African govts urged to enhance online safety for youth & e-commerce growth

As the online digital economy in Africa continues to flourish, with projections indicating revenues of up to 180 billion by 2025, concerns about online safety for children are at the forefront of discussions. In a recent interview with CNBC Africa, Chege Ngugi, Region Director: Africa, Childfund International, highlighted the significant growth in internet usage across the continent and its positive impact on economic development. However, Ngugi also shed light on the alarming risks associated with this growth, particularly the exploitation of children through online abuse and sexual exploitation. According to Ngugi, statistics show that a large number of African children are exposed to unsolicited online requests, share personal information with strangers, and are threatened or blackmailed into engaging in sexual activities. These issues have been further exacerbated by the increased availability of digital services, such as shopping, mobile payments, and social engagement, which have opened avenues for exploitation. A joint survey by ECPAT, Interpol, and UNICEF revealed disturbing trends in child sexual abuse materials, with a significant percentage of victims being young children, including infants and toddlers. Despite the positive impact of internet connectivity on education and healthcare, the rise in online abuse poses a significant threat to the safety and well-being of African children. Ngugi emphasized the need for African governments to prioritize online safety measures to protect children and ensure the sustainable growth of the digital economy. He called for increased awareness among parents, educators, and law enforcement officers regarding the risks of online exploitation, as well as the implementation of new laws and policies to address these challenges. Ngugi also stressed the importance of empowering children with age-appropriate knowledge and tools to protect themselves online, while advocating for stronger cross-sectoral collaborations to combat online abuse. While acknowledging the challenges ahead, Ngugi highlighted the efforts of countries like Kenya and Ethiopia in developing laws and policies to safeguard children from online exploitation. By working together and adopting proactive measures, African governments and stakeholders can create a safer online environment for youth and drive sustainable e-commerce growth on the continent.