The 12th edition of the Digital Rights and Inclusion Forum (DRIF) is set to make a significant impact as it heads to Lusaka, Zambia, from April 29th to May 1st, 2025. This influential annual event, organized by Paradigm Initiative (PIN) in partnership with regional and international organizations, provides a platform to tackle issues surrounding digital rights, internet freedom, and inclusion. For over a decade, DRIF has united voices from civil society, academia, government, media, and private sector stakeholders within the digital ecosystem, fostering collaboration on crucial digital rights policies affecting Africa and beyond.
A Decade of Advocacy: DRIF’s Journey from Nigeria to Zambia
Since its inception in 2013, DRIF has grown from a small gathering to one of the largest events focused on digital rights and inclusion in Africa. The event has created lasting impact by setting policy agendas, building partnerships, and addressing some of the continent’s most pressing issues in technology and human rights.
DRIF2024, held in Accra, Ghana, attracted 1,044 delegates from 61 countries. The 2023 forum, hosted in Nairobi, Kenya, saw 601 participants from 54 countries engage in discussions on internet policy, online safety, data protection, and digital inclusion, with attendees ranging from policymakers and activists to journalists and tech professionals.
The 2025 Theme: “Promoting Digital Ubuntu in Approaches to Technology”
The theme for DRIF25, “Promoting Digital Ubuntu in Approaches to Technology,” resonates deeply with the African philosophy of Ubuntu, which emphasizes interconnectedness and mutual respect. This theme aims to inspire a rights-respecting digital landscape across Africa that honors the principles of community and cooperation. In today’s digital age, Ubuntu’s principles are more relevant than ever, especially when considering policies around data privacy, internet shutdowns, and access to information.
Paradigm Initiative’s Executive Director, ‘Gbenga Sesan, emphasized the forum’s urgency, particularly for Africa’s “last civic space”—the internet. He remarked, “The last standing civic space we have in the Global South is the Internet… There is a fierce urgency of protecting civic space.” Sesan’s statement reflects the vital need to safeguard digital rights as part of preserving democratic freedoms in Africa. The theme also aligns with Africa’s unique socio-political context, where the internet has become an essential tool for civic engagement, economic opportunity, and cultural exchange.
Key Partners in DRIF25
For 2025, DRIF has partnered with numerous organizations across Zambia, including Bloggers of Zambia, Common Cause Zambia, Internews Network Zambia, Zambian Cybersecurity Initiative Foundation (ZCSI), Internet Society Zambia, the Zambia Information and Communication Technology Authority (ZICTA), and Zambia’s Ministry of Technology and Science. Each partner brings unique insights and resources, contributing to the forum’s mission of enhancing digital rights and inclusion in Africa.
Bloggers of Zambia
A prominent digital advocacy group, Bloggers of Zambia, advocates for freedom of expression and internet rights. CEO Richard Mulonga highlighted the importance of digital freedom for Africa, stating, “We are freedom fighters in our own way… We should fight for our own African democracy.” Bloggers of Zambia’s involvement underscores DRIF’s objective to support homegrown solutions to Africa’s digital challenges, particularly in media freedom and freedom of expression.
Internews Network Zambia
Internews Network Zambia, an organization focused on media development and digital safety, will provide critical resources for digital security and safety practices. Brenda Zulu, Digital Safety Coordinator at Internews, expressed excitement at partnering with PIN and emphasized the organization’s role in offering personalized guidance on digital security practices.
The Importance of Digital Rights and Inclusion in Africa
As Africa’s digital economy grows, so do concerns around data privacy, cyber security, internet access, and digital literacy. These issues make forums like DRIF essential for advocating for internet freedom and responsible governance. Notably, several African countries have been criticized for internet shutdowns, particularly during elections, with governments citing “national security” as a reason to limit digital freedom. This has sparked discussions on the balance between security and human rights—a topic that will likely feature prominently at DRIF25.
Digital rights in Africa intersect with various issues, including human rights, economic development, and social inclusion. The African continent, with its diverse population and unique political dynamics, faces unique challenges, from limited internet infrastructure to inconsistent policies on privacy and data protection. By addressing these issues, DRIF25 will continue to build on past initiatives to promote a free and open internet across Africa.
Key Topics for DRIF25: Internet Shutdowns, Data Privacy, and Cyber Security
- Internet Shutdowns: Over the years, several African governments have resorted to internet shutdowns during elections or civil unrest. According to Access Now, Africa recorded 19 internet shutdowns in 2022 alone, affecting millions of people in countries such as Ethiopia, Sudan, and Zimbabwe. DRIF25 will address the long-term implications of such shutdowns on freedom of expression, access to information, and economic growth.
- Data Privacy: As more Africans come online, concerns around data privacy are becoming increasingly significant. Data privacy laws vary widely across the continent, with some countries lacking legislation to protect citizens’ personal information. With growing concerns about surveillance, DRIF25 aims to advocate for robust data protection frameworks in African nations, ensuring citizens’ right to privacy is respected.
- Cyber Security: Africa’s rapid adoption of digital tools has made cyber security a top priority. However, many African countries lack the resources or infrastructure to handle sophisticated cyber threats. DRIF25 will discuss strategies to enhance cyber security, with a particular focus on protecting personal data, strengthening legal frameworks, and developing a skilled cybersecurity workforce.
Paradigm Initiative’s Mission and Impact
Paradigm Initiative (PIN) has championed digital rights across Africa since its establishment, working through programs that promote digital inclusion and equip underserved youth with essential ICT skills. Headquartered in Nigeria with offices across Africa, PIN advocates for an open and accessible internet, digital literacy, and privacy rights.
In addition to DRIF, PIN runs various programs such as LIFE (Life Skills, ICT, Financial Literacy, and Entrepreneurship), which offers digital readiness workshops for youth. PIN has also developed online platforms like Ayeta, a digital rights education tool, and Ripoti, a platform for reporting digital rights violations. PIN’s commitment to empowering Africans through digital inclusion aligns closely with the mission of DRIF, making them a crucial player in shaping Africa’s digital future.
Why Zambia Is a Strategic Host for DRIF25
Hosting DRIF25 in Zambia is strategic, as the country has made strides in digital development while facing similar challenges as many other African nations. Zambia’s government has shown a commitment to digital growth, establishing policies and partnerships to support digital literacy and internet access. The choice of Lusaka as a venue also highlights Zambia’s role as a growing digital hub, with potential to set an example in promoting digital rights and inclusion.
The Future of Digital Rights and Inclusion in Africa
With Africa experiencing one of the fastest rates of internet adoption globally, digital rights and inclusion have become fundamental to the continent’s progress. As countries transition to digital economies, there is a need for policies that ensure all citizens benefit from the internet. Initiatives like DRIF play a critical role in this by creating a forum for discussing, shaping, and advocating for inclusive and rights-respecting digital policies.
DRIF25 will not only provide a platform for discussing these issues but will also serve as a catalyst for real change in digital policy across Africa. It is an opportunity to push back against restrictive practices and advocate for a digital landscape that respects African values, rights, and community needs.
A Call to Action for Digital Rights Advocates
As the 2025 Digital Rights and Inclusion Forum approaches, stakeholders across Africa are encouraged to engage actively in discussions and collaborations to advance digital rights. PIN, along with its partners, has set the stage for constructive dialogues that will shape Africa’s digital landscape. By championing an internet that is accessible, open, and secure, DRIF25 will help move Africa closer to a future where technology serves as a tool for empowerment rather than oppression.
DRIF25 promises to be a milestone event for digital rights in Africa, uniting diverse perspectives to address some of the most pressing issues of our time. As the theme “Promoting Digital Ubuntu in Approaches to Technology” suggests, the forum will embody the spirit of unity, mutual respect, and shared progress that lies at the heart of the African philosophy of Ubuntu. This is a crucial moment for the continent’s digital advocates, government officials, private sector leaders, and citizens alike to come together in pursuit of a more inclusive digital future.
