Meta has concluded The Future of Online Safety Summit in Abuja, Nigeria, a two-day event dedicated to addressing the growing threat of financial sextortion and other digital crimes.
The summit brought together key representatives from government, law enforcement, civil society, and the private sector to address emerging online safety challenges and strengthen Africa’s collective response to digital threats.
Focusing on collaboration and regional leadership, the discussions underscored Africa’s increasing role not only as a centre of innovation but also as a leader in combating cybercrime through joint efforts. Participants highlighted successful examples of cross-agency partnerships, such as the Joint Case Team on Cybercrimes, which has disrupted several financial fraud networks.
Vice President for Public Policy, Africa, Middle East and Türkiye at Meta, Kojo Boakye, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to protecting users through victim-centred and technology-driven solutions.
“We’re committed to victim-centred, technology-driven solutions that make online spaces safer. We’ve developed a range of features to combat digital crimes like sextortion scams on our platforms. We work closely with experts and law enforcement professionals, who have deep experience in fighting these crimes, to understand the tactics of bad actors and implement effective solutions to stop them,” Boakye said.
Meta said it has invested heavily in tools that protect users, including advanced content detection and moderation systems, and features that allow people to report violating content, block unwanted interactions, and take control of their online experiences.
Director-General of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons, Binta Bello, commended Meta’s partnership with Nigerian authorities and its ongoing role in advancing online safety and digital responsibility.
“Meta’s commitment to online safety, digital responsibility, and cooperation with government institutions is deeply appreciated. Meta has been one of NAPTIP’s most valued allies in our efforts to protect vulnerable people online. This partnership proves that public-private collaboration is essential to safeguarding users,” she said.
Echoing the need for multi-stakeholder collaboration, Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions and Head of the Cybercrimes Prosecutions Unit at the Federal Ministry of Justice, Jamila Ade, said preventing online offences requires a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach.
“The significance of multi-stakeholder partnerships cannot be overstated. This timely summit comes at a crucial moment, as stakeholders, particularly the Joint Case Team on Cybercrimes, must collaborate closely with platforms like Meta. Only through coordinated efforts can we build a safer, more secure digital world,” Ade said.
Sessions at the summit also explored proactive prevention measures, including public education and awareness campaigns on scams, enforcing penalties for digital crimes, and developing community-based safety initiatives in local languages.
The event emphasised the role of partnerships between technology companies, telecom providers, NGOs, and government agencies in sharing intelligence, building capacity, and delivering real-world impact in the fight against cybercrime.
Meta said it will continue to work with law enforcement and advocacy groups across Africa to strengthen online safety frameworks and empower users to navigate digital spaces securely.
“Our mission is to make the digital world safer for everyone,” Boakye added. “That means investing in technology, empowering communities, and supporting governments to respond effectively to new and emerging threats.”
