At the launch of the 2025 Digital Rights and Inclusion Forum (DRIF25) in Lusaka, Zambia, Paradigm Initiative’s Executive Director, ‘Gbenga Sesan, highlighted the importance of protecting the internet as the last significant civic space available in the Global South. Sesan urged African countries to prioritize safeguarding this space, emphasizing the “fierce urgency” of defending civic rights online amid increasing restrictions and laws that often threaten digital freedoms under the guise of national security.
Sesan called on nations in Africa and the Global South to focus on securing their electoral processes without imposing internet shutdowns or enacting restrictive policies. “When I see ‘national security’ in any policy, I’m going to question it,” he stated, underscoring the need to resist measures that stifle online freedoms. DRIF25, scheduled from April 29 to May 1, 2025, aims to tackle these pressing issues, bringing together stakeholders from various sectors to collaboratively address the future of digital rights and access.
The annual Digital Rights and Inclusion Forum, organized by Paradigm Initiative, unites government representatives, civil society organizations, academia, media, international organizations, and private sector entities to advance digital rights across Africa. This year’s event will be co-hosted by partners including Bloggers of Zambia, Common Cause Zambia, Internews Network Zambia, and the Zambian Cybersecurity Initiative Foundation (ZCSI), with support from the Zambia Information and Communication Technology Authority (ZICTA) and the Ministry of Technology and Science.
Highlighting the theme of collaboration, Sesan encouraged civil society organizations to respect one another’s experience, warning against losing sight of shared goals. He reminded participants, “We must work with mutual respect and ensure we don’t become what we fight against,” advocating for united efforts to protect digital freedoms on the continent.
Richard Mulonga, CEO of Bloggers of Zambia, echoed Sesan’s call, describing the ongoing work in digital rights as a struggle for “our own African democracy.” Mulonga emphasized the importance of digital policy enforcement, calling on Zambian citizens to stay vigilant in defending their digital freedoms. DRIF25, he noted, will provide Zambia with an opportunity to spotlight its efforts in advancing digital rights on an international stage.
Adding to the conversation, Brenda Zulu, Digital Safety Coordinator at Internews Network Zambia, expressed excitement over the partnership with Paradigm Initiative. Zulu shared that Internews would be offering targeted guidance on digital safety practices at DRIF25, supporting participants in strengthening their security tools and knowledge amidst growing concerns over digital privacy and protection.
