Celebrating 30 Years of the Internet
The Africa Internet Summit (AIS) 2025 kicked off in Accra with the opening ceremony led by the Honourable Samuel Nartey George, Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Ghana. |Youtube Video|
High-Profile Messages and Interventions
The ceremony featured a rich mix of voices from Africa and beyond:
- Welcome Messages from Nancy Dotse AfNOG Coordinator |Youtube Video| and Prof. Nii Quaynor AfNOG Convenor |Youtube Video|
- Goodwill messages from the Af* Convener Prof. Nii Quaynor |Youtube Video| and AFRINIC Director Prof. Adewale Adedokun |Youtube Video|
- Vint Cerf, Internet pioneer |Youtube Video|
- Ren Xianlian, Secretary General, World Internet Conference (WIC), China |Youtube Video|
- Avinash Ramtohul, Minister of Information Technology, Communications & Innovation, Mauritius |Youtube Video|
- Sally Wentworth, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Internet Society and Internet Society Foundation |Youtube Video|
- Kurt Lindqvist, CEO, ICANN |Youtube Video|
- Local host Edmund Fianko, Director General of Ghana’s NCA |Youtube Video|
- Goodwill Message on Behalf of Mr. Larry Gbevlo Lartey - Ghana’s Special Envoy to the Alliance of Sah |Youtube Video|
Celebrating 30 Years of the Internet
A special highlight of the day was the 30 Years of Internet Celebration. Lively interventions traced the history and political journey of the Internet in Ghana and Africa. Reflections came from:
Prof. Nii Quaynor, often hailed as the "Father of the Internet in Africa"
Alain Aina, AF*
Eric Akumiah, Historian, Network Computer Systems
Lucas Chigabatia, Garnet
Emmanuel Ofori, Director of Innovation, Ministry of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations
Together, they painted a vivid picture of the Internet’s evolution in Ghana, from its early days of experimentation to its present role as a cornerstone of development.
On the Sidelines: Smart Africa Dialogues
The Smart Africa sessions tackled pressing governance and infrastructure challenges. Key among them:
- AFRINIC’s reform process
- Ensuring long-term sustainability for Africa’s Internet ecosystem
Catch Up on the Action
Watch speeches & goodwill messages: AIS YouTube Channel
Browse event photos: AIS Flickr Gallery
Access slides & videos: AIS 2025 Program
Day 1 wrapped with energy, reflection, and a strong sense of purpose in shaping Africa’s Internet future.