It is with profound sadness and heavy hearts that we mourn the passing of Ms. Arinola Akinyemi, a remarkable leader, accomplished professional, and passionate advocate for Africa’s digital transformation.

Ms. Arinola was not just a committed member of AfICTA; she was one of its pioneering members whose vision, dedication, and sacrifices helped lay the foundation for what the organization has become today. As one of the early pillars of AfICTA, she contributed immensely to shaping its journey, strengthening its voice, and advancing its mission across Africa. Her commitment to the growth of the ICT ecosystem and digital innovation on the continent remains an enduring part of her legacy.

As the Chief Executive Officer of DigiSphere Investment Ltd, she exemplified visionary leadership, entrepreneurship, and innovation, using technology as a tool for development, empowerment, and growth. Through her work in business and technology, she inspired many and demonstrated what it means to lead with excellence and purpose.

Beyond AfICTA, Ms. Arinola served with distinction across key organizations and global digital governance ecosystems, making notable contributions within the ICANN Business Constituency (BC), the broader ICANN community, and the Internet Governance Forum (IGF) ecosystem. Her voice, insight, and leadership were respected in spaces where digital policy, internet governance, innovation, and stakeholder collaboration shaped the future of the internet globally. She brought passion, professionalism, and an African perspective to these important conversations, leaving her mark in every space she served.

Ms. Arinola was a woman of vision, strength, and excellence, whose leadership was marked by grace, wisdom, humility, and a genuine passion for service. She was admired not only for her professional accomplishments but also for her warmth, strength of character, and ability to inspire and uplift others.

Her passing is a painful loss not only to AfICTA, but to the wider African ICT community and the global internet governance ecosystem. She has left behind a space that remains deeply noticeable,  a void created by her absence, yet filled with the enduring memories of her impact, service, and contributions. Her footprints within AfICTA, DigiSphere, and the wider technology and governance community will remain visible for years to come.

Though she may no longer be with us physically, her legacy of service, pioneering leadership, and unwavering commitment will continue to live on in the institution she helped build, the ecosystems she strengthened, and the many lives she touched.

We honor her memory, celebrate her life, and give thanks for the remarkable legacy she leaves behind. May her soul rest in perfect peace, and may her family, friends, colleagues, and the entire AfICTA family find comfort and strength during this difficult time.

Gone from our sight, but never from our hearts. Rest in peace, Ms. Arinola Akinyemi.

The African ICT Alliance (AfICTA), in partnership with GITEX Africa, is excited to invite innovators, entrepreneurs, startups, investors, policymakers, technology professionals, students, and members of the public to participate in GITEX Kenya 2026, taking place from 19–21 May 2026 in Nairobi, Kenya.

GITEX Kenya 2026 will bring together leading voices and stakeholders shaping the future of technology, digital transformation, AI, fintech, cybersecurity, smart cities, connectivity, and innovation across Africa and beyond.

Attendees will have the opportunity to:

• Explore groundbreaking technologies and innovations
• Access to the Exhibition centre @ Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC), Nairobi
• Network with global tech leaders, investors, and industry experts
• Participate in high-level conferences and panel discussions
• Discover business and partnership opportunities
• Engage with startups and emerging digital solutions transforming Africa

As one of the continent’s premier technology events, GITEX Kenya 2026 promises an exciting platform for collaboration, learning, investment, and growth within Africa’s rapidly evolving digital economy.

Whether you are a business leader, tech enthusiast, startup founder, student, or policymaker, this is your opportunity to be part of the conversations and innovations driving Africa’s digital future.

Register now and join the movement shaping the next era of technology and innovation in Africa.

The Internet Governance Forum Expert Group Meeting (EGM) took place in New York on 14–15 April 2026, bringing together digital policy experts, governments, civil society, private sector leaders, and technical community representatives to discuss the future of the IGF after the United Nations granted it a permanent mandate.

The meeting focused on how the IGF can evolve from being mainly a discussion platform into a stronger mechanism for influencing global digital governance and Internet policy. Participants explored ways to improve cooperation with major UN digital initiatives such as the WSIS+20 review and the Global Digital Compact. In attendance was Dr. Jimson Olufuye, CEO, Kontemporary Konsulting Ltd & Founder/fmr Chair, Chair Advisory Council, AfICTA.

Key discussions included:

• Strengthening the IGF’s role in shaping global digital policy outcomes.
• Improving collaboration between governments, civil society, and the technical community.
• Expanding intersessional work and year-round policy engagement.
• Preserving the IGF’s multistakeholder and bottom-up governance model while making it more action-oriented.

The meeting report highlighted growing international support for a more influential and better-resourced IGF as digital governance issues such as AI, cybersecurity, online rights, and Internet fragmentation become increasingly important globally. Download the Report