Our History
The Collaboration on International ICT Policy for East and Southern Africa (CIPESA) is one of two centres established under the Catalysing Access to Information and Communications Technologies in Africa (CATIA) initiative, which was funded by the UK’s Department for International Development (DfID). CIPESA focuses on decision-making that facilitates the use of ICT in support of good governance, human rights and livelihoods.
CIPESA’s establishment in 2004 was in response to the findings of the Louder Voices Report for DFiD, which cited the lack of easy, affordable and timely access to information about ICT related issues and processes as a key barrier to effective and inclusive ICT policy making in Africa. As such, our work responds to shortage of information, resources and actors consistently working at the nexus of technology, human rights and society
Our Objectives
- Research and contribute to the availability of information on the policy, legislative and practice environment affecting ICT in Africa;
- Advocate and raise awareness raising on threats to free speech, access to information, equal access, privacy and security online and opportunities for technology to advance democratic participation, transparency and accountability in governance;
- Spur multi-stakeholder conversations on protecting and promoting internet rights;
- Strategic litigation;
- Build movements, knowledge and skills development in digital rights policy engagement, digital literacy, digital security, social accountability and human rights monitoring.
Our Vision
To be Africa’s leading ICT policy and governance think tank
Our Mission
To promote inclusive and effective use of ICT in Africa for improved governance and livelihoods