Peterking Quaye to Champion Digital Inclusion Dialogue at 7th Annual Youth Education and Leadership Conference 2025
The West Africa Young Parliamentarians Network (WAYPA) has officially invited Mr. Peterking Quaye, Regional Director for Programs and Projects at the West Africa ICT Action Network (WAICTANet) and Convener of the Liberia Internet Governance Forum (LIGF), to serve as a facilitator at the upcoming 7th Annual Youth Education and Leadership Conference (AYEAL Conference 2025).The high-level conference, slated for November 20–22, 2025, at Jackie’s Guest House in Ganta, Nimba County, will convene young leaders, parliamentarians, policymakers, and youth advocates from across the West African sub-region under the theme, “Empowering Youth for a Sustainable Future.”
Mr. Quaye will facilitate a breakout session on “Digital Inclusion and Internet Governance: Progress and Challenges within West Africa” on November 21, 2025, at 2:00 PM. The session will explore the region’s progress in bridging the digital divide, advancing internet governance frameworks, and empowering youth to lead in the evolving digital landscape. WAICTANet, a leading regional platform advancing inclusive digital transformation, has been instrumental in promoting policy dialogue and youth participation in digital governance across the Mano River Union (MRU) region—comprising Liberia, Sierra Leone, Guinea, and Côte d’Ivoire. Mr. Quaye’s engagement reflects the organization’s broader mission to strengthen youth capacity and policy innovation through collaboration and evidence-based advocacy.
Speaking on the invitation, Peterking Quaye remarked, “I am deeply honored to join the 7th Annual Youth Education and Leadership Conference as a facilitator. Digital inclusion is not merely about access—it’s about empowering young people to create, innovate, and influence the digital future of our continent. West Africa’s youth must be equipped to engage in internet governance processes, shape policy outcomes, and safeguard their rights in the digital era.” He added that WAICTANet remains committed to building cross-border networks, supporting data governance education, and advancing human rights–based digital transformation initiatives.
This year’s event will also mark the official launch of the West Africa Young Parliamentarians Network (WAYPA) — a platform bringing together young Members of Parliament from across West Africa. The network seeks to amplify youth participation in decision-making, strengthen democratic governance, and encourage regional collaboration on laws and policies affecting young people. WAYPA members from The Gambia, Sierra Leone, Senegal, Mali, Guinea-Bissau, Ghana, and Nigeria will attend the official signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) establishing the network. The ceremony will be witnessed by government officials, civil society representatives, youth and women’s groups, traditional leaders, and development partners from across the sub-region. The Annual Youth Education and Leadership Conference serves as one of West Africa’s premier platforms for youth policy dialogue, capacity building, and leadership exchange. The 2025 edition aims to inspire young leaders to become proactive contributors to sustainable development, digital transformation, and democratic accountability in their countries.
The West Africa ICT Action Network (WAICTANet) is a regional, multi-stakeholder organization advancing digital inclusion, internet governance, cybersecurity awareness, and youth empowerment across West Africa. Through initiatives such as the Liberia Internet Governance Forum, the MRU Youth IGF, and the Academy for Digital Empowerment, WAICTANet continues to promote safe, inclusive, and sustainable use of digital technologies in the sub-region.
