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Chinese Surveillance Tech in Africa Threatens Freedoms, Report Warns

4/5/2026

Summary

Story summary

Institute of Development Studies (IDS) reports that African governments in Nairobi, Lusaka, and Abuja use Chinese-funded surveillance technologies to monitor public spaces and reduce crime.
The report notes that these "smart city" projects repurpose surveillance to suppress political opposition and human rights activists, with inadequate legal oversight.
Tony Roberts, a co-author of the IDS report, warns that unregulated surveillance stifles peaceful protest and freedom of expression, undermining accountability.

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Story summary

Institute of Development Studies (IDS) reports that African governments in Nairobi, Lusaka, and Abuja use Chinese-funded surveillance technologies to monitor public spaces and reduce crime.
The report notes that these "smart city" projects repurpose surveillance to suppress political opposition and human rights activists, with inadequate legal oversight.
Tony Roberts, a co-author of the IDS report, warns that unregulated surveillance stifles peaceful protest and freedom of expression, undermining accountability.