African governments, peacekeeping and peacebuilding institutions, 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.
Big Data Analysis
- Leveraging data science, network mapping, and investigative research to uncover extremist narratives and influence operations.
Cyber Resilience
- Strengthening cyber resilience for vulnerable groups targeted by cyber threats, surveillance, and online harassment.
Digital Forensics
- Conducting forensic analysis of computer systems.
- Applying Open Source Intelligence (OSINT) techniques to track online threats, coordinated networks, and digital authoritarian tactics.
SERVICES
Cyber Resilience Support
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.
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, secure messaging platforms, and privacy-enhancing technologies to ensure confidential, safe communication.
3. Customized Digital Security Strategies – We provide tailored security solutions for at-risk groups, helping them develop proactive cyber hygiene practices and emergency response plans.
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.
Digital Forensics Support
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 organisations, activists, journalists, and CSO leaders with the skills to detect, analyze, and respond to digital threats, including phishing attacks and malware infiltration.
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.
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.
3. Policy & Advocacy – We equip journalists, human rights defenders, and democracy advocates with skills to detect, analyze, and respond to FIMI threats effectively.
The Problem: Armed Groups and extremist groups use online platforms to radicalize and recruit individuals, spreading extremist narratives that can escalate violence and destabilize communities.
Investigating Online Violent Extremism
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 deploy machine learning algorithms to detect radicalization trends, extremist language patterns, and online recruitment efforts.
- 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.
Investigating Digital Surveillance & Authoritarianism
The Problem: State and non-state actors across Africa are expanding mass surveillance, enacting repressive digital laws, and employing spyware to monitor and suppress civil society, journalists, and opposition groups.
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 advise on secure communication tools, encrypted platforms, and VPNs to help at-risk individuals protect their online activity.
3. Advocacy for Digital Rights & Policy Reform – We work with regional and global human rights organizations to challenge oppressive digital laws and policies.
4. Training CSOs & Journalists on Countering Surveillance – We conduct specialized training on counter-surveillance tactics, privacy-enhancing tools, and digital risk assessments.
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.
Researching Misuse of GenAI & Synthetic Media
CIDA Africa assists 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 other forms of synthetic media.
