The 2025 Internet Development Conference began on January 21 in Addis Ababa.
The goal of the conference is to lay the foundations for a stronger and more integrated internet ecosystem in the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) region.
The event will continue for three days. Among the main topics of the conference will be enhancing regional cooperation and addressing connectivity challenges.
Additionally, key stakeholders from Ethiopia, Somalia, Kenya, South Sudan, Uganda, and Djibouti will focus on promoting the growth of the internet economy.
The conference will provide opportunities for professional networking, technical knowledge sharing, collaboration on initiatives such as supporting community networks, and establishing exchange points in the Horn of Africa.
Furthermore, the conference has the potential to strengthen regional infrastructure, support inter-country collaboration, aid in the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), and encourage the growth of community networks in underserved areas.