What We Do
CIPHER operates across three pillars — independent research, direct policy engagement with government, and capacity building — to advance Sierra Leone’s digital future.
Research
- 01
Information Privacy & Data Protection Law
Studying data-protection legislation, organizational compliance, and citizens’ privacy rights as Sierra Leone and West Africa digitalize.
Research question“How can Sierra Leone build data-protection frameworks that meet international standards while remaining grounded in local legal and institutional realities?”
- 02
Cybersecurity Governance
Mapping national cybersecurity strategies, threat landscapes, and policy responses to protect critical infrastructure.
Research question“What governance structures and cross-sector coordination does Sierra Leone need to defend critical infrastructure against evolving cyber threats?”
- 03
Human-Centered Technology
Ensuring technology design and deployment centres human needs, accessibility, and dignity.
Research question“How can public-service technology be designed so that dignity, accessibility, and everyday usability come first, especially outside urban centres?”
- 04
Digital Ethics
Examining ethical implications of AI, automated decision-making, and emerging technologies in African contexts.
Research question“What safeguards should govern the use of AI and automated decision-making in African public institutions to keep people fairly served and protected?”
- 05
Digital Rights & Inclusion
Promoting equitable access and protecting the rights of vulnerable populations including women, children, youth, and rural communities.
Research question“How can Sierra Leone close the digital divide while protecting the online rights of women, children, youth, and rural communities?”
How We Approach Research
Across the five focus areas, our research work is organised around four complementary approaches.
- Legislative research
- Comparative analysis of data-protection frameworks operating in the region, assessed against Sierra Leonean conditions, together with draft model provisions.
- Sectoral research
- How personal data is handled in practice across health facilities, financial services, civil registration, and education.
- Human-dimension research
- Field study of how digital systems affect access to services — conducted in the districts and in the languages people use.
- Emerging technology
- Ethical and governance frameworks for artificial intelligence and automated decision-making as these systems enter Sierra Leonean institutions.
Propose a research collaboration
Working on a study, evaluation, or joint publication in any of these five areas? We’re open to co-authored research, data-sharing arrangements, and academic partnerships.