Written by Sempala Allan Kigozi

Introduction:

In today’s digital age, the importance of privacy protection cannot be overstated. With the increasing use of technology and the collection of personal data by corporations, individuals are becoming more concerned about the security and integrity of their private information. In this context, the upcoming West African Privacy Engagement, scheduled for Friday, June 16^th, 2023, on Zoom, holds immense significance. This event, organized under the theme “Corporate Responsibility and Privacy Protection: The Role Of Civil Society In Fostering Corporate Accountability in West Africa,” aims to explore strategies for strengthening privacy rights and encouraging corporate responsibility. It serves as a prelude to the highly anticipated 5^th edition of the Privacy Symposium Africa, set to take place in Port Louis, Mauritius, from November 7^th to 9^th, 2023. These initiatives are organized by the Unwanted Witness in collaboration with the Data Protection Office of Mauritius.

Panelists and Speakers:

The West African Privacy Engagement has assembled an exceptional lineup of speakers who are at the forefront of privacy advocacy, corporate accountability, and civil society empowerment. These individuals bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table, and their contributions are expected to shape the discussions and outcomes of the event. Here are some of the notable speakers:

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.

Vivian Affoah: Vivian Affoah serves as the Programme Manager for Digital Rights at the Media Foundation for West Africa. With a focus on advocating for freedom of expression and online privacy, Affoah will contribute valuable perspectives on the role of civil society in fostering corporate accountability.

Key Topics and Objectives:

The West African Privacy Engagement aims to address crucial topics related to corporate responsibility, privacy protection, and civil society’s role in holding corporations accountable. The event will explore groundbreaking strategies and game-changing insights to foster a culture of privacy protection in West Africa. Some of the key topics that will be covered include:

• Corporate responsibility in safeguarding privacy rights.
• Challenges and opportunities in privacy protection within the West African context.
• The role of civil society organizations in advocating for corporate accountability.
• Strategies for strengthening privacy laws and regulations in West Africa.
• Collaboration between civil society, governments, and corporations for effective privacy protection.
• Empowering individuals and communities to protect their privacy rights.

Conclusion

The West African Privacy Engagement, is poised to be a transformative event. By addressing the theme of “Corporate Responsibility and Privacy Protection: The Role Of Civil Society In Fostering Corporate Accountability in West Africa,” it aims to empower individuals, civil society organizations, and policymakers with the necessary tools and insights to promote privacy rights and hold corporations accountable.