The 2023 Forum on Internet Freedom in Africa (FIFAfrica) will be held in-person in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania from 27 to 29 September.
In previous years, Tanzania, similar to its regional counterparts, has joined the push toward innovation, digitisation, and progress. The country has, however, faced scrutiny over practices, legislations, and directives that have threatened freedom of expression, the right to privacy, and access to information. In 2015, Tanzania’s Cybercrimes Act came into force, and since then, authorities have weaponised this law to crack down on journalists. Authorities also previously blocked access to Twitter, Telegram, and WhatsApp during the election period in 2020. Civil society organisations have further raised the alarm regarding the Electronic and Postal Communications (Online Content) Regulations of 2020 and the risks that it presents to expression online.
These repressive actions have had severe impacts on press freedom, transparency, and accountability, as well as business and human rights. It is for this reason that engaging on issues of internet shutdowns, censorship, surveillance and threats to privacy will be at the forefront of Access Now’s participation at the conference.
Below are some of the events Access Now staff will be joining at FIFAfrica. Visit the official website for more information on the agenda.
THURSDAY, 28 SEPTEMBER
Data Governance and Privacy Standards in Africa: Opportunities and Challenges Now and in the Future
[11:30 am – 1:00 pm local time – EAT]
Room: Lake Victoria
CIPESA and Access Now FIFAfrica23 Cocktail Function
[6:30 pm – 10:00 pm local time – EAT]
Room: Level 8 – Hyatt Hotel Rooftop Bar
FRIDAY, 29 SEPTEMBER
Coalition and Movement Building in the Fight against Internet Shutdowns in Africa
[11:00 am – 12:30 pm local time – EAT]
Room: Lake Tanganyika
Access Now #KeepItOn Coalition Meeting
[3:30 pm – 5:00 pm local time – EAT]
Room: Bagamoyo