Professor Ojo Emmanuel Ademola Urges Rights-Based Digital Governance for Africa
By Esther Bello, Abuja, Nigeria
Professor Ojo Emmanuel Ademola has called for a rights-based approach to digital governance in Africa, warning that online freedom of expression must be protected with the same seriousness as traditional human rights.
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Speaking on One Slot on News Central Television, Professor Ademola said Africa is at a critical crossroads as governments and global technology platforms increasingly define the limits of online speech.
He noted that social media has become Africa’s new civic space—where political participation, economic opportunity, and cultural expression intersect. According to him, actions such as internet shutdowns, restrictive digital laws, and opaque platform decisions have direct consequences for democratic engagement and public trust.
Professor Ademola cautioned against the misuse of “national security” as a broad justification for digital repression, stressing that security concerns must not override fundamental rights.
He also drew attention to the challenges posed by automated content moderation systems operated from outside the continent, which often fail to understand African political contexts and cultural nuance. To address this imbalance, he called for the democratisation of platform governance, urging that citizens be given meaningful roles in shaping digital policies, scrutinising moderation practices, and participating in key decisions that affect their rights online.
Addressing the spread of misinformation, hate speech, and algorithm-driven harm, Professor Ademola argued that no single solution is sufficient. He advocated a multi-stakeholder approach that combines technology, digital literacy, responsible journalism, and strong civic institutions.
He further called for the development of a continent-wide digital rights framework to promote transparency, due process, and accountability across both state and corporate actors.
Professor Ademola concluded that digital freedom is now central to Africa’s democratic and economic future, stressing that the continent must intentionally build an online environment where every voice is protected and empowered.
Professor Ojo Emmanuel Ademola Urges Rights-Based Digital Governance for Africa