PERSPECTIVES DIGITAL RIGHTS AND ACCESS TO INFORMATION SERIES 1 DIGITAL RIGHTS ARE HUMAN RIGHTS An introduction to the state of affairs and challenges in Africa Hendrik Bussiek April, 2022 In sub-Saharan Africa, 495 million people(46 percent of the population) subscribed to mobile phones in 2020, however, the cost of accessing the internet is very high and many African Governments are renowned for restricting access to the internet to limit critics and their opposition through internet shutdowns, especially ahead of elections. There is widespread government surveillance in many countries in Africa without sufficient legal basis. In Zimbabwe, for example, the interception of private communications is permitted without a warrant issued by a court; instead, the Minister of Transport and Communication has the power to order such surveillance. Many countries in Africa and around the world have passed cybercrime legislation in recent years or are about to do so. There is great concern that many of these laws over-reach their legitimate aim, lack clear definitions and are susceptible to being used for regulating online content and restricting freedom of expression. 01