Spotlight on state-led internet shutdowns in Africa

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Published Dec 27, 2025

The new book Internet Shutdowns in Africa: Technology, Rights and Power presents ten in-depth case studies of state-led internet shutdowns across the continent, offering the first comparative analysis of how African governments use them to restrict civic space, suppress opposition, and maintain power.

Written entirely by African researchers, the book highlights shutdowns as tactics of war, tools to hide state violence, or means to disrupt protests.

It also shows the variety of shutdowns—they can be nationwide or local, target specific platforms, or slow connections instead of fully cutting access—and may last weeks, months, or even years.

One of the editors & Digital Research Fellow at the Institute of Development Studies, UK, Dr Tony Roberts joins us for a discussion.

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