ChildFund International has raised alarm over growing cases of Online Child Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (OCSEA), warning that rapid digital expansion across Africa is outpacing efforts to protect children.

The organisation, alongside other stakeholders, says the future of digital access and safety remains a contentious issue, with OCSEA emerging as a “dark spot” in the ongoing digital revolution.

The concerns were highlighted during a roundtable held in Nairobi, where ChildFund convened civil society groups, government leaders and academia to discuss the future of digital access and safety in Africa, particularly for children who remain most vulnerable to online abuse.

Participants at the meeting emphasised that while internet access should empower young people to learn, build skills and contribute to the economy, safety measures have not kept pace with technological growth.

According to the African Union Child Online Safety and Empowerment Policy, about 40 per cent of children aged 15 and above in Africa now have access to the internet, highlighting the scale of exposure.

ChildFund warned that although access to digital technology on the continent is accelerating rapidly, safeguarding mechanisms remain inadequate.

“Technology is growing at a very fast rate and we cannot sit and watch,” said Chege Ngugi. “There are gaps in terms of digital literacy, training and the resources available to equip our young people, parents, communities, and law enforcement to protect children online.”

The organisation noted that it has been at the forefront of combating online exploitation since 2019, when online sexual exploitation and abuse was identified as a critical global issue affecting children.

The Nairobi forum brought together experts, policy advocates and young people, who shared experiences and proposed solutions. Discussions centred on the need for co-creation, co-investment and a shared understanding that the consequences of online harm extend beyond child protection.

“Embedding safety into access through regulation, education, and partnership is our collective duty,” said Isam Ghanim. “Digital access creates opportunity, but the risks evolve as fast as technology does. We know the risks. It is up to us to make sure we are ahead of them.”

Beyond Africa, ChildFund has also been active in advocacy efforts in the United States, where it has supported a nationwide grassroots movement to promote online child safety and push for legislative action.

The organisation convenes and leads the End Online Sexual Exploitation and Abuse of Children Coalition, which brings together like-minded groups to advance online safety legislation and provide a platform for survivors and families affected by online abuse.

ChildFund, alongside the coalition and its Survivors’ Council, says it will continue pushing for stronger protections to shield children and young people from the growing threat of online sexual exploitation and abuse.