Advocacy and activism in the Eastern African region have become increasingly difficult with the enactment of different laws that restrict freedoms and rights. CSOs that have a formal structure and are required to adhere to national regulations and legal frameworks have found their areas of activities increasingly restricted by these laws. As a result, individual activists and innovative CSOs have managed to use the digital world to continue some of their activities including advocacy. With COVID19, many of the activities that used to be done in person moved online
This has included in-person interactions ranging from training events, subject-focused meetings, or convenings. This new reality has demonstrated how much can be achieved virtually so long as those in authority do not tamper with the internet. Even with restrictions, activists and IT, specialists have been able to circumvent restrictions and get important messages out, organize and mobilize. The increased mobile money platforms have also enabled fundraising and fund mobilizing for various causes.
In recognizing the power of digital platforms, Change Africa is seeking to develop its own digital platform that will be an important means to achieve its objectives in the region. The app and online platform will be key in coordinating activities, managing funds, and enabling activists, citizens, and CSOs to utilize them in order to network and build coalitions. This groundbreaking app will provide the foundation for Change Africa’s activities in the most difficult areas in the region, where civil society faces high restrictions. The digital platform will be piloted in Tanzania for a start and will be used to build citizen movement and civil society coalitions addressing the following key areas:
- Advocacy
- Constitutional reform and protection
- Movement and Coalition building
- Economic Empowerment
- Monitoring and Reporting on the state of human rights
The app will be developed and fine-tuned in this pilot phase before expanding it to other countries in the region.
