Youth and Women at the Heart of Digital Citizenship: A Look Back at the Capacity-Building Workshop on Digital Rights and Cybersecurity in Lomé

In the digital age, the Internet has become an essential space for communication, information, work, and participation in public debate. However, this growing digitization comes with multiple vulnerabilities, ranging from cybercrime and privacy violations to online harassment and disinformation. In response to these challenges, the Association Jeunesse Active pour l’Intégration et l’Éducation (JAIE) hosted a face-to-face capacity-building workshop on digital rights and cybersecurity for youth and women from September 22 to 26, 2026.

This initiative is part of the « NAFASI: Digital Rights for All » project (supported by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency – SIDA, and coordinated by the Magamba Cultural Activist Network in partnership with DefendDefenders and RFLD). The project aims to digitally empower youth and women in Lomé and secure their rights in order to strengthen the resilience of civic space across Africa.

An Atmosphere of Exchange and Practical Learning

Organized over a 6-day period, the workshop brought together enthusiastic and engaged participants. The event opened with welcome remarks from the Project Manager, followed by an icebreaker round of introductions and an institutional overview of JAIE and the NAFASI project.

The program was structured around three main presentations led by experts:

Digital Rights and Legal Frameworks in Benin and Togo

This first session clarified the concept of digital rights: online freedom of expression, equitable Internet access, the right to privacy, and personal data protection. Particular emphasis was placed on regional frameworks (2010 ECOWAS Supplementary Act, AU Malabo Convention) as well as national legislation:

• In Togo: Presentation of the Cybersecurity Law (2018), the Data Protection Law (2019) with the implementation of the IPDCP, and the roles of ANCy, HAAC, and online regulation.
• In Benin: Analysis of the Digital Code (Law No. 2017-20), the role of the APDP (Autorité de Protection des Données Personnelles), and ANSSI-Benin, with a focus on Article 550 regarding false information and online harassment.

Digital Security and Human Rights Online

The second presentation addressed the protection of devices, accounts, and digital identities. Participants identified common threats: phishing, hacking, malware, data theft, and cyberharassment. Practical insights and methodological recommendations were provided:

• Use of long, complex, and unique passwords managed through a password manager.
• Systematic activation of Two-Factor Authentication (2FA).
• Cautious use of public Wi-Fi networks and reliance on trusted VPNs.
• Immediate incident response protocols (changing passwords, preserving evidence via screenshots, and reporting).

Civic Engagement in the Digital Age

The final session illustrated how digital tools (social media, petitions, reporting applications, online media) enable access to public information, self-expression, and monitoring of government action. It reaffirmed that a well-informed and protected citizen is empowered to fully exercise their digital citizenship in complete safety.

These sessions were enriched by individual practical exercises, group work, and plenary discussions, supported by simulations of cyberattack scenarios and strategies to mitigate them. During the workshop, each participant conducted a self-assessment of their digital security posture to develop a proactive approach to protecting their data.

Outcomes and Outlook: Towards a Networked and Resilient Civic Space

The workshop successfully strengthened the skills of an active core of youth and women, empowering them to serve as digital security ambassadors within their respective communities.

The activities of the JAIE association under the NAFASI project (August 2026 – January 2027) will continue through several flagship initiatives:

• Deployment of a high-impact awareness campaign in Lomé and online to reach a broader audience.
• Publication and dissemination of a Bilingual Practical Guide (French/English) on Digital Rights, serving as an accessible reference document for all.
• Establishment of confidential reporting channels to guide and support victims of online harassment and violence.
• Advocacy and networking with institutional actors and civil society to promote an open, secure, and human rights-compliant Internet.

By combining training, awareness, and protection, the JAIE Association actively contributes to building a trusted, inclusive, and democratic digital space.