Collaboration on International ICT Policy for East and Southern Africa

Established in 2004, the Collaboration on International ICT Policy for East and Southern Africa (CIPESA) is a leading center for research and analysis of information aimed to enable policymakers in the region to better understand ICT policy issues, and for other stakeholders to effectively use ICT to improve governance and livelihoods. CIPESA’s work at the continental, regional, and national level responds to the shortage of evidence-based research, resources, and actors consistently working at the nexus of technology, human rights, and society. The organization is implementing its new strategic plan, which focuses on promoting the online participation of civic actors in Africa; advancing internet freedom and governance in Africa; promoting the effective and efficient use and protection of data by state and non-state actors; enhancing the digital resilience and adaptability of civil society in the face of cyber threats; ensuring equitable access to and use of digital technologies for the most underserved populations; and promoting economic growth through digital technologies. (Strategy: Evidence-Informed Policymaking)

Established in 2004, the Collaboration on International ICT Policy for East and Southern Africa (CIPESA) is a leading center for research and analysis of information aimed to enable policymakers in the region to better understand ICT policy issues, and for various other stakeholders to effectively use ICT to improve governance and livelihoods. CIPESA’s work at the continental, regional, and national level responds to the shortage of evidence-based research, resources, and actors consistently working at the nexus of technology, human rights, and society. CIPESA will continue to foster work related to responsible data governance that promotes data openness and respect for citizens’ digital rights. This grant sits within a cluster of grants under the Evidence-Informed Policymaking strategy to strengthen a field of African institutions working on data governance. The goal of this cluster is to help governments in East and West Africa develop policy frameworks that balance public good uses of data with data privacy and protection.

Collaboration on International ICT Policy for East and Southern Africa (CIPESA) works to promote inclusive and effective Information and Communications Technology (ICT) policy in Africa for improved governance and livelihoods. This project will foster responsible data governance that promotes data openness and respect for citizens’ digital rights. It will research the state of play of data governance regulation in several African countries and engage public institutions on fostering data openness, citizens’ participation, and digital rights. This grant is part of a cluster of grants under the Evidence-Informed Policymaking strategy to strengthen a field of African institutions working on data governance. The goal of this cluster is to help governments in East and West Africa develop policy frameworks that balance public good uses of data with data privacy and protection.