How can something so right be so wrong? Right to Information legislation is failing women in Africa

By Reyhana Masters |
In her contribution to IFEX’s series marking International Women’s Day, Regional Editor Reyhana Masters looks at how women are disadvantaged when it comes to accessing public information.
Access to information is considered essential to the right of freedom of expression in the African Charter of Human and Peoples’ Rights and the Declaration of Principles on Freedom of Expression in Africa. Right…

Silencing Critical Voices: Our Online Civic Space is Shrinking

By Digital Shelter |

Somalia had recorded steady growth in telephone penetration – with 7.6 mobile subscribers. However, internet penetration remains low – 2% as at 2017, according to the International Telecommunications Union (ITU). The adoption of technology has expanded civic space in the post conflict era, with social media platforms and blogs empowering journalists, activists and human rights defenders to document and report human abuses, mobilize…

To Grow a Digital Economy, Build an Internet for Everyone

News Update |
Good broadband policy today is the key to a strong, thriving digital economy in the future.
Broadband policy issues are often discussed as an afterthought or as a promising proposal for technological revolution with minimal investment. Broadband policy is a smart investment – when done right. Done wrong, it leaves unaffordable data and handset costs – keeping people offline…

Popi Act Delay May Leave Your Data Vulnerable

News Update |

Personal information is so valuable that data has been described as “the new oil”. Although some regulators have stepped in to ensure that those who marshal our personal information operate transparently and are held accountable, South Africa’s personal protections are lagging dangerously.

The Protection of Personal Information Act (Popia) was signed into law in 2013 but is still not…

iWatch Africa Launches Digital Rights Initiative to Tackle Online Harassment in Ghana

iWatch Africa News Update |

iWatch Africa, a non-profit organization, has launched a digital rights initiative in Accra to curb online harassment experienced by human rights activists and journalists in Ghana.

iWatch Africa in collaboration with the Commission on Human Rights Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) and the police will monitor and prosecute individuals who use various online platforms to trample on the fundamental…

Kenyan Inventor Builds Electronic Wheelchairs Powered by Laptop Batteries

By Malanie Nagi  and Alexandra Mae Jones |
Lincoln Wamae doesn’t see trash when he comes across a discarded laptop in a junkyard. He sees opportunity.
The 30-year-old scavenges scrap metal and electronics to create custom electronic chairs — a hobby that has turned into a way to help Kenyans with physical disabilities regain their independence.

Wamae, who lives in Nairobi, taught himself the…

Togo/Election, Risque De Coupure D’Internet:Une Coalition Internationale Saisit La Ministre Cina Lawson

Togo Election Update |

« Nous avons reçu des informations que votre gouvernement prévoit de couper l’internet au cours des prochaines élections au Togo. Au nom de plus de 210 organisations de plus de 70 pays qui constituent la coalition KeepItOn, nous voudrions faire appel à vous, Madame la Ministre, pour que vous assuriez que l’internet, y compris les réseaux sociaux et…