Written by Alice Njoki.
The internet is a powerful tool that connects people, supports learning, and opens many opportunities. However, for children the online world can be both exciting and risky at the same time. On 13th June 2025, experts from GSMA, UNICEF, MTN Group and other partners held a virtual meeting to discuss how to keep children safe as they explore the digital space.
This important conversation brought together diverse voices to share insights and solutions on child online protection, a topic that is becoming more urgent as Africa’s digital landscape rapidly evolves.
Africa has the youngest population in the world, and mobile internet use is growing faster here than in any other region. Millions more children are coming online every year, accessing education, social connections and creative opportunities. Yet, this growth also exposes children to serious risks such as cyberbullying, harmful content, sexual exploitation and unsafe interactions on popular social media platforms like TikTok and WhatsApp.
Technology is advancing quickly, with innovations like 5G and artificial intelligence (AI) making online experiences richer but also more complex. This rapid change makes protecting children online a top priority for governments, companies, communities, and families .
Caroline Mbugua from GSMA explained how their organization works closely with UNICEF under a formal partnership to develop industry guidelines that help companies protect children online. These guidelines ensure that children’s rights are integrated into company policies and product designs. For example, when companies create apps, websites or digital services they must consider children’s safety and make their products age-appropriate , And this approach aligns with the goal of Kutunga by human for human initiative ,which was recently launched to train software engineers in Africa , Latin America ,the Caribbean and southeast Asia on child-centric digital design .
By equipping developers with the skills to build platforms that respect children’s rights ,safety and dignity.