July 2024 Newsletter
Dear Esteemed Reader,
Tomorrow August 1st marks the World Wide Web Day, in commemoration of the transformative impact the web has had on the human race. In just a few decades, every sector of society has been transformed drastically, with each invention only getting better.
As we warm up to celebrate the World Wide Web’s touch on the course of history, it is essential to reflect on Paradigm Initiative (PIN)’s part in advancing digital rights and inclusion on the continent. July was a month marked by multiple events and wins for us as a team, and we remain grateful to our diverse stakeholders - sponsors, partners, staff and beneficiaries.
We take this opportunity to share some of these key events with you.
The Paradigm Initiative Team
Key Highlights
• PIN donates 60 laptops for youth training in Senegal
• PIN breaks grounds in Zambia
• ‘Gbenga speaks digital rights at Lusaka internet meetup
• Senior Manager addresses Nigeria’s $220 million fine on Meta
• Speaking digital rights in fourth Twitter Space
• PIN Executive Director speaks on Social Protection Podcast
Nigeria: Paradigm Initiative affirms right to protest as pillar of democratic governance
In light of recent events and ongoing discussions surrounding the appropriateness of citizens expressing their dissatisfaction with government policies and actions, Paradigm Initiative adds its voice to those of other civil society organisations, to reaffirm the fundamental right of citizens to peaceful protest as a fundamental pillar of democratic governance. In a joint release, we have expressed our belief that this right is a cornerstone of any democratic society and a critical means for citizens to express their dissatisfaction, demand accountability, and advocate for change. Protesting is a legitimate form of expression enshrined in international human rights instruments, including
the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, and Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution (as amended), among others. It allows citizens to publicly voice their concerns, challenge injustices, and participate actively in the democratic process. Read the full release.
PIN engages stakeholders in Senegal
On Wednesday July 10, we hosted a stakeholder roundtable in Dakar, Senegal where we also launched a report with the Global Disinformation Index (GDI) titled Disinformation Risk Assessment: The Online News Market in Senegal. The report among others, highlights challenges in Senegal’s online news space as well as recommendations. The roundtable engagement was followed by the AfroCities Cafe, part of our Digital Policy
Engagement Series (DiPES). So far, we have held similar cafes in Nairobi, Lagos, and Port Harcourt. The edition in Dakar was hosted by our Senior Manager, Grants and Programmes Strategy, Adeboye Adegoke with our Executive Director, ‘Gbenga Sesan as speaker. The conversation was tailored towards the rationale behind PIN’s work, the back story and the impact. On Thursday July 11, Paradigm Initiative doubled down with the LIFE Legacy Town Hall meeting, taking stock of the organisation’s four years of operations in Senegal. With over 50 beneficiaries as well as partners and parents in attendance, the meeting featured among others, a panel discussion where speakers highlighted wins and challenges of the LIFE Legacy initiative, as well as possible solutions. The event culminated in the distribution of 60 brand new laptops to LIFE Legacy partners to facilitate their training sessions.
(WAIGF) in Dakar, Senegal on Thursday July 11, 2024. This was followed by a conversation on the Londa report which inspired the production of the short film. Still at the WAIGF, team members participated in a number of sessions. Our Executive Director, ‘Gbenga Sesan lent his voice to the conversation on Global coordination and regional cooperation for the Global Digital Compact (GDC) and the Summit of the Future. Our Communications Manager, Judith Ogutu and Senior Programmes Officer, Ihueze Nwobilor joined Ghana Domain Name Registry’s Francins Amaning and TechSocietal’s Tope Ogundipe to discuss Child online safety in the age of Artificial Intelligence. Senior Manager, Grants and Programmes Strategy, Adeboye Adegoke was on duty, as he examined the intersection of internet access and human rights at the session ‘A human rights based approach to access to the internet, digital rights and digital inclusion.’
Digital rights film, Undersight screened at West African Internet Governance Forum
Paradigm Initiative’s fourth short film, Undersight was screened at the West African Internet Governance Forum
Adeboye addresses Nigeria’s $220 million fine on Meta
Paradigm Initiative’s Senior Manager, Grants and Programmes Strategy, Adeboye Adegoke was a guest on News Central TV’s breakfast show on Thursday July 25. Adeboye’s contribution was on the $220 million fine slammed on Meta by Nigeria’s Federal Competition & Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC). He highlighted the need to have regulatory oversight over platforms like Meta, ensuring they align with data privacy as guaranteed by the constitution. Watch the full show here
PIN adds voice to Don’t Police my Speech campaign
In the face of increasing attacks on journalists and online dissenters in Nigeria, Paradigm Initiative joined voices with over 200 organisations
under the leadership of Gatefield to condemn speech censorship through the #DontPoliceMySpeech Campaign. Journalists, activists, and civil society organisations through the campaign are pushing for the respect of constitutionally guaranteed rights to speech and press freedom in Nigeria. By raising awareness of the misuse of laws and calling for government accountability, the campaign had as its primary goal, ensuring justice and safeguarding the fundamental rights of all citizens.
PIN expresses concern over human rights portions of Global Digital Compact
Paradigm Initiative (PIN) on July 19 added its voice to those of other civil society organisations and individuals who have been active in the United Nations (UN) Global Digital Compact (GDC) process since the onset, to express concerns regarding the state of the GDC from a human rights perspective. Alongside other stakeholders, PIN has invested countless hours over the past two years informing and guiding this process, engaging in consultations, deep dives, hosting events, and participating in
conferences to center the discussion on those most impacted. However, the GDC outcome document, as it stands, does not reflect the reality of what we see on the ground and in our diverse communities across the contexts of the Global Majority and Global North. The call by PIN and other civil society organisations was therefore meant to urge the UN and its Member States, to openly address how technology impacts its mandate and overall efforts to extend human rights, peace and security, the rule of law, and development. Read the full statement.
young lawyers, and civil society actors in Zambia. The one-day academy enhanced participants’ digital security skills and knowledge, empowering them to protect digital rights and inclusion in Zambia. Attendees were equipped with essential tools and practices to safeguard citizens from digital rights violations and promote a safer online environment. By raising awareness and building capacity, the Academy fosters innovation-friendly, inclusive, and human rights-respecting legislation. This initiative is crucial for combating the growing concerns over online human rights violations, including freedom of expression, assembly, and data privacy.
PIN hosts Digital Rights Academy in Lusaka
Paradigm Initiative organised a Digital Rights Academy in collaboration with Bloggers of Zambia on July 17. The training targeted Human Rights Commission staff, Legal Aid professionals, journalists, students,
The PIN team was represented by our Executive Director, ‘Gbenga Sesan, Senior Manager, Programmes and Grants Strategy, Adeboye Adegoke and Senior Manager, Partnerships and Engagements, Thobekile Matimbe.
PIN’s Partnerships Officer speaks at webinar on Smart Cities and Democratic Governance
Paradigm Initiative’s Partnerships and Engagements Officer, Bridgette Ndlovu was speaker at the “Shaping the Future of Urban Living: Global Perspectives on Smart Cities and
Democratic Governance” webinar on July 24. The virtual event hosted by the Center for International Private Enterprise (CIPE) assembled a panel of partners to discuss the challenges faced while advancing the development of ethical and democratic smart cities. Drawing on new public policy research, Bridgette and other speakers discussed the challenges and successes of democratic digital municipal transformation in Zimbabwe, Brazil, and Argentina.
Thought Leadership
digital rights and inclusion to step up in the quest to shape policy. Speaking at the Lusaka Internet Meetup in Zambia, he emphasised the need to engage a people-centred approach, praising digital rights successes and calling out attempts to violate internet rights. The Lusaka internet MeetUp is an annual, multi stakeholder signature event that convenes different groups who are interested in the area of digitalisation in Zambia. Still in Zambia, Paradigm Initiative in partnership with the Internet Society (ISOC) Zambia launched the LIFE Legacy programme. It was a chance to highlight the programme’s impact on youth across the African continent.
‘Gbenga speaks digital rights at Lusaka internet meetup
While in Lusaka, our Executive Director, ‘Gbenga Sesan urged stakeholders in
PIN ED speaks on Social Protection Podcast
Our Executive Director was a guest on
the latest edition of WIEGO’s Informal Economy Podcast which explores some of the most pressing issues faced by the world’s informal workers, and features experts from around the globe. Acronym for Women in Informal Employment: Globalising and Organising, WIEGO is a global network focused on empowering the working poor, especially women, in the informal economy to secure their livelihoods. As a guest on the Podcast, ‘Gbenga Sesan speaks about the digitisation process and how it affects informal workers. Listen to the episode here.
and the German Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport (BMDV), aims to shape better framework conditions for the digital transformation of both the economy and society through the exchange of experiences and best practices among policymakers, the private sector, academia, and civil society. The event focused on the challenges and opportunities of aligning the growth of Artificial Intelligence (AI) with environmental sustainability, highlighting the critical interplay between sustainability and digital transformation. Watch the recorded session.
Adeboye speaks on digital policy innovation and policy
On July 10, Senior Manager, Grants and Programmes Strategy, Adeboye Adegoke was speaker at a webinar hosted by the German-Brazilian Digital Dialogue. His session was titled ‘Harmonizing Innovation and Nature,’ and explored the innovative approaches to ensure that AI advancements contribute positively to our environmental goals. The bilateral initiative, established in 2019 between the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MCTI)
New podcast alert: Digital Rights in Africa
The latest edition of the PIN podcast is now available. Titled “Digital Rights in Africa: Understanding your rights and responsibilities”, it is an expository episode outlining the basics of digital rights. Our guest on the podcast is PIN Senior Programmes Officer for Anglophone West Africa, Khadijah ElUsman. Listen and share with friends and loved ones.
Events Weekend Read
Eight weeks of Londa - Week four
Sequel to the first three X (formerly Twitter) Spaces held as part of the eightweeks of Londa campaign, Paradigm Initiative shall host the 4th space on Friday, August 02nd. This edition will be moderated by our Programmes officer, Moussa Waly Sene, and will have as focus, the Londa country reports for Senegal, Tunisia, the Central African Republic (CAR) and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The third edition of the space was held on July 19th, and dwelled on Angola’s digital rights situation, with Londa country author, Dércio Tsandzana as guest speaker. Listen to the recording here. Set your timer for the fourth Twitter Space.
Fostering change, one youth at a time
With a presence spanning six African countries – Cameroon, Kenya, Nigeria, Senegal, Zambia and Zimbabwe, Paradigm Initiative’s commitment to fostering change is reflected in the diverse and impactful programmes we have implemented and continue to implement. From our LIFE Legacy Programme to strategic litigation that challenges the status quo, each endeavour is a platform for creating a rights-respecting world with free and affordable Internet for all. As we manoeuvre the complexities of Information Communication and Technology (ICT) policies, our advocacy efforts cut across several countries, forging partnerships that amplify our collective voice, strengthening the foundation of digital rights and inclusion. Our 2023 Annual Impact Report serves as a testament to our steadfast dedication to championing digital rights and inclusion in Africa and beyond. Read full report
Questions, Feedback, Ideas?
Thank you for staying with us. We hope you had an amazing time reading. Please leave any feedback at media.enquiry@paradigmhq.org