African civil society organizations (CSOs), journalists, human rights defenders (HRDs), and democracy activists face mounting threats-ranging from cyberattacks, disinformation campaigns, state surveillance, and digital authoritarianism. At the Center for Information and Data Analysis (CIDA Africa), we are committed to protecting digital freedoms, strengthening cyber resilience, and uncovering online threats that undermine democracy, civic engagement, and human rights. Through cutting-edge research, cybersecurity interventions, and strategic advocacy, we empower civil society, media, policymakers, and technologists to counter online harms and ensure a free, open, and secure digital space in Africa.

HOW WE WORK WITH CSOs, JOURNALISTS AND HUMAN RIGHTS DEFENDERS

01

Cyber Resilience for Human Rights Defenders & CSOs

The Problem: Human rights defenders, journalists, and CSOs in Africa face targeted cyberattacks, digital surveillance, and online harassment, often lacking the resources and expertise to defend themselves against these threats.

🔎 Our Solution:
CIDA Africa builds cyber resilience through:

Cybersecurity Training & Risk Assessments

We provide hands-on training and risk analysis to help organizations and individuals identify vulnerabilities, secure their systems, and strengthen their digital security practices.

Secure Communication & Encryption Solutions

We introduce you to, and help you implement end-to-end encryption tools, secure messaging platforms, and privacy-enhancing technologies to ensure confidential and safe communication.

Customized Digital Security Strategies

We provide tailored security solutions for at-risk groups, helping them develop proactive cyber hygiene practices and emergency response plans.

02

Digital Forensics Support for CSOs and HRDs & Media Organisations

The Problem:  Governments, malicious actors, and politically motivated groups frequently target CSOs, journalists, and activists with hacking attempts, spyware, and cyber harassment, often leaving victims without the expertise to recover and respond effectively. 🔎 Our Solution:
CIDA Africa assists by conducting: Digital Forensics Investigations

We conduct in-depth forensic analysis to trace and document cyberattacks, malware infections, and system breaches, helping organizations understand the source and impact of an attack.

Incident Response & Data Recovery

We assist in recovering compromised accounts, securing hacked devices, and mitigating damage from cyber intrusions.

Threat Intelligence & Monitoring

We use advanced forensic tools and AI-driven security analysis to identify, track, and prevent emerging cyber threats targeting civil society groups.

Training on Forensic Tools & Best Practices

We equip activists, journalists, and CSO leaders with skills to detect, analyze, and respond to digital threats, phishing attacks, and malware infiltration.

03

Strategic Communication: Risk Assessments

The Problem:  Foreign Information and Manipulated Information (FIMI) campaigns, including coordinated campaigns, propaganda, and influence operations, are being used to shape public perception, disrupt democratic discourse, and undermine civil society. Many organizations, activists, and journalists lack the tools to assess the risks posed by these campaigns and develop effective counter-strategies.

🔎 Our Solution:
CIDA Africa assists by conducting: Social Media & Influence Network Analysis

We track, analyze, and map disinformation networks using OSINT and data-driven methodologies to expose actors manipulating online discourse.

Tracking & Mapping FIMI Networks

Using OSINT, AI-powered analytics, and network mapping, we uncover how manipulated content spreads, identifying key actors and narratives in influence ecosystems.

Policy & Advocacy

We equip journalists, human rights defenders, and democracy advocates with skills to detect, analyze, and respond to FIMI threats effectively.

04

Investigating Online Violent Extremism

The Problem:  Terrorist organizations and extremist groups use online platforms to radicalize and recruit individuals, spreading extremist narratives that can escalate violence and destabilize communities.

🔎 Our Solution:
CIDA Africa assists by conducting: Tracking & Analyzing Extremist Narratives

We monitor and analyze how extremist groups exploit social media, encrypted apps, and digital platforms to spread their ideologies.

Developing localised AI/ML classifiers for Radicalization Detection

We develop and use machine learning algorithms to detect radicalization trends, extremist language patterns, and recruitment efforts online.

Collaboration on Counter-Narratives

We work with community leaders, influencers, and civil society groups to craft localized, culturally relevant messaging to disrupt extremist recruitment.

Engage with Tech Platforms

We engage with tech platforms, policymakers, and researchers to assess and enhance the effectiveness of content analysis capabilities and policies targeting extremist content.

05

Investigating State Digital Surveillance & Authoritarianism

The Problem:  State and non-state across Africa are expanding mass surveillance, enacting repressive digital laws, and employing spyware to monitor and suppress civil society, journalists, and opposition groups.

🔎 Our Solution:
CIDA Africa assists by conducting: Tracking & Exposing Digital Repression

We investigate and document cases of illegal surveillance, internet censorship, and cyber repression, ensuring accountability.

Developing Digital Privacy & Security Solutions

We provide secure communication tools, encrypted platforms, and VPN solutions to help at-risk individuals protect their online activities.

Advocacy for Digital Rights & Policy Reform

We work with regional and global human rights organizations to challenge oppressive digital laws and policies.

Training CSOs & Journalists on Countering Surveillance

We conduct specialized trainings on counter-surveillance tactics, privacy-enhancing tools, and digital risk assessments.

06

Researching Misuse of GenAI & Synthetic Media

The Problem:  Deepfakes, AI-generated content, and synthetic media are influencing elections, political discourse, and public trust, making it harder to distinguish fact from fiction.

🔎 Our Solution:
CIDA Africa uncovers this by conducting: Monitoring for AI-Driven Political Content

We track deepfake videos, AI-generated propaganda, and synthetic media campaigns used to manipulate public opinion.

Policy Advocacy on AI Ethics

We engage with policymakers and digital platforms to ensure ethical AI governance and regulation of AI-generated content in democratic spaces.

Advocacy for Digital Rights & Policy Reform

We work with regional and global human rights organizations to challenge oppressive digital laws and policies.

Civic Education on Synthetic Media Risks

We run awareness campaigns to help people identify deepfakes, AI-manipulated content, and synthetic content.

07

AI/ML Support for CSO Digitization & Automation

The Problem:  Many CSOs struggle with manual, inefficient processes that limit their impact, while lacking access to AI-driven solutions that could streamline their operations.

🔎 Our Solution:
CIDA Africa uncovers this by conducting: Automation of Internal Processes

We help CSOs integrate AI/ML tools to automate data management, reporting, and workflow processes.

Data-Driven Decision-Making

We train CSOs on leveraging Data Analytics and AI insights for strategic planning, fundraising, and impact assessment.

Developing Custom AI Solutions

We build AI-powered dashboards and automation tools to support CSOs in managing their programs more efficiently.

Are you a journalist or Human Rights Defender?

Do you need support?

Contact us