Policymakers, businesses, and civil society have been urged by MTN Group and MTV Base to work together to protect Africa’s children from online harm.

This was the crux of discussions at the Room of Safety Initiative, themed “From Conversations to Commitment: Africa’s Room of Safety,” held in Lagos. The hybrid event brought together youth leaders, influencers, policymakers, and development partners to push for collective action on child online protection.

MTN Group’s Executive for Sustainability and Shared Value, Marina Madale, stressed the urgency of creating a safer digital environment for Africa’s young population.

“More than half of Africans are under the age of 25. This generation is leading, and we have a responsibility to protect them online. The digital world is their classroom, playground, marketplace, and stage. Just as every child deserves safety in the physical world, they must also be safe in the digital space.”

Madale listed MTN’s efforts, including blocking child sexual abuse material, expanding reporting portals, and commissioning research on online safety. She explained the decision to partner with MTV Base and Paramount Africa, saying: “This was about creating a room of safety by young people, for young people, because they have the greatest influence in their own lives.”

Senior Vice President and General Manager of Paramount Africa, Monde Twala, emphasised the cultural impact of online harm. “It’s not just a tech issue, it affects how young people connect, learn, and participate in society. If we’re serious about building a safer digital Africa, we must move beyond conversation and commit to action, with youth at the centre as co-creators and leaders,” he said.

Representing the African Union, Commissioner for Infrastructure and Energy, Lerato Mataboge, called child online safety a continental duty. She highlighted the AU’s adoption of the Child Online Safety and Empowerment Strategy.