Understanding Digital Rights in An Era of Digital Politics in Africa

As more African countries connect their citizens to the Internet and other digital technologies in a bid to improve services, questions are being asked about the protection of human rights for nationals online. The wake of the COVID-19 pandemic forced many countries on the continent to search for alternative ways to provide services. Varying national shutdowns also impacted democratic processes like elections and accompanying actions such as voter registration and campaigning. This paper aims to assess the trends and challenges around the implementation of digital rights and propose the way forward for scholars and practitioners promoting digital rights. Data was collected using desktop research to identify and assess common themes and differences across the continent. The results show that as technologies continue evolving at a fast pace, it is fundamental for African governments to reassess and adapt their laws to maintain and protect the rights of their citizens online.