The state of civic freedom in Africa has taken a turn for the worse, with several countries experiencing a decline in press freedom and civil liberties. According to a report by CIVICUS Monitor, Botswana and Liberia have made progress in protecting civic freedoms, but the situation has worsened in Burkina Faso, Eswatini, Ethiopia, and Kenya.

The report highlights the struggles faced by journalists and activists in these countries, who are increasingly threatened by governments seeking to silence critical voices. In Burkina Faso, the aftermath of the September 2022 military coup has led to increased repression, with at least 12 media outlets shut down since October 2023 for reporting on security issues.

The detention of journalists has been the most widespread violation of civic space, followed by physical attacks, the detention of human rights defenders, the arrest of protesters, and outright censorship. In at least 17 countries, authorities have used arbitrary arrests to intimidate and silence human rights defenders, particularly those advocating for democracy, environmental protection, and labor rights.

Governments frequently deploy legal harassment, extended pretrial detentions, and vague charges such as "spreading false information" or "threatening national security" to stifle dissent. The report's findings are a cause for concern, as they highlight the ongoing struggle for civic freedom and press freedom in Africa.

The worst African countries for civic freedom in 2025, according to the report, are Eritrea, Equatorial Guinea, Eswatini, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Sudan, Burundi, South Sudan, Rwanda, and Chad. These countries have consistently shown a disregard for civic freedoms, with governments using various tactics to silence opposition and maintain control.

The report's findings have significant implications for the tech industry, which relies heavily on a free and open internet to operate. As governments increasingly restrict access to information and censor online content, the ability of tech companies to operate in these countries is severely limited.

Furthermore, the report's findings highlight the need for greater international cooperation to protect civic freedoms and press freedom. As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, it is essential that governments and civil society organizations work together to promote and protect these fundamental rights.

In conclusion, the report's findings are a sobering reminder of the ongoing struggles faced by journalists, activists, and citizens in Africa. As the tech industry continues to grow and expand, it is essential that it prioritizes the protection of civic freedoms and press freedom, and works to promote a more open and inclusive internet.