The forum’s key points will be included in the final communiqué of the 47th Ordinary Session of the African Union Executive Council, held under the 2025 theme: “Justice for Africans and People of African Descent Through Reparations”, scheduled for July 11–13, 2025.

The panel discussion “The Role of Civil Society in a Future Rooted in Reparative Justice” brought together over 200 participants and served as a foundational dialogue of the forum. Central to the debates—both in formal sessions and informal discussions—were potential mechanisms for colonial reparations to African nations by former colonizing powers.

Thus, the basic reparations model involves calculating the unpaid labor of enslaved Africans. Applying this framework to the transatlantic slave trade: if 12.5 million Africans worked for 10 years without pay, with an estimated historical wage of $5 per day, the total amounts to over $2 trillion—excluding interest and compound growth.

An alternative model assesses the resources xtracted during the colonial period. Between 1880 and 1960, European powers extracted billions in agricultural products, minerals, and taxes. For instance, some estimates suggest Britain drained over £100 billion (in today’s value) from India.

Similar calculations for Africa place colonial extractions between $4 and $6 trillion, accounting for lost revenues, forced labor, and the long-term effects of chronic underinvestment.

Discussions also explored the possibility of establishing a Global Reparations Fund, financed through:

• State contributions from former colonial powers,
• Windfall taxes on corporations that profited from exploitation,
• Climate levies on polluters in Global North countries.

Kwesi Pratt Jr., a member of the International Coordinating Committee of the Pan-African Progressive Front and Director of Pan African Television, presented his book “History, Struggle, Politics, and the Case for Reparations” at the forum. Published in June 2025 with a foreword by Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama, the book offers a comprehensive study of the reparations movement, integrating historical, political, legal, and social perspectives.

Pratt seeks to bridge the divides in reparations discourse, which often frames them as either a purely political, legal, or compensatory endeavour.

“No amount of money can repay the millions of lives lost in the transatlantic slave trade. Reparations are about restoring our world,” Pratt stated.

The book examines key historical milestones, such as the Pan-African Congresses, as well as contemporary initiatives like CARICOM’s reparations campaign.

It also provides practical guidance for civil society on mobilizing global support for reparative justice. Pratt expressed hope that his work would serve as a catalyst for a unified Pan-African movement, inspiring new generations of activists.

Dr. Catherine Brooks, Partnership Specialist at the UNDP’s African Facility for Support to Inclusive Transitions (AFSA), highlighted that transitional periods—whether post-conflict or following unconstitutional government changes—present a unique opportunity to renegotiate social contracts.

Ambassador Amr Aljowaily, Director of the Citizens and Diaspora Directorate (CIDO) of the AU Commission, emphasized the institutional foundations of reparative justice.

He referenced AU decisions that provide a mandate and framework for civil society organizations (CSOs) to operate.

“ECOSOCC and CIDO are platforms specifically designed to enable civil society to shape the Union’s agenda. The Year’s Theme is not a one-off event but a long-term commitment,” stated Aljowaily, stressing the importance of partnerships, including collaboration with the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).

Makmid Kamara, Executive Director of Reform Initiatives, called for replacing traditional human rights education with reparative education that acknowledges historical crimes against Africans.

“Reparative justice is not charity—it is a right. We must revive African consciousness, reconnect the continent with its diaspora, and restore stolen lands to their people,” Kamara asserted, highlighting the psychosocial dimensions of reparations.

The organisations, which advocate for digital rights and inclusion in Africa and Malawi, highlighted that the elections are taking place amid the restrictive application of criminal defamation laws, such as Section 200 of the Penal Code of Malawi, which poses a threat to freedom of expression and access to information.

International standards, including Principle 22 of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR) Declaration of Principles on Freedom of Expression and Access to Information, urge States to reform criminal defamation laws in favour of civil remedies.

The organisations further noted troubling instances of arrests of journalists and citizens for articles published and posts made online.

“We note the most recent case of Julius Mithi, who was arrested after a post he made online regarding the voter registration database.

The ACHPR Declaration, which elaborates on freedom of expression and access to information under Article 9 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights—to which Malawi is a State Party—emphasises the need for States to guarantee the safety of journalists,” they stated.

They are also concerned about the Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority’s (MACRA) reported procurement of a misinformation and disinformation tracking or monitoring tool, following an announcement made by MACRA on 14 January 2025.

The decision to procure surveillance technologies without safeguards such as judicial oversight, disclosure of the tool’s capabilities, and engagement with relevant stakeholders is particularly concerning as Malawi heads to elections.

PIN, CHRR, and YAS further highlight the importance of multi-stakeholder engagements during elections to address misinformation and disinformation and promote a safe, enabling online environment.

In this regard, they are urging the government to facilitate engagements with all relevant government agencies and stakeholders, such as the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC), the Media Council of Malawi (MCM), and the Malawi Human Rights Commission (MHRC), to critically tackle information disorders during this election season.

“We believe this is a more sustainable way of addressing misinformation and disinformation than targeted mass communication surveillance approaches, which violate human rights.”

They further remind the government, in this election cycle, of the ACHPR Guidelines on Access to Information and Elections in Africa, which promote proactive disclosure of information by key stakeholders such as: Government Agencies, Election Management Bodies, Political Parties and Candidates, Law Enforcement Agencies, Election Observers and Monitors and Civil Society Organisations. The role of access to information is critical to the attainment of a free and fair election in this regard.

“We also urge the government to be guided by Article 17(3) of the African Charter on Democracy, Elections, and Governance (ACDEG), which calls for fair and equitable access for contesting parties and candidates to state-controlled media during elections. To this end, we call for the conduct of elections that align with best practices for an enabling environment for all to vote.”

In terms of Article 31(2) of the ACDEG, State Parties shall ensure systematic and comprehensive civic education to encourage full participation in democracy and development processes.

With elections increasingly conducted using modern technology, such as biometric voter registration systems, it is essential that people with disabilities and underserved communities are digitally included to enhance their participation in electoral processes.

In view of these concerns, we call for the following:

The Government 

• To keep the internet open and accessible during elections.
• To sensitise the electorate on the role of fact-checking.
• To enable an environment where the media can perform their mandate offline and online without fear of arbitrary arrests or seizure of digital tools.
• To proactively disclose critical information to inform the electorate adequately in relation to the electoral process.

The Malawi Human Rights Commission

• To monitor digital rights during elections and calling on the government to ensure that they are promoted and protected.
• To raise awareness, collaborating with civil society actors in sensitising the electorate on responsible use of the internet during elections.

The Telecommunications Companies in Malawi

• To ensure enabled internet access during elections and transparency on responses to government requests relating to content or internet access.

The focus on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) factors has become a critical element in strategic decision-making.

CIOs are increasingly aligning their businesses with sustainability, from reducing carbon footprints to fostering social equity. However, a critical contributor to these goals often goes unnoticed – IT hardware.

Contrary to the perception that used IT equipment is merely e-waste, it holds significant potential to advance ESG objectives.

By leveraging IT Asset Disposition (ITAD) as a strategic tool, businesses can unlock the environmental, social, and governance value hidden within their IT assets while demonstrating leadership in responsible business practices.

ITAD: The key to ESG success

The lifecycle of IT hardware, from procurement to disposal, carries considerable environmental and social implications.

Used IT equipment, when managed responsibly, can help organisations mitigate their carbon footprint, promote circular economy principles, support social responsibility initiatives and mitigate the opportunities for data loss.

CIOs play a pivotal role in this endeavour. While they understand the operational importance of IT hardware, many overlook its potential to drive ESG outcomes.

By adopting sustainable practices throughout the asset lifecycle, CIOs can align IT operations with broader corporate ESG goals.

Chief Sustainability Officers (CSOs) face the daunting task of quantifying their organisation’s ESG impact, particularly regarding IT assets.

Accredited IT Asset Management (ITAM) service providers offer crucial support by gathering Scope 3 carbon sequestration data, tracking social impacts, and ensuring compliance with ESG reporting standards.

ITAD is no longer just about compliance = it’s about creating tangible value. With the ITAD market expected to exceed USD 51 billion by 2030, its role in shaping governance, risk management, and sustainability is undeniable.

Collaborating for sustainable impact

To effectively integrate ITAD into ESG strategies, organisations must adopt a multifaceted approach. Collaboration across departments, from legal and finance to marketing and operations, is essential.

Chief Marketing Officers (CMOs) are particularly well-positioned to showcase sustainability achievements.

By leveraging verified impact data related to IT hardware, CMOs can craft compelling narratives that highlight the company’s commitment to transparency and accountability.

These stories resonate with environmentally conscious consumers and differentiate the brand in a competitive market.

Going beyond compliance and demonstrating a proactive stance on ESG builds trust with stakeholders. It’s about fostering a culture where sustainability isn’t just a goal but a fundamental part of the business ethos.

Maximising IT hardware’s ESG contribution

Used IT hardware provides a unique opportunity to advance ESG objectives. Partnering with service providers that specialise in ITAM enables organisations to track the lifecycle impacts of their IT assets, including carbon savings and social contributions.

For example, donating refurbished computer equipment to educational or community initiatives not only extends the life of IT assets but also reinforces social equity.

Additionally, by ensuring responsible disposal processes, companies can prevent e-waste pollution, recovery base materials and demonstrate environmental stewardship.

The growing emphasis on ESG is also reflected in investor behaviour. In 2020, 85% of investors considered ESG factors in their decisions, according to a PwC survey.

Furthermore, 76% of clients indicated they would sever ties with companies demonstrating poor treatment of the environment, employees, or communities.

ITAD as a catalyst for transformation

Organisations must recognise ITAD as a strategic enabler, not merely a compliance requirement. By embedding ITAD into their ESG frameworks, companies can achieve:

• Reduced carbon footprints through equipment re-use before recycling
• Enhanced corporate reputation by showcasing measurable sustainability efforts
• Increased stakeholder trust through transparency and accountability

Amid today’s escalating business challenges, ITAD stands out as a symbol of responsible corporate conduct, steering enterprises toward a future defined by sustainability, adaptability, and collective prosperity.

Beyond compliance

To avoid the pitfalls of greenwashing and ensure genuine impact, organisations must prioritise data accuracy and transparency in their ESG reporting.

Partnering with accredited service providers not only streamlines this process but also strengthens the credibility of their sustainability claims.

The time is now for CIOs, CSOs, and CMOs to harness the untapped potential of IT hardware.

By integrating ITAD into a comprehensive ESG strategy, businesses can lead by example, fostering environmental stewardship and building a foundation of trust and loyalty among clients, employees, and investors alike.

ITAD is not just a process – it’s a movement. A movement that transforms used IT hardware from an operational necessity into a powerful force for positive environmental and social change.

Ene Obi, the convener of the Situation Room, made the call while speaking on the general election preparations on Wednesday in Abuja.

Obi stated that President Muhammadu Buhari must ensure that government agencies involved in the elections fulfill their responsibilities.

She stated that the 2023 general elections would take place on Saturday to elect the President and members of the National Assembly, and on March 11 to elect 28 of the 36 state governors and members of the state legislatures.

“For the first time, the BVAS will be deployed nationwide in a general election, this makes the National Communications Commission (NCC) a key stakeholder in the process.

“The Commission will be held responsible for any network issues and internet outages on election day. Security agencies are expected to deploy adequately to hotspots as identified by INEC and other stakeholders to forestall violence.

“Today, the Election Situation Room opens with the launch of the report of our Pre-Election Assessment which presents the findings of an assessment of Nigeria’s pre-election environment ahead of the 2023 general election.

“It provides a contextual analysis of the socio-economic and political factors shaping the 2023 elections, examines INEC’s preparations for the elections, and highlights the key issues and security challenges that would define the election.”

Obi stated that the Situation Room would deploy 2,410 observers for the 2023 general elections, with at least three observers per local government area in each state of the Federation, as well as 131 persons with disabilities.

She stated that the Situation Room’s observation of the election process would consider, among other things, the electoral environment, INEC’s preparedness, election security, and political party activities.

“We are positive that citizens are ready and willing to cast their votes. Every general election in Nigeria comes with its challenges and we rely on the assurance of INEC that it is prepared to conduct the election.

” Situation Room commends the Commission for the efforts made so far despite huge challenges, however, the Commission can do more to ensure a credible poll.

“Situation Room urges INEC to do its utmost best and take final steps to strategically address the gaps and challenges highlighted.

“Situation Room specifically called on the political parties to conduct themselves peacefully and to discourage violence by their supporters,” she said.