Blog

Tanzania Tramples Digital Rights in Fight Against Covid-19

CIPESA Writer |

Since the first case of the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) was announced in Tanzania on March 16, 2020, the government has been in the spotlight for its handling of the pandemic. It has denied the severity of the pandemic, suspended media houses, and criminalised Covid-19-related speech through enactment and enforcement of repressive regulations. 

In turn, there have been growing concerns…

#WomenAtWebUg Media Masterclass and Reporting Grant Programme |

Announcement |

The Collaboration on International ICT Policy for East and Southern Africa (CIPESA) is pleased to announce the Women At Web Uganda (#WomenAtWebUg) Masterclass and Reporting Grant Programme. The two-phase programme builds on research conducted and engagements held as part of the Women At Web project of the DW.

The first phase of the programme will see successful applicants participate in a…

How Lack of Access to Information and ICTs has fueled Disinformation in Malawi

By Jimmy Kainja |

The spread of false or misleading information online is due to various reasons. A recent BBC study on fake news in Africa found that sharing news online can be socially validating; because “being the first to share a story in your group of friends, showing others you are in the know and provoking discussion make social media…

Jonction sur les Fake News : Les groupes Whatsapp sont les meilleurs vecteurs de propagation

By Amath Diouf |

Covid-19 et Fake News. C’est le thème du séminaire organisé par Jonction, le mardi 29 septembre 2020. Des experts se sont prononcés sur les entraves à la liberté d’expression sur internet en temps de crise sanitaire, notamment sur les mécanismes de vérification de la désinformation.

Selon Emanuel Maurice Dioh, Responsable Internet Sans Frontière Sénégal, “nous devons lutter contre la propagation…

Report: The State of Internet Freedom in Africa 2020

#FIFAfrica20 |

Today, September 29, 2020, the Collaboration on International ICT Policy for East and Southern Africa (CIPESA) has released a new report, State of Internet Freedom in Africa 2020. The report focuses on the impact of the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) measures adopted by governments to contain its spread on digital rights and freedoms including freedom of expression and information, assembly and…

Three Days of Digital Rights at #FIFAfrica20! Two Day Down, One to Go!

#FIFAfrica20 |

Day two of the Forum on Internet Freedom in Africa 2020 (FIFAfrica20) has wound down, with yet more engagement, experience sharing, skills building, assembly of thought leadership, insights and opinions on digital rights from across the continent and beyond.

The third and final day will be just as inspiring, kicking off with a dialogue on internet accessibility for persons with disability…

Three Days of Digital Rights at #FIFAfrica20! One Day Down, Two to Go!

#FIFAfrica20 |

Day Two: Tuesday, 29 September 2020

The seventh edition of the Forum on Internet Freedom in Africa (FIFAfrica) kicked off on a high with the first day commemorating the International Day of Universal Access to Information (IDUAI)  on which it coincided. Several sessions recognised access to information as one of the pillars for an inclusive digital society including as an enabler for political engagement,…

Three Days of Digital Rights: Here’s What’s Happening on Day One of FIFAfrica20!

FIFAfrica20 |
Not yet registered? Click here to gain an all-access pass into the Forum on Internet Freedom in Africa 2020
Day 1: Monday, 28 September 2020 

The Forum on Internet Freedom in Africa 2020 (FIFAfrica20) kicks off on Monday, 28 September 2020 which is also the International Day for Universal Access To Information (IDUAI). An opening panel of key actors in Africa’s digital landscape…

The Erosion of Digital Rights in the Fight Against Covid-19 in Kenya

By Victor Kapiyo |

Kenya confirmed its first coronavirus (Covid-19) case on March 12, 2020, and as of August 26, 2020, the country had recorded at least 559 deaths, 32,803 confirmed cases, and 19,055 recoveries, with 429,513 persons tested.

Even before the first case was confirmed in Kenya in February 2020, the government had moved to establish the National Emergency Response Committee on Covid-19…

Registration of Online Publishers and Broadcasters Threatens Free Expression in Uganda

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 offering or planning to commence the provision of online…