The International Press Institute (IPI) is hosting a side session at the 2024 Digital Rights and Inclusion Forum in Accra, Ghana, on the 10th anniversary of the African Union Convention on Cyber Security and Protection of Personal Information, also known as the Malabo Convention. The Malabo Convention was adopted in 2014 to address the need for harmonized cybersecurity legislation in Africa. Since its adoption, several countries have enacted cybersecurity and cybercrime laws and policies, and these laws have also become tools for authoritarian governments to undermine fundamental rights and restrict the work of journalists and civic society. Despite its adoption in 2014, the Convention only came into force in 2023. This creates an opportune moment to reflect on the principles of the Malabo Convention and how it can be improved to ensure it serves as a good model for domestic cybercrime laws, and leveraged as a regional tool for cybersecurity while also respecting and enabling human rights.

Moderator:

Nompilo Simanje, IPI Africa Advocacy and Partnerships Lead

Speakers:

Ourveena Geereesha Topsy, Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Expression and Access to Information, African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR)

Naro Omo-Osagie, Africa Policy and Advocacy Manager, Access Now

Edateen Ojo, Executive Director, Media Rights Agenda

Nandundu Diana Okia

Eugene Xaba, Legal Associate, African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR)