Paradigm Initiative -June 2025 Newsletter

Dear Reader,

As we close June, it marks the midpoint of the year 2025 and, of course, the end of the second quarter of the year. The month brought many great tidings for us at Paradigm Initiative, and we are excited to share them with you. From Digital Rights Academies to participating at the Internet Governance Forum (IGF), planning a movie screening, and upcoming events, there is a lot you can’t afford to miss.

Feel free to dive right in.

Key Highlights

• Our Annual Impact Report is now available

• Paradigm Initiative at the Global Internet Governance Forum

• Whispers in the Wires is coming to your screens

• Follow our Digital Rights Academies in West Africa

• Webinar: Delivery of Digital Social Protection in Africa

• PIN condemns the internet shutdown in Kenya

The 2024 Annual Impact Report is here - See what we achieved together

• 25 LIFE training cohorts completed in 11 African countries.

• 60 laptops distributed to implementing partners in Senegal

• 707 youth in underserved communities trained through our LIFE Legacy Programme

• 29 legal cases supported in Ghana, Kenya, and Nigeria, including landmark data privacy victories

• Over 994,000 views of our short film Undersight on YouTube

• 8,457 downloads of our flagship Londa Report, covering digital rights in 26 African countries

These are some of the highlights of our 2024 Annual Impact Report, which has now gone public. These amazing achievements were made possible through the unwavering support of our funders, partners, and digital rights supporters like you. We cannot thank you enough for your continuous support. Check out the full report

Kenya restores live media broadcast after civil society raises alarm

Paradigm Initiative has condemned the media and internet shutdowns imposed during the June 25 protests in Kenya. In a recent release, we noted that blocking platforms like Telegram and restricting live media coverage violates Kenyans’ rights to free expression and access to information, and goes against both national and international laws. We urged the government of Kenya to rescind its decision to block access to Telegram and any other social media platform, grant immediate access to the Internet and refrain from any such future conduct that violates freedom of expression and access to information.

PIN takes digital inclusion to Global IGF

From June 23rd to June 27ththe PIN team joined other stakeholders at the 2025 Global Internet Governance Forum (IGF), under the theme ‘Building Digital Governance Together.’

Taking place , in Lillestrøm, Norway, the 20th edition of the IGF presented an important platform for civil society, governments, private sector, and the technical community to deliberate on some of the most pressing digital challenges today. Our team at the forum included: ‘Gbenga Sesan, Executive Director; Nnenna Paul-Ugochukwu, Chief Operating Officer; and Thobekile Matimbe, Senior Manager, Partnerships and Engagements. Have you been following updates on our participation. See full sessions here.

Laying groundwork for digital rights advocacy in Benin

On June 3rd and 4th, PIN organised a Digital Rights Academy and a Digital Rights and Elections in Africa Monitor (DREAM) session

in Benin with a view to lay the groundwork for digital rights advocacy ahead of the country’s upcoming elections. DREAM brought together key stakeholders from the media, civil society, state institutions, as well as representatives of political parties, to discuss crucial issues related to digital rights during election periods. The discussions helped to strengthen understanding of digital freedoms, propose concrete tools to combat disinformation, and promote multi-stakeholder dialogue with a view to shared commitments for free, transparent and digitally rights-respecting elections in 2026. It ended with a call for stakeholders to commit to digital transparency every step of the electoral process.

From Banjul to Freetown: Advancing Data Protection through policy

On June 17, PIN made a stop in Banjul, The Gambia where we hosted the Digital Rights Academy, capacity building for police prosecutors on data protection principles and the Digital Policy Engagement Series (DiPES) for stakeholder dialogue on the draft Data Protection Bill. We provided focused training for police prosecutors and relevant law enforcement officials on the principles and application of data protection, aiming to ensure that officers handling personal data are equipped with the legal and ethical knowledge required to comply with modern

data protection standards..

Sierra Leone prescribes a free press, digital rights

On June 23rd, we continued our Digital Rights Academy, meeting with journalists in Freetown, Sierra Leone. PIN, in collaboration with the Media Reform Coordinating Group (MRCG) and 36 media professionals from across Sierra Leone, issued a joint communiqué calling on the Government to urgently safeguard press freedom, digital rights, and freedom of expression amid the country’s fast-evolving digital landscape. While welcoming Sierra Leone’s efforts to expand access to information and promote ICT growth, the joint call also warned against regression through vaguely worded laws or unchecked digital surveillance practices.

Our DRA was followed by the Digital Policy Engagement Series (DiPES) where together with key stakeholders, we x-rayed Sierra Leone’s Cybercrime, Data Protection and Anti-Terrorism Laws. Speaking at the event, the country’s Minister of Information and Civic Education, Chernoh Bah lauded the initiative, adding that it aligns with Sierra Leone’s. Pledging government support, he urged all stakeholders to play their part and commit to build “a digital and media environment that is not only open and inclusive, but grounded

in truth, guided by ethics, and driven by the public good.”

PIN holds Big Tech to account

On the occasion of International Day for Countering Hate Speech, on June 18, Paradigm Initiative urged Big Tech to step up action against online hate. Aligning with the 2025 Londa report, we noted hate speech continues to fuel violence, deepen division, and threaten human rights, especially in the Global South. We also called for better content moderation, greater transparency, and a human rights approach to content regulation in the age of AI. Read the full release.

Global South Alliance welcomes 13 new members

The Global South Alliance (GSA) to which PIN belongs now has 26 members, up from 13. Formed in 2022 with the mission of unifying Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) dedicated to the promotion of mutual learning and the advancement of digital rights, the coalition’s work is based on its perspective from the Global South. The new members joined after GSA opened membership applications in February 2025, during RightsCon in Taipei, Taiwan. Member organisations include nonprofit entities, think tanks, or collectives based in or led by individuals from the Global South, with a proven commitment to digital rights, aligned with values of solidarity and democracy. See details

Global South Alliance welcomes 13 new

members

The Freedom Online Coalition (FOC) has released a landmark Joint Statement on Protecting Human Rights Online and Preventing Internet Shutdowns in Times of Armed Conflict. Endorsed by 29 Members and one Observer, the statement affirms the importance of a global, free, open, secure and interoperable Internet and other digital communications services in times of armed conflict. The coalition expresses deep concern that Internet shutdowns and restrictions to digital communications services during situations of armed conflict hinder crisisaffected populations’ access to life-saving information, protection mechanisms and vital services and humanitarian assistance. The shutdowns further prevent independent reporting and reduce international oversight of armed actors’ behaviour. The Freedom Online Coalition (FOC) is calling on states to promote and protect information integrity online during such times in a manner that supports the right to freedom of opinion and expression. The coalition is a partnership of 42 governments working to advance Internet freedom. A more comprehensive statement can be accessed via this link: http://bit. ly/4lyWlq5. Our Executive Director, ‘Gbenga Sesan, is the Co-Chair of the Freedom Online Coalition’s Advisory Network.

Events

Movie screening: Whispers in the Wires

Mama Bibi’s battle against misinformation begins on July 4, 2025. Join us as we go public with our latest short film, Whispers in the Wires. We will launch the movie virtually on July 4, 2025 at 3:00 pm WAT. We encourage you to sign up and let your networks know, too.

PIN hosts Webinar on Delivery of Digital Social Protection in Africa

The rapid digitalisation of public services, including social protection programmes, offers a potential for increased efficiency, reach, and transparency, particularly for vulnerable groups in developing contexts. However, this digital transformation outpaces

the development of policies and regulatory frameworks, creating gaps that undermine the rights and protections that these systems are meant to serve. Without clear guidelines, digital social protection initiatives risk infringing the right to privacy, excluding vulnerable populations and failing to effectively fulfil their purpose. It is in this regard that PIN on June 30, hosted a webinar titled ‘Delivery of Digital Social Protection in Africa,’ with the aim of raising awareness on digital social protection, identifying legislative, regulatory policy gaps that hinder the effective delivery of digital social protection and promote the protection of digital rights, and advocating for the rectification of challenges to ensure digital social protection systems are rightsrespecting.

Thought Leadership

Fostering Community-centred initiatives in Nigeria

Nigeria’s ICT sector witnessed remarkable growth within the first decade of the introduction of mobile telephony services.

The last decade has witnessed the consolidation of the progress recorded within that period. According to a survey carried out by Research ICT Africa in Nigeria between 2022 and 2024, only 32 million Adults have access to the internet. However, a significant digital divide persists, particularly in rural and marginalised communities, where broadband access remains poor or non-existent. Despite government and private sector efforts, urban places enjoy far better connectivity than rural areas. What does this mean for Nigeria and West African region? Check out our latest brief, Fostering an Enabling Environment for Community-Centered Connectivity Initiatives in Nigeria.

Bridgette shares thoughts on the future of digital governance in Zimbabwe.

On June 5th, Partnerships and Engagements Officer Bridgette Ndlovu was a guest speaker

at an X-Space hosted by Accountability Lab Zimbabwe. She shared insights on Paradigm Initiative’s work and the 2024 Londa Report, highlighting key gaps and opportunities in Zimbabwe’s digital governance landscape. The session also marked the launch of Accountability Lab Zimbabwe’s Digital Governance Dialogue Series, a youth-focused platform to strengthen national conversations on AI, digital rights, and policy inclusion.

Miriam at Kenya’s 2025 Africa Public Service Day national celebrations

On June 11, Programmes Officer for East Africa, Miriam Beatrice Wanjiru took part in two pivotal events shaping Africa’s digital and governance landscape. First, she participated in a dynamic workshop on digital rights and corporate accountability, where technology companies’ role in building a responsible and inclusive digital ecosystem was explored. Against the backdrop of Africa’s fast-evolving digital transformation, discussions focused on critical issues such as data privacy, internet access, and the digital divide, especially as they affect women, youth, rural communities, and persons with disabilities. Miriam also moderated a session at the 2025 Africa Public Service Day national celebrations in Kenya, titled, “Leveraging Digitalisation to Enhance Access to Information and Accountability.” This session examined how digital technologies can be harnessed to improve transparency, ensure inclusive public services, and amplify citizen voices.

PIN at Malawi Youth Summit

On June 25th and 26th, Paradigm Initiative joined other stakeholders at the Youth Summit for Democracy and Human Rights in

Lilongwe, Malawi which saw the launch of the National Youth Manifesto. As a partner in the summit, Paradigm Initiative hosted a session to highlight the state of digital rights and inclusion in Malawi, spotlighting findings from the Londa report and its recommendations for improving the state of digital rights and inclusion in Malawi. The PIN team was represented by Bridgette Ndlovu, Partnerships and Engagements Officer.

Media Corner

• Silenced and monitored’: Foreign students scrub social media after US visa move: What have you been up to these past weeks? Meetings, smartsheets, social media? Many students spent their time scrubbing their social media accounts, deleting old posts. This comes after the U.S’ latest move to cut down and even stop new visa appointments and increase vetting of students’ social media profiles, as Bukola Adebayo reports in this article.

• Kenya’s tech dream: Unmet promises of digital access: Kenya has long been regarded as Africa’s Silicon Savannah, celebrated worldwide for its tech startups, mobile money innovation, and growing digital economy. In 2024, the government allocated

Ksh16.3 billion for ICT development, with President William Ruto promising ICT hubs in every ward. In the 2025/2026 financial year, an additional Ksh12.7 billion was allocated for digital transformation under the flagship Digital Superhighway initiative. However, in areas like Kibera, one of the country’s largest informal settlements, this revolution seems more like a distant mirage than a lived reality. People’s Daily’s Linda Bach paints the picture and highlights what organisations like Paradigm Initiative are doing to keep the digital dream of youth alive.

• Minister of Information shares government plans on media freedom and privacy: How better can your country manage its online laws and technology without disregarding the people’s fundamental rights and freedoms? Paradigm Initiative and the Media Reform Coordinating Group in Freetown, Sierra Leone brought together government officials, media workers, civil society groups, university experts, and international organisations with this goal. Speaking at the Digital Policy Engagement Series (DiPES), the country’s Minister of Information and Civic Education, Chernor Bah pledged government support and urged other stakeholders to continue working together to build a future where technology is used in a way that is safe, open, and fair for all, Sierra Loaded reports.

From Dakar to Abuja to Bujumbura, PIN is tracking the digital policy moves shaping Africa’s future. Our latest Digital Policy Digest is now public and packed with insights you don’t want to miss. The digest takes you on a policy tour, highlighting Senegal’s big bet on AI with Horizon 2028, Nigeria’s Cybercrimes Act and the 2024 AI Strategy, and Burundi’s Law No. 1/10 and what it means for digital freedoms and cybersecurity. Check out the full digest

We hope you enjoyed reading.

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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.