In a region where connectivity is growing at unprecedented rates, the stakes of cyber resilience have never been higher. That’s why, on April 23, 2025, the Krystal Palace Hotel in Douala played host to a landmark event — the NRS Event on Good Internet Governance, a collaborative initiative in partnership with BBC & FILS.
The event brought together 20 carefully selected participants, all of them Internet Service Providers (ISPs), for a day of in-depth dialogue, skill-building, and strategic reflection. Though modest in size, the gathering was rich in influence, with two prominent firm directors and the Director of the National Agency for Technology and Innovation in attendance, lending gravitas and national significance to the occasion.
A Forum Marked by Insight and Purpose
At the heart of the event was a central theme: fostering a digital ecosystem that is secure, inclusive, and ethically governed. The program featured thought-provoking sessions delivered by notable industry voices, with topics ranging from emerging cyber threats to the ethical dimensions of internet governance. The event also encouraged candid discussion about the safeguarding of voting rights, especially in light of recent concerns circulated through social media videos.
To address these, the organizers provided on-site guidance on proxy voting , demystifying the process and reinforcing trust in participatory mechanisms within the internet governance landscape.
From Dialogue to Action
While no formal announcements were made; the upcoming AFRINIC election dates were already well-known among attendees, the seminar served as a timely platform to sharpen collective awareness and preparedness. A highlight of the day was the dynamic Q&A sessions, which transformed lectures into collaborative problem-solving labs. The networking breaks were equally powerful, forging new alliances and reinforcing existing bonds within the ISP community.
One of the most memorable contributions came from a panel discussion on resilience in infrastructure, which underscored the reality that building a safe internet isn’t just about technology — it’s about shared responsibility.
Media Attention and Growing Momentum
The impact of the event extended well beyond the four walls of the event hall. Local media outlets covered the event and are set to air features in the coming days, amplifying its key messages to a wider audience. Meanwhile, social media lit up with live updates, quotes, and photos, generating healthy buzz and meaningful conversations across professional networks.
Event Reflection
NRS presiding over this session was both a professional honor and a great milestone. Every question posed was met with thoughtful response — not because one individual held all the answers, but because the room itself was alive with collective expertise and sincere curiosity. It was a vivid reminder that meaningful change doesn’t happen in isolation — it begins in rooms just like this, where minds meet, ideas flow, and shared values take root.
As we look to the future, one truth stands clear: good internet governance isn’t a luxury — it’s a necessity. And in Douala, on this important day, we took a firm step toward securing it for all.
It’s encouragingBlog Comment Creation to see focused discussions on internet governance happening in regions where digital growth is rapidly accelerating. Bringing ISPs together in such an intimate setting fosters the kind of collaboration and strategic thinking that can really drive policy and infrastructure improvements. Curious to know if there are plans to expand this model to other cities or stakeholder groups in the future.