UNICEF and GSMA have officially launched the Africa Taskforce on Child Online Protection at MWC25 Kigali, marking a major milestone toward safeguarding children in Africa’s growing digital ecosystem. This Taskforce, the first of its kind, has been established as a multi-stakeholder platform that will lead, coordinate, and advance efforts to protect children’s safety and rights online. The initiative comes at a time when Africa is experiencing one of the fastest rates of internet adoption among children globally, bringing both transformative opportunities and unprecedented risks.
The launch follows a June 2025 whitepaper by GSMA, developed in collaboration with UNICEF and leading regional partners, which highlighted the urgent need for stronger, coordinated action to address online risks such as cyberbullying, data exploitation, digital trafficking, misinformation, and exposure to harmful content. The whitepaper recommended the formation of a taskforce to serve as a central mechanism to implement policy, guide regulatory action, and promote child-centered digital governance across the continent.
Africa’s unique digital landscape—characterized by mobile-first connectivity, rapid technological advancement, and the accelerating influence of Artificial Intelligence—has made it critical to adopt a localized approach to digital safety. As more children engage online for learning, entertainment, and social connection, the need to balance innovation with protection has never been greater. Etleva Kadilli, UNICEF Regional Director, emphasized that this initiative puts children’s safety at the forefront of Africa’s digital transformation, ensuring technology becomes a force for empowerment, not harm.
The taskforce brings together a diverse network of influential partners, including telecom giants, law enforcement agencies, child rights organizations, and youth representatives from across the continent. These partners will collaborate to drive the implementation of regional policies, reinforce safety-by-design principles, and develop national frameworks that ensure every child is protected as they engage in the digital world. The involvement of visionary youth leaders ensures that the solutions developed are not only strategic but also aligned with the real-life experiences of young digital citizens.
This landmark launch signals a new era in Africa’s digital governance—one that champions the safety, dignity, and rights of children online. By transforming strategic recommendations into tangible action, UNICEF, GSMA, and their partners are positioning Africa as a global leader in responsible, child-centered digital transformation. This initiative sets the foundation for a safer, more inclusive digital future where young people can thrive without fear and where technology becomes a catalyst for development, education, and empowerment.
