Dear Esteemed Reader,
Happy New Year! With exactly 31 days into 2025, we reflect on an exciting start to the second year of our five-year Strategic Management Plan (SMP). This year presents new opportunities to advance digital rights and inclusion, and we are eager to continue this journey with you.
January has rather gone by fast. It has been a month marked by a quick and exciting start to our activities as Paradigm Initiative, presenting us with an opportunity to continue serving with commitment to the ideals of digital rights and inclusion.
We are eager for what the year holds and look forward to embarking on this journey with you.
Enjoy the read.
The Paradigm Initiative Team.
Key Highlights
• Reminiscing 2024 Internet Governance Forum (IGF)
• Paradigm Initiative condemns social media ban in South Sudan
• Training the trainers: Police
workshop on digital rights and data protection
• Paradigm Initiative’s delegation to attend RightsCon 2025
Looking forward from the 2024 Internet Governance Forum
Between December 15th and 19th, 2024, a delegation from Paradigm Initiative (PIN) attended the 2024 Internet Governance Forum in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where they played key roles in numerous sessions. This included advocating for the importance of a digital rights perspective in the development of emerging technologies, advocating for a more inclusive digital future, and addressing the specific challenges the African continent battles with in terms of digital access and inclusion. “Paradigm Initiative’s participation was a powerful reminder that Africa’s digital future must be shaped by inclusive, rights-respecting policies. Our participation at the IGF is a continuous demonstration of the need for all stakeholders to collaborate in building a more inclusive and accessible internet for everyone, especially those in under-served communities,” our Executive Director, ‘Gbenga Sesan stated. The insights and discussions from IGF 2024 continue to guide our work this year, as we strive to bridge the digital divide and advance policies that empower communities in the Global South and advocate for a more inclusive digital society.
Building capacity of Nigeria’s Law enforcement personnel
Over the past three years, PIN has equipped law enforcement agents with critical skills to navigate human rights challenges in the digital age. This month, Paradigm Initiative organised a three-day workshop between January 20th and January 22nd, 2025 for Police College Trainers in Nigeria who teach Law, Computer Science, Sociology, and Parades. These trainers play a pivotal role in shaping the next generation of law enforcement officers. The training equipped them with skills to incorporate digital rights and emerging technology principles into their curriculum.
Coalition decries social media ban in South Sudan
The Net Rights Coalition (NRC) has expressed concern over the instruction to South Suda-
nese Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to block access to all social media accounts for a minimum of 30 days. The orders were given by the country’s government which accused social media platforms of promoting ‘unprecedented levels of extreme violence through social media posts,’ culminating from the upheaval in Sudan. In an open letter, the NRC expressed concern over the impact of such a broad and far-reaching measure on South Sudan’s commitment to democratic principles and the domestic and international human rights instruments to which the country is a party. Read the full open letter here.
In another open letter, the Coalition expressed concerns about reports that the Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA) published in the National Publications Limited a Notice of Intention to Award a Contract for the Supply, Delivery, Installation, Commissioning and Testing of Integrated System to Track Misinformation and Disinformation Trends in the country. In the open letter to MACRA, NRC noted that such a tool would potentially seek, among others, to monitor individual and group social media accounts as well classifying target groups for ease of digital surveillance such as human rights defenders and the media. Check out the full letter.
PIN builds prosecutors’ capacity to combat Cybercrime and Terrorism Financing
Paradigm Initiative, in collaboration with Nigeria’s Department of Public Prosecutions and Office of the Attorney General of the Federation, on January 13th to January 15th, 2025 hosted a three-day workshop titled: ‘Preparing Financial Investigations and Forensic Analysis for the Prosecution of Terrorism Financing Cyber-Offences.’ This workshop
provided an invaluable platform for Nigeria’s judiciary to explore emerging cyber-offences and engage in interactive sessions, using real-world case studies. The key aim was to equip stakeholders with the tools and knowledge to address digital-age challenges and ensure justice in the fight against terrorism financing and cybercrime.
Events
Paradigm Initiative’s delegation to attend RightsCon 2025
A delegation from PIN will be attending the 13th edition of the global summit on human rights in the digital age, RightsCon in Taipei, Taiwan from February 24th to February 27th, 2025. The convening, which is a platform for global conversations on strategies toward a more free, open, and connected digital world, comprises fireside chats, hands-on workshops, strategic roundtables, private meetings, and a lively exhibition space. Participating team members will include the Executive
Director, Gbenga Sesan, Senior Manager, Partnerships and Engagements, Thobekile Matimbe, Programmes Officer, East Africa, Miriam Beatrice Wanjiru.
Support DRIF25 through ticket purchase
For the first time, individuals and organisations have a chance to support our signature event - Digital Rights and Inclusion Forum (DRIF) - through ticket purchase. This new arrangement provides different categories with the opportunity to purchase the tickets. This is in line with the Forum’s theme, ‘Promoting Digital Ubuntu in Approaches to Technology.’ We will be opening the registration exercise in February 2025. Stay tuned to our website and social media platforms for more updates.
‘Gbenga at World Data Privacy Day Celebration
Paradigm Initiative’s Executive Director, ‘Gbenga Sesan on January 28th joined the Nigeria Employers Consultative Association (NECA) to discuss data privacy and protection. In line with the 2025 World Data Privacy Day celebration, the conversation was held under the theme ‘Respecting privacy, safeguarding personal data, enabling trust.’ It also featured other panelists and speakers from civil society, the Nigeria Data Protection Commission, and academia.
Int’l Day of Education: Protecting human agency in a world of automation
On January 24th, PIN joined the world in celebrating the International Day of Education, under the theme ‘Artificial Intelligence and education: Protecting human agency in a world of automation.’ The day created an opportunity to reflect on our efforts to educate and empower youth across Africa. Through initiatives such as the LIFE Legacy Programme, we are equipping beneficiaries with Life skills, ICT skills, Financial Literacy, and Entrepreneurial knowledge. Learn more about the LIFE Legacy programme.
