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The Collaboration on International ICT Policy for East and Southern Africa (CIPESA) is a leading centre for research and analysis of information aimed to enable policy makers in the region to understand ICT policy issues, and for various multi-stakeholders to effectively use ICT to improve governance and livelihoods. CIPESA was established in 2004 in response to the findings of the Louder Voices Report for DFiD, which cited the lack of easy, affordable and timely access to information about ICT-related issues and processes as a key barrier to effective and inclusive ICT policy making in Africa. As such, our work responds to a shortage of information, resources and actors consistently working at the nexus of technology, human rights and society. While initially formed to work in East and Southern African countries, over the years, we have expanded to cover the entire continent. Initially focused on research, over the last decade we have diversified our ways of work to include advocacy, capacity development, and convenings, among others.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and data driven technologies are presenting new challenges for social justice and electoral democracy. For instance, AI has enabled the generation of large volumes of disinformation that is often harder-to-detect, and the amplification of digital harms on social media platforms. This undermines access to impartial and pluralistic information, affects electoral integrity and could fuel election-related violence. Yet evidence of how this is playing out remains thin. Researching the nature and effects of AI-supported election disinfo is crucial. Meanwhile, the convergence of data-driven digital technologies and AI, combined with new business models such as location-based platformisation and gig-work, presents opportunities for employment and economic growth. However, the convergence also poses significant challenges, such as job displacement, data privacy violations, worker exploitation, algorithmic bias, and perpetuating multidimensional structural injustices. These challenges have significant implications for both labour and digital rights in Africa, and inform CIPESA¡¯s approach to the Future of Work area. Some of our work includes: - Advancing Data Justice Research and Practice - https://advancingdatajustice.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Advancing-Data-Justice-Research-and-Practice-Final-Report¡ªCIPESA.pdf - Towards Ethical AI Regulation in Africa - https://cipesa.org/2024/03/towards-ethical-ai-regulation-in-africa/ - CIPESA Joins Initiative to Develop AI Charter in Media - https://cipesa.org/2023/09/cipesa-joins-international-initiative-to-develop-ai-charter-in-media/ - Labour and Digital Rights in Africa: State of Play and Policy Actions - https://cipesa.org/wp-content/files/Labour_and_Digital_Rights_Brief_Nov_2023.pdf - Disinformation Pathways and Effects - https://cipesa.org/wp-content/files/briefs/Disinformation_Pathways_and_Effects_Case_Studies_from_Five_African_Countries_Report.pdf