Redefining Privacy, Power, and Trust in Africa’s Digital Future
The 7th Privacy Symposium Africa (PSA 2025), co-organized by Unwanted Witness and the Centre for Information, Technology, and Development (CITAD), invites submissions of original research, policy analyses, case studies, and thought leadership papers addressing critical issues in privacy, digital rights, and emerging technologies in Africa.
Africa’s digital landscape is evolving rapidly, with advancements in AI, digital identity systems, biometric data collection, fintech, and e-governance reshaping societies and economies. However, this transformation presents complex challenges related to privacy, power dynamics, and trust in digital systems.
PSA 2025 seeks to explore how Africa can navigate these challenges while fostering inclusive, rights-respecting, and resilient digital governance.
Deadline for Submission: 26th September 2025
Call for Papers: Themes & Topics
We welcome submissions covering a broad range of topics, including but not limited to:
TOPIC
AREAS OF DISCUSSION
Privacy & Data Protection
- The state of data protection laws in Africa: successes and gaps
- Balancing innovation with privacy rights in digital economies
- The role of data protection authorities in enforcing compliance
- Privacy-enhancing technologies (PETs) and their applications
Digital Identity, Biometric Data & Surveillance
- Digital ID programs in Africa: risks, benefits, and governance frameworks
- Biometric data collection and mass surveillance: ethical and legal concerns
- The implications of centralized identity databases on civil liberties
- Case studies on digital ID systems in Nigeria and beyond
Artificial Intelligence (AI) & Algorithmic Governance
- Bias in AI models: who is training the algorithm?
- Localized AI development: ensuring African representation in global AI governance
- The impact of AI on employment, public services, and human rights
- Regulatory and ethical frameworks for AI in Africa
Cybersecurity & Data Breaches
- Cyber resilience in Africa: strategies for strengthening digital defenses
- Data breach response and notification frameworks
- Emerging threats in cybersecurity and cross-border data flows
- The role of public-private partnerships in securing digital infrastructure
Media, Disinformation & Online Freedoms
- The role of privacy in countering misinformation and digital propaganda
- Social media, surveillance capitalism, and data exploitation
- Balancing national security and digital rights in the fight against fake news
- Freedom of the press in the digital age: privacy and investigative journalism
Children’s Privacy & EdTech
- The risks of excessive data collection in educational technology
- Child online protection laws and regulatory enforcement
- Strategies for safeguarding children’s digital footprints
- Case studies of EdTech governance in Africa
Gender, Privacy & Digital Rights
- The gendered implications of privacy violations in Africa
- Protecting women and marginalized groups in digital spaces
- Gendered surveillance: online harassment, cyberstalking, and doxxing
- Intersectionality in digital rights advocacy
Regulatory & Policy Frameworks
- The effectiveness of Africa’s data protection laws: comparative perspectives
- Harmonizing regional and international privacy standards
- Challenges in enforcing data protection regulations
- Cross-border data transfer regulations: sovereignty vs. global connectivity
Submission Guidelines
Abstract Submission:
Authors should submit an abstract of 250-500 wordsoutlining their research, methodology, and key arguments.
Full Paper Submission:
Accepted abstracts will be invited to submit full papers (4,000-7,000 words).
Formatting:
Submissions should be in Microsoft Word format, using 12pt Times New Roman, double-spaced, with citations in APA/Harvard style.
Originality:
Submissions must be original and not previously published or under consideration elsewhere.
Important Dates
– Abstract Submission Deadline: 26th September 2025
– Notification of Acceptance: 10th October 2025
– Full Paper Submission Deadline: 31st October 2025
Publication & Presentation
Accepted papers will be:
– Presented at PSA 2025 during panel discussions and thematic sessions.
– Published on the Privacy Symposium Africa website
– Considered for inclusion in policy briefs and academic journals.
Who Should Submit?
This call is open to:
– Academics and researchers in privacy, AI, cybersecurity, and digital governance
– Policy analysts, legal practitioners, and regulators
– Civil society actors and digital rights advocates
– Industry leaders and technology specialists
– Journalists and investigative researchers
How to Submit
Send your abstract to info@unwantedwitness.org with the subject line: “PSA 2025 Call for Papers – [Your Topic]”.
For inquiries, visit www.privacysymposiumafrica.com or contact info@unwantedwitness.org.
Important Dates (Take Note)
- Abstract Submission Deadline: 26th September 2025
- Notification of Acceptance: 10th October 2025
- Full Paper Submission Deadline: 31st October 2025
We invite you to contribute your expertise to this critical dialogue on privacy, power, and trust in Africa’s digital future. Don’t miss this opportunity to shape policy, influence governance, and engage with thought leaders at Africa’s largest data protection and privacy gathering!