What does ACSIS mean in AFRICAN

ACSIS is an initiative of the African Union that was created to strengthen civil society's understanding and engagement in the Information Society across Africa. The aim of ACSIS is to build an active, informed and engaged constituency of African organizations that are advocating and influencing Internet Governance processes in Africa.

ACSIS works with African civil society organizations to strengthen their capacity, networks, and partnerships to advocate for their interests in matters related to the information society. This includes engaging with policy makers, private sector actors and other stakeholders at a regional level as well as through international mechanisms such as the Internet Governance Forum.

ACSIS runs a range of initiatives that are aimed at strengthening civil society's ability to engage in issues related to the information society. These include research projects, capacity building programmes for organizing networks and coalitions, advocacy campaigns, policy advice mechanisms and access to resources such as funding opportunities.

To join ACSIS you need to be part of or affiliated with an existing civil society organization or network working on issues related to the information society in Africa. If you would like your organization/network to become a member of ACSSI you can contact us through our website or directly via email.

ACSIS undertakes research projects, capacity building programs for organizing networks and coalitions, advocacy campaigns, training sessions on net neutrality and access control policies at national and regional level as well as providing technical assistance on developing policy statements when needed. The structure also connects members who share similar interests or are involved with specific projects/themes so they can benefit from knowledge sharing across different regions.

Internet Governance refers to the rules, norms and institutional arrangements that govern how people interact online which includes decisions about shaping technologies such as net neutrality rules or digital privacy protocols. It includes decisions about how different actors including governments, private sector entities, civil society organisations etc interact on issues related to internet content governance (for example protecting freedom of speech), infrastructure development (such as improving access) and general regulation (such as making sure data protection regulations apply).

In many parts of Africa internet access is still limited owing partly due to lack of infrastructure but also because government regulations have not kept pace with technological developments nor adequately addressed key aspects such consumer rights over their personal data or protection against fraudsters. This means it is important for African governments, industry players & civil societies alike are able to understand broader themes relating internet governance so they can develop strategies that improve both access & security online within their countries.

Joining ACSIS gives you access to a range of resources that enable you stay informed about current developments in internet governance & participate actively in policy discussions surrounding this topic too if desired. It also provides networking opportunities so you meet professionals from similar industries or background which helps foster collaboration & mutual learning amongst all interested parties.

ASCSI hosts webinars covering topics such as cyber security challenges faced by African states; measures taken by various states towards securing their cyberspaces; regulation of virtual currencies; data protection laws; latest developments concerning Artificial Intelligence etc. These webinars provide an invaluable opportunity for members connect with one another & exchange ideas about these topics.