Child Online Africa (COA) has called for the creation of a continental Africa eSafety Commission to protect children, women, the elderly, and other vulnerable groups online, as global leaders meet in South Africa for the G20 Summit under President Cyril Ramaphosa.
COA said that although Africa adopted the African Union Child Online Safety and Empowerment Policy, implementation remains fragmented, leaving children exposed to online risks. The organisation noted gaps in institutional capacity, legal frameworks, and cross-border enforcement, limiting the continent’s ability to respond to online abuse.
“Our work has revealed persistent gaps—from limited capacity in frontline institutions to uneven legal frameworks struggling with cross-border online abuse. Without a dedicated enforcement body, these policies risk remaining paper promises,” COA said.
COA has implemented more than 500 programmes in over a dozen African countries, trained 2,000 teachers, and educated more than 70 young leaders through its Africa Digital Leaders fellowship. Its initiatives, including the Happy School Girl programme and advocacy campaigns such as Africa Week of Action for Child Online Protection (AWA4COP) and Hike4theChildOnline, have reached tens of thousands across the continent.
The organisation urged President Cyril Ramaphosa, the African Union, and regional economic communities including ECOWAS, SADC, and the East African Community to support the establishment of the Commission. Civil society, youth leaders, and advocacy groups have been asked to mobilise public support around #AfricaESafetyNow.
The proposed Commission would set continental standards, monitor and enforce online safety, provide education and awareness, coordinate with law enforcement, and hold technology companies accountable.
COA said the initiative would protect children, women, older adults, persons with disabilities, and communities in fragile digital environments.
About COA
Child Online Africa (COA) is a Ghana-based NGO that promotes online safety, digital literacy, and well-being for children, young people, and communities across Africa through research, advocacy, and innovative programmes.
