About Us
A Few Words
Who We Are
ACDET is an African research, policy and capacity-building centre dedicated to understanding and
shaping the legal, regulatory, institutional and societal implications of digital and emerging technologies.
We work at the intersection of law, technology, human rights, governance, peace and security, and
sustainable development to help build an Africa that is digitally empowered, secure, inclusive,
innovative and resilient.
Leadership
- Visionary Leadership for Africa’s Digital Future
- Guiding Innovation, Policy and Digital Transformation
- Leadership at the Intersection of Technology, Law and Society
- Shaping Africa’s Digital Future Through Thought Leadership
- Expertise, Integrity and Leadership for a Digital Africa
- Building Leadership for a Secure, Inclusive and Resilient Digital Africa
- Driving Policy, Research and Capacity for Africa’s Digital Transformation
- Leading Research and Policy for a Digitally Empowered Africa
WHAT WE DO
ACDET works with governments, regulators, legislators, businesses, and international institutions to translate research into practical policy solutions. We also design programmes for policymakers, legislators, regulators, judges, lawyers, diplomats, law-enforcement agencies, technology professionals, academics, civil society, private-sector leaders, and journalists.
Governing Council
Our Governing Council consists of distinguished jurists, academics, technologists, cybersecurity experts, human-rights specialists, and international policy practitioners who provide strategic leadership and safeguard the Center’s independence and integrity.
Executive Director
Our Executive Director (ED) is the chief executive and intellectual leader of ACDET. He sits at the intersection of research, policy, institutional strategy, and external engagement.
Secretariat
Our Secretariat coordinates the Network's programmes, research, partnerships, and administration.
ACDET
Our Members
ACDET brings together a diverse community of researchers, legal and policy experts, technology professionals, academics, practitioners, and development specialists committed to shaping Africa’s digital future.
Our members contribute expertise across areas including digital policy and regulation, law and human rights, cybersecurity, emerging technologies, governance, peace and security, innovation, and sustainable development. Through collaboration and knowledge exchange, they provide multidisciplinary perspectives on the opportunities and challenges created by digital transformation.
Together, our members form a network dedicated to advancing evidence-based research, strengthening institutional capacity, informing policy, and promoting responsible and inclusive technology development across Africa.
Together, we connect knowledge, expertise and action to build a digitally empowered, secure, inclusive, innovative and resilient Africa.
Our Area of Focus include:
-Digital Governance
-Artificial Intelligence Governance
-Cybersecurity and Cybercrime
-Digital Rights and Human Rights
-Child Online Protection
-Digital Economy and Financial Technologies
-Technology and Sustainable Development
-Emerging Technologies and Society
Our Approach
ACDET is guided by the following set of principles that inform everything we do.
-African Agency
-Human Dignity
-Responsible Innovation
-Evidence-Based Policy
-Interdisciplinarity
-Global Engagement & Advocacy
-Institutional Integrity
What Make Us Different
While many organisations specialise in technology, ACDET engages and analyses the interaction
between law, public policy, digital and emerging technologies, cybersecurity, sustainable development,
and human rights. We constantly engage the questions:
-What should technology do?
-Who should govern it?
-What rights are affected?
-What institutions are required?
-What are the implications for Africa’s development?
-How should African interests be represented in global technology governance?
This integrated perspective is one of ACDET’s principal distinguishing features.