Expanding the digital economy & online access fragilities for Africa

Africa's youthful population presents a ripe opportunity for economic growth and development, with internet penetration rapidly expanding across the continent. In a recent interview with CNBC Africa, Najat Malla M’jid, the United Nations Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Violence against Children, shed light on the unique business opportunities and challenges that come with this demographic landscape. M’jid emphasized that children are not a problem to solve but an asset to invest in, especially in Africa. She commended the African Union's efforts to prioritize child safety and empowerment in the digital realm, including the establishment of the African Digital Compact and child online protection policies. However, she also highlighted the importance of bridging the digital gap in remote and rural areas to ensure all children have access to digital learning while being protected from online threats. Moving forward, M’jid underscored the need for a proactive approach to embedding child protection measures in the expansion of digital access, emphasizing the role of strong legislation and regulatory frameworks. She urged tech companies entering the African market to comply with established child protection guidelines and prioritize the safety and well-being of young users. While discussing the effectiveness of the Africa Child Online Protection Framework, M’jid emphasized the importance of implementation and monitoring mechanisms to accelerate its impact continent-wide. She stressed the need for a dedicated committee to oversee the framework's execution and called for collaboration with civil society and children themselves to enhance reporting and accountability. Addressing the pervasive issue of online violence against children, M’jid highlighted the interconnected nature of online and offline threats and called for a holistic approach to child protection across various sectors. She emphasized the economic costs of violence against children and underscored the importance of viewing child protection as an investment in people-centered development. Looking ahead, M’jid emphasized the critical role of international partnerships in tackling cybersecurity challenges in Africa, advocating for multi-stakeholder collaboration and information-sharing to overcome barriers and promote global cooperation. As Africa continues its digital transformation journey, safeguarding the well-being of its youth remains paramount, requiring a concerted effort from governments, tech companies, and civil society to create a safer online environment for all children.