Enerst Mafuta Katoka

Biography

Ernest Mafuta Katoka is a passionate internet governance advocate and technologist, dedicated to promoting digital inclusion and enhancing accessibility in the digital landscape. As a Type Approval Consultant, he plays a vital role in ensuring that technological standards meet the needs of users while fostering innovation.

From 2022 to 2024, Ernest served as the Chair of the Affordable Internet Access Special Interest Group, where he championed initiatives focused on digital connectivity, data affordability, and equitable access to the internet. His leadership conveyed a strong message about the crucial role of technology in bridging the digital divide.

Ernest is an active member of the ICANN, Internet society  community and the broader Internet Governance Forum (IGF), where he has been a speaker and contributor, sharing insights on policies that enhance internet accessibility. In his home country, he has made significant contributions to ICT standards development through his involvement with the Zambia Bureau of Standards’ technical committees, focusing on ICT quality and experience.

As a member of the Africa Youth Internet Governance Forum, Ernest is part of the organizing committee, shaping program agendas and contributing as a session organizer, ensuring that youth perspectives are highlighted in internet governance discussions.

Previously, from 2020 to 2022, Ernest served as a UN IGF technical support volunteer, providing expertise to global discussions on internet governance. He is also a member of the ITU U4SSC Thematic Group on Digital Public Infrastructure for Cities, where he contributes to the development of standards for digital public infrastructure, championing best practices that ensure effective implementation and sustainability.

Ernest’s commitment to internet advocacy underscores his belief that everyone deserves access to affordable and reliable internet, empowering individuals and communities in the digital age