The 44th Ordinary Session of the African Union Executive Council, which took place from February 14–15, 2024, in Addis Ababa, adopted the African Child Online Safety and Empowerment Policy, which seeks to provide a strong framework for implementing children’s rights in the digital environment and ensure that children maximize the benefits of information and communication technologies while minimizing risks.
The policy establishes key principles such as children’s right to safety, privacy, and online participation with prime importance attached to children’s best interests and will support member states in developing strategies and programs to promote child online safety and empowerment.
The African Union Commission believes that with the right safeguards in place, the digital environment can be harnessed to provide abundant opportunities to enrich children’s lives, learning, and development. The adoption of the African Child Online Safety and Empowerment Policy is an important step forward in realizing this vision and protecting Africa’s children both now and in the future.
Figures show that internet access and usage by children and young people is growing rapidly across Africa and that one in three internet users is a child. However, many children lack the knowledge and skills to stay safe online, while legal protections remain inadequate in many countries. The new policy aims to address these gaps.
H.E. Dr. Amani Abou-Zeid, Commissioner for Infrastructure and Energy at the African Union, said, “The digital world offers enormous opportunities for Africa’s children and youth to learn, connect, and innovate. However, it also presents risks that we must address through policy and action.”
The adoption of the African Child Online Safety and Empowerment Policy marks a breakthrough in Africa’s collaborative efforts to protect and empower children in the digital era. With coordinated action and commitment at all levels, Africa has commenced a journey to create a safer and more enabling online environment where African children can reach their full potential.
AU Adopts Online Child Online Safety and Empowerment Policy
