CIPESA

CIPESA works to promote inclusive and effective use of ICT in Africa for improved governance and livelihoods.

[CIPESA @cipesaug]

📢📢 Registration is NOW OPEN for #FIFAfrica26! 📢📢

The 13th edition of the Forum on Internet Freedom in Africa is heading to #Mauritius from September 28 – October 1, 2026 - and YOU are invited to be part of it.

Join over 500 participants from across Africa and beyond for exciting conversations, critical reflection, and collective action on #InternetFreedomAfrica and the future of our digital societies.

#FIFAfrica26 will convene policymakers, activists, journalists, academics, technologists, and creatives to engage the most pressing issues shaping Africa’s digital landscape, including:

🟠Digital Democracy and Civic Participation
🟠Data Governance and Sovereignty
🟠Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Technologies
🟠Platform Accountability
🟠Digital Inclusion
🟠Digital Economy, Trade and Practices
🟠Movement Building
🟠Digital Security and Safety

Register now and secure your spot 👉🏾https://t.co/9Za5sywCQT

[CIPESA @cipesaug]

We are thrilled to congratulate Ashnah Kalemera, our Head of Programmes at CIPESA on her election to the @IFEX Council for the 2026–2029 term.

IFEX is the world's largest global network dedicated to defending and promoting freedom of expression, representing over 100 independent organisations across 70 countries. Ashnah brings to the Council extensive expertise on #InternetFreedom, #FreedomOfExpression, #AccessToinformation, #TechPolicy and much more.

"I am deeply honoured to join the IFEX Council at such a critical moment for free expression globally. I look forward to contributing alongside the brilliant members of the Council to advance free expression and digital rights for communities across Africa and beyond." - Ashnah Kalemera

[AFEX @AFEXafrica]

AFEX members elected to the IFEX Council https://t.co/bkRx6ThjXA @lanreipc @IPCng @MRA_Nigeria @IreneAyaa @amdissmedia

[CIPESA @cipesaug]

The consequences of platform governance are felt directly by users, often with devastating real world impacts.

From the tragic failure to moderate hate speech during the Tigray conflict in Ethiopia🇪🇹, to the relentless technology-facilitated gender-based violence silencing women across Africa, and coordinated disinformation campaigns spreading unchecked in Kenya🇰🇪,our current systems are failing to protect people.

Who holds digital power accountable? Discover critical lessons and key recommendations in this timely policy brief: https://t.co/zUkPyOn1oi

#InternetFreedomAfrica

[CIPESA @cipesaug]

Heading to Mauritius for #FIFAfrica26? 🇲🇺 This year’s Forum on Internet Freedom in Africa is officially landing in Balaclava from Sept 28 – Oct 1!

Read the full travel note for information on, local SIM registration, currency rates, and airport transfer details: https://t.co/ulNC5JTL2o

Quick notes:
🟧Most passport holders can grab a visa on arrival or enter visa-free, but check the guide to see if your country needs one prior to travel. Don't forget your yellow fever card if you are flying from a risk zone!

🟧Pack Smart: Pack a light jacket for those breezy island evenings, bring a universal adapter for Type G/C outlets, and secure your spot at the secured hotel blocks.

#InternetFreedomAfrica

[House of Seshat @houseofseshat_]

Curious what our Democracy in the Feeds is about but don't have time to read the full report?

@janice_nkajja, a policy analyst, lawyer, and Founder of @CivicCoded, put together a brilliant short video unpacking some of the report's key findings.

Watch it below, then explore the full report here: https://t.co/UpR5GOwlip @cipesaug

[IFEX @IFEX]

#Africa 🌍 @cipesaug calls for more responsive and structured ways of engaging with young Africans on digital platforms so that online discussions are not left to exist in isolation but can inform decision-making and influence public decisions.

https://t.co/uFUa6CmUkD

[CIPESA @cipesaug]

🚨New Policy Brief Alert.🚨

#Cybercrime laws should protect people from genuine digital harms, not become tools to silence journalists, activists, bloggers, opposition voices, and ordinary citizens.

Our new policy brief examines how vague "false news" and online speech offences are being used across #Africa, highlights emerging reforms in #Uganda🇺🇬, #Kenya🇰🇪 and #Nigeria🇳🇬, and offers recommendations for governments, regulators, regional bodies, and tech platforms to protect both security and fundamental freedoms online.

Access full Policy Brief: https://t.co/3Nf2tmM73g
#InternetFreedomAfrica

[CIPESA @cipesaug]

As #DigitalPlatforms shape our economies, democracies and public discourse, who holds their power accountable?

Our new policy brief examines #Kenya🇰🇪, #Nigeria🇳🇬 and #SouthAfrica🇿🇦, highlighting three distinct approaches to platform governance, from data protection and competition law to regulatory enforcement.

But no country can effectively govern global platforms alone. The brief calls for coordinated, rights-based, regional action to build a more transparent, accountable and inclusive digital future.

Find the full policy brief here:https://t.co/zUkPyOn1oi

#InternetFreedomAfrica #DigitalRights

[CIPESA @cipesaug]

Current approaches to Artificial Intelligence(AI) development risk deepening global #inequalities rather than closing them. Meaningful #AI governance must move beyond superficial frameworks and address the structural imbalances impacting the Global South.

As a member of the Global South Alliance, we are proud to share a crucial joint statement co-authored with the Global Digital Justice Forum. This collective voice reflects the very core of our ongoing research and policy advocacy.

To ensure a fair and just digital future, we strongly recommend:

1️⃣ Stronger Corporate Accountability.
2️⃣ Equitable Data Governance.
3️⃣ Public-Interest AI Infrastructure.

The future of technology must be built on equity, accountability, and digital justice.
Read the full joint statement and our collective recommendations here:https://t.co/gNFpc0qV4b
#InternetFreedomAfrica

[CIPESA @cipesaug]

The mobile phone📱 has become the main point of entry into civic life for young Africans.
No formal institution required ,
just a phone, data, and a platform. Livestreams, TikToks, and group chats now carry the debates that used to happen in town halls.

🇰🇪Kenya's #RejectFinanceBill saw young people turn tax policy into peer-to-peer civic learning on X and TikTok.

🇳🇬Nigeria's #EndBadGovernance did the same for inflation📈 and subsidy cuts.
Digital space🛜 isn't supplementing civic space anymore. It is civic space.
Read more about this in our latest analysis: https://t.co/RllBjfDcC2
#InternetFreedomAfrica #DigitalRights #DigitalDemocracy

[CIPESA @cipesaug]

At the launch of the Digital Safety Toolkit at the #CybersecuritySymposium our Legal Officer Edrinne Wanyama examined Uganda's legal response to Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence (TFGBV), a growing threat as more young people live their lives online.

He broke down how effective current laws actually are in protecting young survivors, and the roles played by the Uganda Police Force, the DPP, civil society organisations, and the courts in responding to #TFGBV cases.

His key message: young people need to know their rights and the reporting pathways available to them, while institutions must coordinate better to make protection real, not just legal.

#DigitalRights #TFGBV #InternetFreedomAfrica #BeSafeByDesign

[CIPESA @cipesaug]

What if we start off by saying it's a fool's errand to think #BigTech will self-regulate its way to safety?

That's exactly why #BeSafeByDesign matters ,safety and accountability built into platforms from day one, not promised after the harm.

Join our Paul Kimumwe @pkimumwe , Mercy Mutemi @MercyMutemi (Oversight Lab), Boye Adegoke, Ebenezar Wikina & Durga Nandini for a storytelling clinic on Humanising Big Tech Accountability.

🗓️ Tue, July 7 | 10am GMT / 1pm EAT
Webinar link:https://t.co/j7WuZIPuvp

#PlatformAccountability

[Oversight Lab Africa @TheOversightLab]

Join us for a storytelling clinic on Humanising Big Tech Accountability on Tuesday, July 7 10:00 am GMT via Zoom.  The session is brought to you by Luminate, Nguvu Collective, CIPESA & The Oversight Lab.

👉 Register here: https://t.co/gbUyJmKiW5

#BigTech #DigitalRights

[CIPESA @cipesaug]

Foreign interference is accelerating a shift toward #DigitalAuthoritarianism in #Africa. From Chinese-funded surveillance infrastructure deployed with limited public oversight, to covert Russian-linked disinformation campaigns, to direct diplomatic pressure that forced the cancellation of a major event like #RightsCon .

To safeguard digital rights, African civil society must:
1⃣Strengthen regional coalitions to present a united front against external pressure.
2⃣Boost media literacy to help citizens recognise and resist information warfare.
3⃣Use upcoming platforms like #FIFAfrica26 and the 2026 UN Internet Governance Forum in Kenya to hold governments accountable and demand transparency on foreign-backed digital infrastructure.

Explore more on this topic here:https://t.co/aIT3lrSElt
#InternetFreedomAfrica #KeIGF2026 #AfTPS2026

[Oversight Lab Africa @TheOversightLab]

Join us for a storytelling clinic on Humanising Big Tech Accountability on Tuesday, July 7 10:00 am GMT via Zoom.  The session is brought to you by Luminate, Nguvu Collective, CIPESA & The Oversight Lab.

👉 Register here: https://t.co/gbUyJmKiW5

#BigTech #DigitalRights

[CIPESA @cipesaug]

Digital health apps are reshaping healthcare across #Africa ,connecting patients, clinicians, pharmacies & health agencies. But they also generate vast amounts of sensitive data moving across borders.
Our policy brief maps 7 principles for governing app-based health data:
1️⃣ Data sovereignty.
2️⃣ Safe cross-border flows.
3️⃣ Consent & minimisation.
4️⃣ Interoperability.
5️⃣ AI governance.
6️⃣ Equity & inclusion.
7️⃣ Accountability.

Explore more about the principles here: https://t.co/jhCn3Jupc6
#DigitalHealth #DataGovernance

[BASEiOTA Foundation @baseiota]

We were pleased to witness the launch of the Digital Safety Toolkit for University Students: Claiming Spaces Online by @femtechXlaw in partnership with @cipesaug ,during the Cybersecurity Symposium for University Students.
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[CIPESA @cipesaug]

#Africa's digital rights community is gathering in #Mauritius this September. Policymakers, journalists, activists, technologists, human rights defenders, regulators ,all under one roof, for four days of deliberate, impactful conversation.

At #FIFAfrica26, you will engage on the issues that matter most: #InternetShutdowns, #AI governance, data sovereignty, platform accountability, digital inclusion, and the future of civic space on the continent.

This is not just a conference. It is a coordinated platform to influence policy, build networks, and strengthen Africa's voice in global digital governance ,at a moment when that voice is needed most.

Join us in Mauritius🇲🇺 | 🗓️28 September – 1 October 2026.
Sign up here: https://t.co/tJVQGRhGJo
#InternetFreedomAfrica

[CIPESA @cipesaug]

At the seventh Inclusive #Africa Conference in Nairobi this June, one question ran through every session: does #Africa's digital economy work for everyone, or does it reproduce old patterns of exclusion?

More than 150 million persons with disabilities across the continent still navigate websites, apps, and government platforms that were never built with them in mind. The World Bank puts the cost of this exclusion at 3–7% of #GDP.

The conference, convened by inABLE, also marked the launch of Africa's first Harmonised Digital Accessibility Standard, a 24-month process targeting adoption across all 45 ARSO member states.

Explore more on what was discussed, and what governments and regulators must do next: https://t.co/nuUoSNEOL0
#DigitalInclusion #Accessibility #IAC2026

[CIPESA @cipesaug]

App-based health platforms are reshaping care across #Africa ,but #DataGovernance hasn't kept pace. Our new policy brief flags major gaps: weak consent, fragmented laws, and unclear accountability for cross-border health data.

We outline 7 principles for safer, rights-respecting #DigitalHealth systems. Regulators, developers, and health providers ,this one's for you.

Access the brief: https://t.co/jhCn3Jupc6

#DigitalHealth #DataGovernance #DigitalRights