Dear Reader,
The second month of the year 2025 has come to an end. February has been a month of critical conversations, advocacy, and action—from tackling Tech-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence (TFGBV) to amplifying our efforts to ensure a safer, more inclusive digital space for all.
This month, we engaged diverse stakeholders through insightful discussions on online safety and digital rights violations. As we continue to advocate for open and accessible digital spaces, we are also gearing up for upcoming initiatives, including our Women’s Day Webinar and the Digital Rights and Inclusion Forum (DRIF25).
Stay with us as we highlight key moments from February and look ahead to what’s next.
Key Highlights
• DRIF tickets now available
• PIN at RightsCon 2025
• Nigeria’s Cybercrime Act: Protecting Citizens or Silencing Voices?
• IDRC Senegal: Addressing information disorder in West and Central Africa
• New research on Moderating Kiswahili Content on Social Media
DRIF25 Registration
Registration is now open for the 2025 edition of the Digital Rights and Inclusion Forum (DRIF25), taking place in Lusaka, Zambia, from April 29th to May 1st, 2025. This year, we are gathering to explore “Promoting Digital Ubuntu in Approaches to Technology,” and would be eager to have diverse stakeholders participate. For the first time ever, PIN is providing an opportunity for participants to support digital rights and inclusion conversations through purchase of tickets for the event. The cost of tickets start at $50 and they are currently on sale until 7th April, 2025. Support DRIF today.
With DRIF25 drawing closer, it is important to remain informed. If you haven’t already, follow our DRIF handles on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook and stay updated on all things DRIF.
PIN at RightsCon 2025
Leading event on human rights, RightsCon 2025, hosted by Access Now ended yesterday February 27, after four days of conversations
between diverse stakeholders from across the globe. The PIN team participating at RightsCon was led by ‘Gbenga Sesan, PIN’s Executive Director, and comprised of Thobekile Matimbe (Senior Manager for Partnerships and Engagements), Judith Ogutu (Communications Manager), Miriam Beatrice Wanjiru (Programmes Officer for East Africa) and Bridgette Ndlovu (Partnerships and Engagements Officer). They participated in several panel sessions, workshops, roundtable discussions, and private meetings, sharing deep insights in the following thematic areas: Emerging technologies, content moderation, data protection, encryption, global processes, trust and safety, internet shutdowns, digital inclusion, journalism, surveillance, and accountability online. See details of their participation and also check us out on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram or LinkedIn for more updates on their contributions to the discussions as well as key takeaways.
Nigeria’s Cybercrime Act: Protecting Citizens or Silencing Voices?
On February 17, our Executive Director,
‘Gbenga Sesan was live on News Central’s Jasiri to discuss Nigeria’s Cybercrime Act and its application. He outlined the intricacies of the legislation and its 2024 amendments, citing the ability of the law to be misused due to the ‘vagueness’ of some terms and phrases. ‘Gbenga also revisited the Nigerian data breach and the role played by the Nigerian Identity Management Commission (NIMC), and highlighted PIN’s work including initiatives such as the training of police trainers on digital rights. Watch the full session here.
Events
Recap: Addressing Tech-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence in the Digital Age
On February 13, 2025, Paradigm Initiative (PIN) hosted the webinar “All Aboard: Addressing
Tech-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence (TFGBV) in the Digital Age”, bringing together experts from East, West, and Southern Africa. The session provided a platform to discuss the impact of TFGBV, strategies for fostering safer digital spaces, and the crucial role of men in addressing harmful online behaviors. Key discussions included the evolving landscape of TFGBV and its effects on women and marginalized communities, practical approaches to mitigating online harm and ensuring accountability and best practices for navigating digital relationships safely.
Addressing Tech-Facilitated GenderBased Violence in Francophone Africa
As part of our continued commitment to tackling tech-facilitated gender-based violence (TFGBV), Paradigm Initiative (PIN) is expanding the conversation to Francophone Africa. On March 7, 2025, we will host a special Women’s Day Webinar dedicated to exploring TFGBV. The webinar will bring together experts,
advocates, and stakeholders to discuss the unique challenges faced by women and marginalised groups in Francophone Africa’s digital spaces. Panelists will share insights on how to create safer online environments, combat harmful behaviors, and empower individuals with practical tools for digital safety. Register today to secure your spot.
Thought Leadership
New Report Launch: Digitising Kenya
On the 4th of February, Paradigm Initiative marked its presence at an Open Government Partnership-Pollicy Research event where a report titled ‘Digitising Kenya: An Assessment of the Citizen Centricity of Kenya’s Digital Governance’ was published. The report examines the state of digital governance in
Kenya, the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) & emerging technologies, and gender data & public participation in policymaking. PIN was represented by Programmes Officer for East Africa, Miriam Beatrice Wanjiru, who alongside key stakeholders from civil society and public institutions, discussed the report at length at an online roundtable that marked the launch. Read the full report
New research on Moderating Kiswahili Content on Social Media
Misinformation and hate speech remain major challenges in Kiswahili online spaces, as illustrated in new research by the Center for Democracy and Technology (CDT) in partnership with Paradigm and the Internet Society (ISOC) Foundation. The research amongst other findings, revealed that a majority of users in Kenya and Tanzania are worried over misleading and inciting content online, and social media platforms are struggling to address these issues, often due to inadequate training data and under-resourced moderation systems. With the current content moderation approaches obviously not enough, the research notes that platforms must invest in better data, more inclusive policies, and enhanced support for content moderators. See full report
‘Gbenga speaks to economic inclusion at Paris AI Summit
On February 11, 2025, ‘Gbenga Sesan was at the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Action Summit (AISummit) in Paris, France where he joined the International Panel on the Information Environment (IPIE) session, “AI for Economic Inclusion: Insights and Action.” ‘Gbenga and other thought leaders on the panel discussed strategies for preventing AI bias and fostering fairness, while exploring innovative policy solutions for true economic inclusion.
IDRC Senegal: Addressing information disorder in West and Central Africa
From February 11-13, 2025, Paradigm Initiative assembled researchers from West and Central Africa in Dakar, Senegal to discuss ongoing research into information disorder in the regions. With the primary aim of addressing the two regions’ pressing challenges in combating misinformation and disinformation,
the research examines the root causes, actors, and dynamics of information disorder, fostering an informed citizenry and resilient democratic institutions. With the project’s methodology and deliverables defined at the workshop, it served as a platform for collaboration among the researchers, focusing on refining research methods and ensuring the practical relevance of outcomes. The project is supported by Canada’s International Development Research Centre (IDRC).
Media Corner
This month, Paradigm Initiative was featured in the media. Below are some excerpts of the coverage we received;
• In Nigeria, loan applications provide swift access to funds without hassle. Unlike other e-commerce platforms, they usually do not need extensive paperwork, making them an attractive option for lenders. However, these platforms typically come with high interest rates and potentially exploitative terms, such as access to the borrower’s contact list and other personal data. Plubard sheds light on the push back efforts by individuals and organisations like PIN.
Weekend Read
Strengthening election monitoring with digital technologies
Empowering voters and organisations to monitor elections digitally starts with teaching
them how to use transparency tools. But it definitely does not end there. In a blog post, PIN Communications Officer, Giyo Ndzi, highlights the need for stakeholders to embrace digital monitoring tools as over 16 different African nations go to the polls this year.
Vacancy: Administrative Assistant
PIN is seeking a bilingual candidate to take on the role of Administrative Assistant. This role involves managing confidential and sensitive matters, coordinating schedules, organising meetings, and supporting daily operations and programmes. The assistant will ensure
seamless communication and support management, staff, and service providers. By efficiently handling administrative tasks and operational responsibilities, the assistant helps create a positive and productive work environment, fostering smooth collaboration and effective programme delivery across Paradigm Initiative. Do you know anyone who matches the profile? Please let them know. See details here
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Support the drive for a more inclusive, safe digital space
Paradigm Initiative has been a driving force for positive change in African communities since 2007. With our roots in Nigeria and operations across Cameroon, Kenya, Nigeria, Senegal, Zambia, Zimbabwe and beyond, we have impacted the livelihoods of more than 150,000 under-served young Africans through digital opportunities and protection of their rights online. Our vision towards a rightsrespecting world is resolute, and so is our focus on influencing policies in digital rights and inclusion while advocating for a free and affordable Internet. Visit our website to learn how you can support us.
