Internet Development Conference 2025 | Internet Society | 20 January 2025 | Ethiopian Skylight Hotel, Airport Rd, Addis Ababa 1755, Ethiopia

This event will bring together key players to address the region’s connectivity challenges, enhance regional cooperation, and foster the growth of a robust Internet economy.

This conference will serve as a platform for knowledge sharing, professional networking, and collaboration on critical initiatives such as establishing Internet Exchange Points (IXPs) and supporting community networks.

Goals
The conference will lay the foundation for a stronger, more integrated Internet ecosystem in the IGAD region, which includes countries like Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda, Somalia, South Sudan, and Djibouti. Specific goals include:

• Addressing regional challenges: Identify the key obstacles affecting Internet development in various IGAD countries and explore practical solutions.
• Promoting knowledge sharing: Facilitate cross-border learning and exchange of technical expertise to improve Internet infrastructure.
• Strengthening regional cooperation: Encourage collaboration among countries in the sub-region to support the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCTA).
• Building networks: Enable discussions on establishing IXPs and fostering the growth of community networks in underserved areas.

Who Should Attend?
The conference will spark multidisciplinary discussions, especially for:

• Policymakers and regulators in the ICT sector
• Businesses involved in telecom and Internet services
• Technologists and network engineers
• International organizations focused on Internet development
• Entrepreneurs looking for opportunities in the digital economy
• Academics and researchers interested in regional Internet infrastructure

2025 Speakers

Dr. Asrat Mulatu
Associate Professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Addis Ababa Science and Technology University

Dawit Bekele
Regional Vice President - Africa, Internet Society

Waleed Hamdi
Head of the Information Society Division, African Union

Beza Mamo
Director, Payment Application, Ethswitch

Dr. Abiyot Bayou Tehone
Senior Advisor to the Minister of Innovation and Technology, Ethiopia

Dr. Emmanuel C. Manasseh
Acting Regional Director, ITU Regional Office for Africa

Balcha Reba
Director General, Ethiopian Communications Authority

Million Hailemichael
Expert, Information Technology and Telecommunications Law

Tigist Damtie
CEO, Cloud 251

Meshingo Jack
Digital and Technology Transformation Advisor, Tony Blair Institute for Global Change

Dr. Tesfa Tegegne
Associate Professor of Computer Science, Bahir Dar University

Solomon Damtew Birhanu
Director, Payment and Settlement Systems Directorate, National Bank of Ethiopia

Yehalem Abebe Metiku
Executive Director, Partners in Education Ethiopia

Dan York
Senior Advisor, Internet Society

Carlos Rey-Moreno
Co-founder, Zenzeleni Networks

Demos Kyriacou
Co-Founder, Deputy CEO, and COO, Wingu Africa Group

Ghislain Nkeramugaba
IXP Development Expert, Internet Society

Steve Song
Consultant on Access Regulation and Policy, Association for Progressive Communications

Mesfin Belachew Tefera
Project Management Unit Coordinator for Ethiopia's Digital ID Project

Barrack Otieno
General Manager, Africa Top Level Domains Organization

Rhian Duarte
Senior Manager for Public Affairs, Abrint

Melka Girma
COO, Shega Media and Technologies

2025 Sponsor

• Mint