The Train Has Left the Station: Chronicles of the African Network for Information Ethics and the African Centre of Excellence for Information Ethics

Abstract

Rafael Capurro is one of the brightest shining beacons working in the information ethics field in Africa. His substantial contribution and his support for its growth in Africa is widely recognised. This chapter seeks to give an overview of his contribution and how he influenced the establishment of the African Network for Information Ethics (ANIE) and the African Centre of Excellence for Information Ethics (ACEIE). These two institutions, and what they endeavour to achieve, are closely aligned with Capurro’s research program on information ethics. It is argued here that due to the growth of information and communication technologies there arises a core set of concerns that must be addressed by scholars, private institutions and civil society and that there are distinct differences in how these manifest in the African context. Through the work of the ACEIE, and with Capurro’s guidance, the network has expanded in Africa to include concerned parties working together towards addressing these ICT-related issues in ways which are sympathetic to local needs. This chapter will elaborate on the various activities that have been held across Africa, since 2007, associated with the work of the African Network for Information Ethics and outlines publications produced by African authors which aim to develop a relevant local corpus on information ethics.