of Events and Programs for Women in Cybersecurity (WiCyS) Nigeria, advocating for the recruitment, retention, and advancement of women in cybersecurity. As a two-time fellow of the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) and the African School of Internet Governance (AfriSIG), I have engaged with global industry experts and contributed to discussions on IPv6, data protection, diversity, and leadership. My commitment to bridging the digital and gender divides earned me the ICANN Tarek Kamel Award for ICT capacity building, further fueling my passion for mentoring young women in technology.

Anriette Esterhuysen was the executive director of the Association for Progressive Communications (APC) - the largest ICT-focused civil society network in the world - from 2000 to 2017. She continues to work with APC as a consultant and convenes the African School on Internet Governance (AfriSIG), a joint initiative of APC, the African Union Commission and Research ICT Africa.

Ms. Esterhuysen has served as Chair of the Multistakeholder Advisory Committee of the United Nations Internet Governance Forum. as well as on the African Technical Advisory Committee of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa's African Information Society Initiative (1996-1999), the United Nations ICT Task Force (2002-2005), the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) Working Group on Financing Mechanisms (2003-2005), the Commission on Science and Technology for Development Working Group on Internet Governance Forum (IGF) Improvements (2011-2012) and on Enhanced Cooperation (2017-2018), the Global Commission on Internet Governance and the Multistakeholder Advisory Group (MAG) of the IGF (2012-2014).

She was inducted into the Internet Hall of Fame as a Global Connecter in 2013 and received an EFF Pioneer Award in 2015. Ms. Esterhuysen serves as a Commissioner on the Global Commission on the Stability of Cyberspace and as a member of the board of directors of the .ZA (South Africa) domain name authority, ZADNA.

Brian Horlick-Cruz is an Associate Program Officer at the Internet Society Foundation, where he has supported management of their grant and sponsorship programs since 2022. His work largely centers on the Foundation’s funding opportunities for chartered Internet Society chapters as well as their sponsorship program for National and Regional Initiatives of the IGF and Schools on Internet Governance, among others. He has a diverse professional background that spans civil service, international education, and the social sciences.

Over the last 30+ years, Carol has been a key player as an ICT strategist and an e-Government expert for the Government of The Commonwealth of The Bahamas. She is considered a thought leader in digital transformation and a strong advocate for digital inclusion and capacity building. Carol has actively extended her expertise by working with regional and international organizations such as Red GEALC (Network of e-Government Experts in Latin America and the Caribbean), Organization of American States (OAS), CARICOM (Caribbean Community and Common Market), Caribbean Telecommunications Union (CTU), various United Nations organizations, and the European Commission. She is the 2024 and 2025 chair of the United Nations Internet Governance Forum (IGF) Multistakeholder Advisory Group (MAG). Carol is an evangelist for Small Island Developing States and the Global South, ensuring at every opportunity that their voices are not left out. She is also a proponent for People, Prosperity, and Planet through responsible and sustainable use of Internet and digital technologies.

Ms. Celine Bal joined the Internet Governance Forum Secretariat in Geneva as a Junior Professional Officer. She has previously worked in the Director General's Office of Communications at the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) in Vienna, Austria, where she has been responsible for internal and external communications campaigns. Prior to her work at UNIDO, she has gained considerable experience in conference management at the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), where she has helped organize the General Conference, major international events, and other Policy Making Organs meetings. Before joining UN organizations, Celine has interned at Deutsche Telekom in the Change Management division in Bonn, Germany, promoting the adoption of digital collaboration tools across European subsidiaries. Celine holds a bachelor's and master's degree in international Business Administration from the Vienna University of Economics and Business, after completing an exchange semester at HEC Montreal, Canada. She specialized in Strategic Management, and Entrepreneurship and Innovation.

Dr. Dawit Bekele is the Regional Vice President-Africa of the Internet Society, an organization that works for an open, globally connected and secure Internet for everyone.He is an Ethiopian citizen living in Addis Ababa. He received undergraduate, Masters and Ph.D. degrees from Université Paul Sabatier in France, all degrees in Computer Science. He also holds a master’s in business leadership from University of South Africa. Prior to joining Internet Society, Dr. Dawit worked at Addis Ababa University on teaching and research positions in computer science. He also started and ran a private company forIn ternet-related services for a number of years.

Edetaen Ojo is Executive Director of Media Rights Agenda in Nigeria. He is also Chair of the African Freedom of Expression Exchange (AFEX), a network of freedom of expression organizations in Africa; and a member of the Advisory Network of the Freedom Online Coalition.

He is also a member of the National Steering Committee of the Open Government Partnership (OGP) in Nigeria and a member of the Board of Directors of International Media Support (IMS), an international media development organization based in Copenhagen, Denmark.

He is interested in AfriSIG2022 as he sees it as a great opportunity to improve his knowledge and understanding of internet governance through knowledge and experience sharing, particularly with respect to international cybersecurity issues and processes.

As Managing Director, Elonnai works to strengthen and grow a unique and impactful multistakeholder organization working for the advancement of freedom of expression and privacy. She has contributed to international policy initiatives and has presented worldwide on issues of digital rights and emerging technology and the counterbalancing of governmental and individual interests and rights. She has developed research and written extensively on issues relating to privacy, cybersecurity, surveillance, intermediary liability, and emerging technologies including artificial intelligence. She currently serves as a member to a number of multi-stakeholder initiatives including as the co-chair to the Freedom Online Coalition Advisory Network, a member of the GIFCT Independent Advisory Committee, and as a member to the ChristChurch Call Advisory Network. Formerly, Elonnai was a non-resident scholar at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace and the chief operating officer of the Centre for Internet & Society, India. Elonnai graduated from the University of Toronto, where she studied international development and political science.

Fola Odufuwa holds a Master of Science degree in Radio Propagation (Physics) which he obtained in 1994 from the University of Ibadan, Nigeria. He has held several senior and executive positions throughout his career, including positions in broadcast engineering, communications, investment banking and financial services. He is a skilled project and business consultant and since 2001, he has coordinated many research and consulting assignments across four continents for several blue-chip organizations, regulators, and multilateral agencies such as the World Bank, International Finance Corporation, United Nations, International Telecommunications Union, Asia Development Bank, among others. Despite being based in Nigeria, which is one of the world's most complex emerging markets, he is recognized as an expert in telecoms research, investment analysis, and business strategy across the continent. Mr. Odufuwa has extensive multidisciplinary expertise and stays up-to-date with the latest developments in his field. He frequently publishes articles and provides professional commentary in both local and international media. He is known for his broad perspective, analytical thinking, and competence that he brings to every assignment.

Joshua Joshua is a Data Policy Advisor at GIZ, specializing in digital transformation, data governance, and policy development across Africa. With over six years of experience, he supports regional bodies like the African Union, ECOWAS, and the East African Community, as well as national governments, in strengthening regulatory frameworks for data protection and cross-border data flows. Joshua is passionate about inclusive digital development, multi-stakeholder engagement, and advancing evidence-based policy for Africa’s digital future.

Dr. Katherine W. Getao, EBS, is  often dubbed an “ICT Elder” in  Kenya, in recognition of her 40 years of service in the private sector, academia, diplomacy as  well as senior government  appointments. Dr. Getao currently  executes consultancy assignments in the areas of Cyber Hygiene, Cyber Diplomacy and ICT Strategy and Governance. She has served as the Chief Executive Officer of the ICT Authority in Kenya, the ICT Secretary in the Office of the President and subsequently at the Ministry of ICT. During her time in government, she led the design of the Huduma Centre  one-stop shops for government services as well as the integrated implementation of optical fibre in collaboration  with the Roads sector. Prior to joining government she served as Project Manager of the NEPAD e Schools Project as well as the Director of the School of Computing and Informatics at the University of Nairobi. She has represented Kenya on UN Governmental Committees and has also served on the boards of private companies and universities. Dr. Getao is passionate about public service  transformation using ICTs and the creation of industries and career opportunities for young people in the ICT Sector. Dr. Getao serves on a high-level global think tank, the Aspen Global Group, and also as a regional adviser to the Diplo Foundation.

Keith Andere is a highly accomplished Internet Governance expert, climate action advocate, and digital rights champion based in Nairobi, Kenya. With over a decade of experience at the intersection of ICT, digital media strategy, and development communications, Keith has established himself as a dynamic leader in Africa’s digital transformation and governance landscape. A recognised thought leader in Internet Governance, Keith was a Multistakeholder Advisory Group (MAG) member for the Africa Internet Governance Forum (AfIGF), contributing to the development of inclusive, multilingual, and multi-stakeholder dialogues on digital policy issues across Africa. 

Mohamed Farahat is an Egyptian lawyer, legal consultant, trainer, political, and legal researcher. Mr. Farahat, currently and previously working as consultant with different UN agencies such as, UNESCO, UNCIEF, IOM, and UN Women. Mr. Farahat is Member of UNCSTD Working Group United Nations Commission on Science and Technology for Development – UNCSTD Multi-Stakeholder Working Group on Data Governance,member of Multi-Stakeholder Advisory Group (MAG) of African Internet Governance Forum (AFIGF), a board member of the African Digital Rights (ADRN), and a member of board of directors - Innovation for Change Middle East and North Africa MENA Hub. Furthermore, he is a Member of UNESCO's AI Ethics Experts Without Borders (AIEB) network, and Member of UNESCO's Global Network of Experts on AI and the Rule of Law. He was a member of UN high level advisory body on AI (HLAB), vice chairman of (MAG) of North Africa Internet Governance (NAIGF), He was a member of the steering committee of Internet Rights and Principles Coalition (IRPC).

Mpho Moyo is a seasoned researcher and consultant with over 16 years’ of experience in communications, media and technology. Her primary focus is improving digital access and developing evidence-based policies and regulations within sub-Saharan Africa. Mpho has led pivotal projects, conducted analyses on the ICT access, accessibility and use of ICTs by persons with disabilities; analysed diversity and gender equality within Artificial Intelligence in Sub-Saharan Africa; provided strategic recommendations for developing cloud-first policy for South Africa; collected and analysed pricing and supply dynamics across seven Sub-Saharan countries; assessed the influence of 5G and digital transformation on sectors such as education, health, agriculture, and public services in South Africa; and led efforts in mapping out the data landscape and formulating a data strategy for Sierra Leone. Recognised for her strategic insights significantly influencing policy-making, Mpho plays a vital role in understanding market dynamics and offering key strategic recommendations. Her position at Research ICT Africa highlights her dedication to using technology to foster societal progress, establishing her as an integral team member. Mpho holds a Master’s degree in Social Science (International Relations) from the University of Cape Town and is a PhD candidate in Artificial Intelligence.

Paula is a researcher and activist and is passionate about freedom of expression and information topics. She follows human rights policy issues at the global level, in spaces such as the UN Human Rights Council, UN General Assembly and Internet Governance Forum, as well as trends at the national level. Before joining APC, Paula worked for more than 10 years monitoring and reporting on violence against journalists and human rights defenders in Brazil and other countries in Latin America.

Peace is a communications specialist, gender digital rights activist and policy advocate. She is a member of the Multistakeholder Advisory Group (MAG) for the United Nations' Internet Governance Forum (IGF). Prior to joining APC, Peace was the executive director at Women of Uganda Network (WOUGNET) where she mainstreamed gender in tech policies, undertook research on topics around gender and technology, and empowered women and girls to enable them use information and communications technology. Her professional training is in international relations and diplomacy, and in her free time, she loves to read and write.

Peter Major is vice-chairman of the UN Commission on Science and Technology for Development (CSTD). He is the chair of the CSTD Working Group on Data Governance. He is member of the Multi-stakeholder Advisory Group (MAG) of the IGF. Peter chaired the CSTD Working Group on Improvements to the IGF, and the CSTD Working Group on Enhanced Cooperation. He represents Hungary in the Governmental Advisory Committee (GAC) of ICANN. Peter is professor at Zhenjiang University International Business School. He regularly gives presentations on internet governance related topics.

Mr. Poncelet Ileleji is a highly experienced ICT and institutional development expert with a comprehensive 25-year tenure in the field. His professional engagement has been centered around leveraging information and communication technology as a pivotal tool for sustainable development. Throughout his career, he has actively participated in various ICT initiatives, research endeavors, and capacity-building programs. Additionally, Mr. Ileleji has served as the Lead and CEO of Jokkolabs Banjul in The Gambia, contributing significantly to the organization's leadership and strategic direction as its founder. Mr. Ileleji has demonstrated his expertise as a consultant across diverse projects in Africa, focusing on ICT for Development, Learning Technologies, Education, Internet Governance, and Health Informatics. In 2021, he assumed the role of National Education Consultant for Digital Skills in The Gambia, contributing to the World Bank's Digital Diagnostics Report. Concurrently, he conducted the ICT Investment Profile for the ICT Sector in The Gambia, Burkina Faso, and Guinea Conakry on behalf of the International Trade Centre (ITC) and the West African Competitive Programme (WACOMP). Moreover, Mr. Ileleji served as the Country Coordinator for the World Links program in The Gambia from 2001 to 2005, a World Bank-funded initiative, showcasing his sustained commitment to advancing ICT initiatives. Mr. Ileleji is an active member of the Association for Progressive Communication, as well as the founding member of the Information Technology Association of the Gambia and acted as its president from March 2010 to April 2014. Poncelet is the national resource person for the West African Internet Governance Forum and former board member of Africa ICT alliance. He also served on the Working Group for WG 3 – Privacy and Transparency Online for Freedom Coalition, and represents is organization in the Open Data Charter as a Steward on the implementation committee. Mr. Poncelet Ileleji leads the organization partnership of Jokkolabs with the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development Data, and was a  Board member of the USA based Technology non-profit organization Net Freedom Pioneers (2018 to 2021). He serves as the lead for his organization on the pan African network of hubs in Africa and is active within the global entrepreneurship network. He also leads his organization in the Open Knowledge Foundation Network  and Global Partnership for Sustainable Development Data. Mr. Ileleji, currently sits on the Board of the Association of Progressive Communications (www.apc.org). He was Lead Researcher for the Just concluded Internet Universal Indicator for UNESCO for the Gambia, and serves as a Consultant for the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa on Digital Transformation, where he was one of the consultant that developed the National Digital Transformation Strategy for the Gambia. He is also served as a Consultant Director for the UNDP Innovation Pod, for University of Juba, South Sudan. Mr. Ileleji, is focal Point for Internet Governance Forum on the Global Internet Governance Forum, National and Regional Initiative (NRI) he is on the Policy Network of Artificial Intelligence where he is involved as part of the writers on publication of PNAI. He lectures Digital Technologies in the Spring for the BEM University in Senegal. He is an Immediate Past President of the Rotary Club of Kotu, The Gambia where he still volunteers on various Rotary initiatives locally and under his District 9101.

Yaovi Atohoun is an electrical engineer with more than 30 years’ work experience in Information and Communication Technology (ICT). He has worked for the Association of African Universities (AAU) as Senior IT Officer from 2008 to 2012. He has coordinated many activities for the USAID/Leland Initiative (an Internet Development Project) in Africa from 1997 to 2004. From 1992 to 1997 he worked as a consultant to computerize the News Agency in West African countries for the WANAD/UNESCO project. He was involved in many community activities as volunteer for AfriNIC, AFNOG, the ICANN At-Large Advisory committee and the ICANN nomination committee before joining ICANN in 2013.