Deadline: July 28, 2025
Are you a public interest lawyer dedicated to advancing digital rights in Sub Saharan Africa? Apply now for the East Africa Law Society Training for Public Interest Lawyers on Digital Rights in Sub Saharan Africa 2025.
The East Africa Law Society (EALS), through the EALS Institute and in partnership with the International Center for Not-for-Profit Law (ICNL), is proud to offer a fully funded regional training program designed specifically for lawyers defending human rights, civic space, and digital freedoms across Africa.
This unique, immersive program convenes legal practitioners from across Sub Saharan Africa to sharpen practical skills, foster strategic regional collaboration, and address emerging legal challenges in the digital realm. Participants will benefit from expert instruction, dynamic peer exchange, and ongoing support to champion digital rights effectively in their jurisdictions and beyond.
Core Training Topics
The program will explore critical legal and strategic dimensions of digital rights, including:
- Digital Rights Frameworks and Internet Governance: Navigating international, regional, and national laws that safeguard online freedoms.
- Freedom of Expression, Assembly, and Association in the Digital Space: Legal strategies to challenge censorship, combat criminalization of online activism, and respond to internet shutdowns.
- Privacy, Surveillance, Data Protection, and Artificial Intelligence: Addressing threats from state and private actors exploiting personal data and emerging technologies.
- Strategic Litigation for Digital Rights: Crafting effective cases, engaging judiciaries, and leveraging litigation to advance broader civic objectives.
- Coalition Building and Cross-Sector Collaboration: Strengthening alliances across law, civil society, media, and technology to defend digital civic space holistically.
Costs
- All travel, accommodation, meals, and training materials will be fully funded for selected participants.
Eligibility
They invite public interest lawyers from across all of Sub-Saharan Africa to apply, particularly those who:
- Are actively engaged in human rights litigation, digital rights advocacy, or defending civic space;
- Demonstrate a strong commitment to using legal tools to advance digital freedoms;
- Are eager to engage in regional cooperation and exchange knowledge with peers from across the continent.
Applications from lawyers operating in contexts experiencing increased digital repression are especially encouraged.
Application
Your application should include the following:
- Curriculum Vitae (max 2 pages): Highlight your legal experience, particularly in public interest law and digital rights advocacy.
- Motivational Letter (max 2 pages): Explain your interest in digital rights, your current work relevant to digital rights advocacy, and how this training will enhance your impact. Be sure to describe the specific digital rights challenges in your country context and how your proposed follow-up strategic actions after the training will address these local issues.
- Relevant Case Studies or Advocacy Initiatives: Share any case studies or digital rights advocacy efforts you have contributed to, demonstrating your practical engagement with the field.
For more information, visit East Africa Law Society Training.
