Our story
Our story
The african child online safety alliance (acosa) was born out of a collective vision to create a safer digital environment for children across africa. As internet access expands across the continent, african children are increasingly engaging with digital spaces, bringing both opportunities for growth and exposure to significant online risks. Recognizing the need for a unified and proactive approach to address these challenges, acosa was established as a pan-african coalition to protect and empower children in the digital age.
Our journey began at the africa child online protection summit, organized by the watoto watch network in november 2024 in addis ababa, ethiopia. This landmark event brought together stakeholders from across africa, including governments, civil society organizations, educators, policymakers, and technology experts. The summit served as a platform to assess the state of child online protection in africa and to explore innovative and collaborative solutions tailored to the continent’s diverse contexts.
The discussions at the summit were informed by the successes and challenges of child online protection (cop) initiatives in countries such as kenya, namibia, tanzania, cameroon, mauritius, south africa, ghana, and nigeria. While these nations had made significant progress in combating online threats like cyberbullying, sextortion, and online exploitation, it became evident that a coordinated regional approach was essential to bridge gaps, amplify advocacy, and ensure no child was left vulnerable.
Inspired by this collective realization, acosa was officially launched at the conclusion of the summit. The alliance was envisioned as a collaborative platform that brings together organizations from across africa to share resources, expertise, and strategies to address the unique challenges faced by african children in the digital space.
Strength in partnership
Strengthening regional collaboration to combat online risks and promote digital literacy.
Advocating
Advocating for robust child online protection policies across Africa.
Empowering safe digital
Empowering parents, educators, and children with tools and knowledge to navigate the digital world safely.
Innovative safety
Innovating solutions to emerging online safety challenges while respecting Africa’s cultural diversity.
Today, acosa unites a growing network of partners dedicated to safeguarding the digital rights and well-being of children. With representation from countries like namibia, tanzania, cameroon, mauritius, ghana, south africa,cameroun, senegal, ethiopia and beyond, acosa stands as a testament to what can be achieved through collective action and shared commitment.
Our story continues as we work together to build an africa where children can embrace the opportunities of the digital age while being protected from harm. Acosa is more than an organization—it is a movement for securing the digital future of africa’s children.