Kampala, Tuesday 16th June 2023 – Today, Unwanted Witness has organized the West African Privacy Regional Engagement as part of the events that lead to the Privacy Symposium Africa 2023. The Engagement is going to be virtual and will be structured as a panel discussion, featuring experts in corporate responsibility, privacy protection, and civil society activism. Each panellist will present their perspectives on the topic, followed by a moderated discussion and question and answer session with the audience.

The title of the Engagement is “Corporate Responsibility and Privacy Protection: The Role of Civil Society in Fostering Corporate Accountability in West Africa”. It will start at 12:00 pm WAT and 2:00 pm EAT. The session is expected to raise awareness about the importance of corporate responsibility and privacy protection in West Africa, and the need for stronger civil society engagement in promoting corporate accountability.

The session will also generate recommendations for policymakers and stakeholders on strategies for strengthening corporate responsibility and privacy protection in the region. The upcoming webinar will delve into a wide range of critical topics, including an overview of Corporate Responsibility and Privacy Protection in West Africa, the vital role of Civil Society in promoting corporate accountability, the challenges faced by Civil Society in holding corporations accountable, strategies for strengthening Corporate Responsibility and Privacy Protection, and valuable recommendations for policymakers and stakeholders.

“The unwavering dedication of Civil Society plays a pivotal role in fostering corporate accountability, as we navigate the realm of Corporate Responsibility and Privacy Protection in West Africa. Together, we can build a stronger foundation for ethical practices and safeguard the rights of individuals and communities,” said Ms Dorothy Mukasa, Executive Director 

The Engagement will discuss the importance of corporate responsibility and privacy protection in West Africa and the role of civil society in fostering corporate accountability. The panel is comprised of:

Eliot Bendinelli: As the Director of Privacy International’s Corporate Exploitation Programme, Eliot Bendinelli has been actively engaged in advocating for privacy rights in the corporate world. With expertise in the impact of technology on human rights, Bendinelli will provide invaluable insights into corporate responsibility in West Africa.

Y. Z. Ya’u: Director at the Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD), Y. Z. Ya’u has been a prominent figure in the Nigerian tech ecosystem. With a focus on information technology, digital rights, and policy advocacy, Ya’u will shed light on the role of civil society in holding corporations accountable for privacy protection.

Maureen Kelechi Onwukwe: As the Executive Director and Founder of the Good Governance Awareness Initiative (GGAI), Maureen Kelechi Onwukwe has been actively involved in promoting transparency, accountability, and good governance in Nigeria. Her expertise will contribute to the discussion on how civil society can drive corporate accountability in West Africa.

Simone Toussi: As the Francophone/Central Africa Project Officer at the Collaboration on International ICT Policy for East and Southern Africa (CIPESA), Simone Toussi has been a key player in promoting digital rights and privacy protection in the region. Her insights will provide a valuable perspective on the challenges and opportunities in West Africa.

The discussion will also explore the challenges faced by civil society in holding corporations accountable for their actions and the need for stronger regulation and enforcement of privacy protection laws. We invite you to be part of this event.

Click the registration link below to secure your spot: bit.ly/PrivacyWestAfrica

About the Organizer

Unwanted Witness is a leading digital rights organization in Uganda that advocates for the open, secure, and inclusive use of technology that contributes to the realization of human rights and good governance. Established in 2012, Unwanted Witness also works through collaborations and networks for synergy building. Ensuring that the negative effects of technology are minimized and maximizing the positive potentials. Since its establishment, it has been at the forefront of advocating for the right to privacy.