Internet Governance

By CIPESA Writer | Today, the GSMA, a group that represents the interests of mobile operators worldwide, has launched the ‘Principles for Driving the Digital Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities’, which aim to inspire the mobile industry to help close the mobile disability gap. Announced on the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, December 3, […] Read more

By Edrine Wanyama | The renewed order by Uganda’s communications regulator for online publishers and broadcasters to apply for licences before they operate presents a grave threat to freedom of expression and citizens’ right of access  to information. Earlier this month, the Uganda Communication Commission (UCC) set October 5, 2020 as the deadline for “persons currently […] Read more

Call for Comments | The 2018 introduction of the Africa Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) marked an opportune time to advance dialogue and consensus on how to shape and govern the digital economy on the continent to promote greater regional cohesion, development, and competitiveness. AfCFTA came into force on May 30, 2019 and has the […] Read more

By Simone Toussi and Thomas Robertson | In response to national security challenges related to terrorism, ethnic conflict and organized crime, Niger promulgated a new law on the interception of communications, with surveillance implications that threaten the right to free speech and privacy online. In April 2020, the Nigerien Council of Ministers tabled a bill […] Read more

By Edrine Wanyama | On July 17, 2020, the Tanzania government issued new Electronic and Postal Communications (Online Content) Regulations, 2020 that apply to online content production, hosting and dissemination. The regulations entrench the licencing and taxation of bloggers, online discussion forums, radio and television webcasters, and repress online speech, privacy and access to information. […] Read more

By Jimmy Kainja | Malawi’s two leading telecommunication companies, Airtel Malawi and Telekom Networks Malawi (TNM), have reduced data prices in recent weeks. In a July 30, 2020 statement, Airtel Malawi announced new data bundle prices, with reductions of up to 40%. Only a month earlier in June 2020, Airtel Malawi published financial statements showing it recorded profits […] Read more

Appel à propositions | La Collaboration sur les Politiques Internationales des TIC pour l’Afrique orientale et australe (CIPESA) a le plaisir de lancer le troisième appel à propositions au Fonds africain pour les droits numériques (FADN), qui soutient le travail sur les droits numériques à travers le continent grâce à des subventions à réponse rapides […] Read more

By Edrine Wanyama | In March 2020, Ethiopia enacted the Hate Speech and Disinformation Prevention and Suppression Proclamation to address hate speech and disinformation, which have historically troubled the country. However, whereas government regulation is legitimate to control hate speech, Ethiopia’s new law poses a threat to freedom of expression and access to information online.  […] Read more

By Juliet Nanfuka | The pushback against internet shutdowns in Africa received a boost last month when the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Community Court of Justice ruled that the 2017 internet shutdown in Togo was illegal. This followed another win just over a year ago when, in January 2019, the Zimbabwe High […] Read more

Announcement | The Collaboration on International ICT Policy for East and Southern Africa (CIPESA) is pleased to announce the nine recipients of its 2020 fellowship awards. Introduced in 2017, CIPESA’s fellowship programme aims to increase the quality, diversity and regularity of research and media reporting on ICT, democracy, and human rights in Sub-Saharan Africa.  The […] Read more