Objective(s)
To train professional journalists, bloggers, activists and media practitioners within African civil society in cybersecurity and the responsible use of the internet, enabling them to work safely in the face of surveillance, censorship and cyberattacks.
Overview
Afrique Média Cybersécurité (AMC) is AfricTivistes’ flagship cybersecurity programme, launched in August 2017 and dedicated to the memory of Anna Gueye. It brings together all the digital security training formats developed since then: face-to-face training in 13 countries, the Safe Sisters initiative, the Tech Sisters initiative, the Women in Cybersecurity initiative, and the AfricTivistes Cybersecurity Open Classroom, launched in 2024. This constantly evolving programme has trained over 1,150 people across the continent and beyond.
CONTEXT
In Africa, working in the media carries increasing risks: internet shutdowns, cyber-surveillance, arrests of bloggers, and repressive laws. Between 2015 and 2017, the DRC, Chad, Cameroon, Gabon, Mali, Burkina Faso, The Gambia and Senegal all experienced forms of digital censorship. Faced with these threats, journalists and activists lack the tools and knowledge to protect themselves effectively in an increasingly hostile digital environment.
APPROACH
AMC is based on a modular and scalable approach combining several complementary formats. Face-to-face training sessions (six-day sessions for 50 participants) laid the foundations. Safe Sisters focused on female journalists and human rights defenders, addressing cybersecurity and the fight against online harassment. Tech Sisters developed technical skills in digital auditing and organisational security. The Open Classroom then provided free access to all French-speaking African citizens via an online platform. Each format integrates participants into a community for sharing best practices and receiving regular updates on anti-censorship technologies.
Project evolution
The progressive deployment of the project across countries and partners.
Face-to-face training courses
Digital Defenders, Clemson University, PPLAAF
Partner(s)
Face-to-face training courses
Digital Defenders, Clemson University, PPLAAF
Partner(s)
RD Congo
Sénégal
A project by
Project platforms
The digital tools and platforms deployed as part of this project.
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