Welcome to this month’s edition of the Paradigm Initiative (PIN) newsletter.
May has been a vibrant and impactful month across the continent, with our team participating in key regional convenings. From the West Africa IGF in Abuja to the Africa IGF in Dar es Salaam, we actively contributed to vital conversations on digital rights, inclusion, and internet governance. We also hosted a WSIS+20 national workshop in Zambia and launched our DREAM project to monitor digital rights during elections across Africa.
In addition to these engagements, we observed important commemorative days, including World Press Freedom Day and Global Accessibility Awareness Day (May 16), reinforcing our commitment to a free, open, and inclusive digital environment for all.
Dive in for highlights, reflections, and updates from our work across the region.
• PIN condemns Internet disruption in Tanzania
• PIN sues for Internet protection in Kenya
• Digital Rights training for lawyers in Francophone Africa Key Highlights
• Zambia Workshop on WSIS+20: Shaping National Priorities
• Paradigm Initiative at the West Africa and Africa Internet Governance Forums
• Media corner: “Truth gets a lot of respect”
PIN and Senegal’s data protection authority reach to collaborate for digital rights protection
On May 7, 2025 in Abuja, Nigeria, Paradigm Initiative and the Commission de Protection des Données Personnelles (CDP) Senegal (Senegal’s Data Protection Commission) officially committed to work together to advance data protection and digital rights. This was marked by the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Abuja, Nigeria, as a side event during the National Data Protection Agency (NADPA) Conference. The NADPA conference was an opportunity to briefly showcase the objectives of the partnership, strengthen collaboration within the ecosystem, and share our vision with key stakeholders and media.
PIN sues for Internet protection in Kenya
Paradigm Initiative and six other organisations filed a landmark public interest case challenging the unlawful disruption of internet access in Kenya. This legal action responds to credible evidence of deliberate interference, including
internet throttling and the blocking of social Media platform, Telegram, during the 2023 #RejectFinanceBill protests and the 2024 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) Examinations. In response to the case filed, Kenyan High Court Justice Bahati Mwamuye issued orders prohibiting the interference with internet access in Kenya until a case on the matter is heard and determined. The outcome of this case will have far-reaching implications for millions of Kenyans who rely on unimpeded connectivity for livelihoods, education, and civic engagement. See details.
Nigerian Judges take a stand for Digital Rights
Judges of the Federal High Court and National Industrial Court in Nigeria have endorsed the Ikot Ekpene Declaration, a commitment to align with global digital rights standards. This landmark adoption took place at the May 12-15
training session in Ikot Ekpene, Nigeria, hosted by Paradigm Initiative, in collaboration with Nigeria’s National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) and the National Judicial Institute (NJI), under the Stemming the Tide of Abuse in Nigeria’s Digital Space (STANDS) project, sponsored by the Netherlands Embassy in Nigeria. Held under the theme ‘Upholding Justice in the Digital Age: Strengthening Judicial Capacity on Digital Rights and Cyber Governance,’ the training was designed to equip judges and judicial officers with the tools and understanding needed to effectively adjudicate digital rights cases while upholding human rights principles within the Nigerian context.
PIN condemns Internet disruption in Tanzania
Paradigm Initiative has expressed its concern about the blocking of access to social media platform, X (Formerly known as Twitter) in Tanzania, East Africa. On May 21st, PIN took to social media to urge the relevant authorities to resolve this issue urgently and ensure open access to X. The team is monitoring the situation and will provide updates as it unfolds.
Events
Zambia Workshop on WSIS+20: Shaping National Priorities
On May 27, 2025, Paradigm Initiative, in partnership with the Global Network Initiative and Global Partners Digital, hosted a multistakeholder workshop in Lusaka, Zambia. The session brought together voices from civil society, the technical community, and policymakers to raise awareness, build capacity, and gather input on Zambia’s role in the WSIS+20 process. Participants shared key messages and recommendations aimed at guiding government engagement while identifying Zambia’s national priorities within the broader context of digital development and rights. The workshop was a vital step toward ensuring local perspectives shape the future of global internet governance.
Digital Rights training for lawyers in Francophone Africa
On May 22, 2025, Paradigm Initiative led a two-day virtual workshop for lawyers in francophone Africa. The rapid digital transformation across Francophone Africa has brought opportunities and significant human
rights challenges with legal practitioners increasingly facing complex issues such as internet shutdowns, state surveillance, digital identity abuses, data breaches, AI misuse, and ambiguous cybercrime legislation. Addressing these, the Digital Rights Academy equipped legal professionals across Francophone Africa with the knowledge and tools necessary to litigate strategically in digital rights cases and drive impactful policy reform.
DRIMP: Digital Safety for Media Practitioners
As part of the ongoing Digital Rights and Inclusion Media Programme (DRIMP) with the Walter Sisulu University, PIN IT Officer, Angela Onyegbuna on May 8, 2025 facilitated a session on digital safety for media practitioners. Angela trained the students on digital security and available tools to report violations and stay safe online. She also shared the available tools for reporting these digital rights violations and provided information on cybersecurity, safeguarding digital rights defenders, journalists, whistle-blowers, and community activists.
PIN at UNESCO’s World Press Freedom Day Sessions
On May 5 and 6, 2025, a PIN delegation participated at the World Press Freedom Day (WPFD) 2025 celebrations in Brussels, Belgium, under the global theme “Safeguarding
Information Integrity in Times of Crisis.” Nnenna Paul-Ugochukwu, Paradigm Initiative’s Chief Operating Officer, spoke at a session titled “Protecting Critical Voices – Human Rights Impact Assessment Guidance on Digital Platforms,” contributing valuable insights on how digital platforms impact human rights and the protection of critical voices in an increasingly digital world. She highlighted the double standards in content moderation. Using the example of armed conflicts in Ukraine and Ethiopia, she highlighted the ongoing hate speech and misinformation spurring real-life violence. Nnenna also participated in the Media Monitoring Africa (MMA) and UNESCO Consultation on Resolution 630 on Information Integrity Guidelines for Africa. The consultation focused on developing strategies for promoting information integrity across the African continent, a crucial aspect of safeguarding democracy and media freedom in the digital age.
On her part, PIN Programmes Officer for East Africa, Miriam Beatrice Wanjiru made a submission at the African consultation on ACHPR Resolution 630, contributing perspectives on enforceability, inclusive design, and the need to localise global digital standards. On the sidelines, as part of the Freedom of Expression and Content Moderation (FeCoMo) Coalition, she participated in highlevel sessions spotlighting the role of civil society in ensuring responsible platform governance, the safety of journalists, and regional approaches to content moderation. The event brought together global actors to reflect on AI’s growing influence on journalism and the urgent need for safeguards. Miriam also joined peers in welcoming South Africa, Iraq, and Kyrgyzstan to the Social Media 4 Peace initiative, now entering its second phase.
PIN at West Africa IGF 2025
Paradigm Initiative was actively engaged at the West Africa Internet Governance Forum (WAIGF) held in Abuja, Nigeria. On May 22, our Executive Director, ‘Gbenga Sesan, delivered a goodwill message at the Opening Ceremony, urging participants to embrace honest, solutiondriven conversations. Our Senior Programmes Officer, Ihueze Nwobilor, also moderated a session on “Advancing West Africa’s Digital Future through the Global Digital Compact,” co-hosted by PIN and Internet Society (ISOC) Nigeria Chapter. In another key session titled “Strengthening Digital Rights Protection: STANDS as a Best-Practice Model,” moderated by our Programmes Officer for Anglophone Africa, Khadijah El-Usman, our Chief Operating Officer, Nnenna Paul-Ugochukwu, shared lessons from the Stemming the Tide of Abuse in Nigeria’s Digital Space (STANDS) project, highlighting its strengths and challenges as a model for a true multistakeholder approach to internet governance.
PIN at Africa IGF 2025
Paradigm Initiative is among other stakeholders participating in the 2025 Africa Internet Governance Forum (AfIGF), held in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, from May 28 to
31. From shaping conversations on digital rights compliance through a session led by our Partnerships and Engagements Officer, Bridgette Ndlovu, featuring data from the Londa report, to tackling digital safety in marginalised communities with our Senior Programmes Officer, Ihueze Nwobilor, our team is engaging with stakeholders across the continent. Our Executive Director, ‘Gbenga Sesan, too, shared insights during a session on inclusive internet access, while upcoming engagements explore how AI governance can align with justice and human rights frameworks. Stay glued to PIN social media handles for more updates.
DREAM Tanzania: Defending Digital Rights During Elections
On the sidelines of the 2025 Africa Internet Governance Forum, Paradigm Initiative on May 28 and 29, hosted the Digital Rights
and Elections in Africa Monitor (DREAM) in partnership with Tech and Media Convergence (TMC). A timely intervention tracking online freedoms and digital interference during electoral processes across the continent, DREAM sparked important conversations on digital accountability in Tanzania. It was crowned with a press conference where PIN and TMC cautioned against online suppression during Tanzania’s upcoming elections and called on the respective stakeholders to uphold digital rights as fundamental democratic principles. See details
Tanzania School of Community Networks: Powering grassroots connectivity
On May 27, Paradigm Initiative (PIN), in partnership with the Tanzania Community Networks Polytechnic College, convened the Tanzania School of Community Networks, a one-day training designed to empower grassroots digital transformation. Bringing together 40 participants from across Tanzania, the training focused on equipping local actors with practical skills in designing, managing, and sustaining community-led connectivity solutions. It also featured hands-on learning in network design, administration, and sustainability, fostering a gender-equitable and multi-sectoral learning environment.
Thought Leadership
‘Gbenga speaks at expert Panel on Information Integrity in West Africa and the Sahel
Our Executive Director, ‘Gbenga Sesan, was among the speakers at the Expert Panels on Information Integrity in West Africa and the Sahel, which ran from May 5 to 7, 2025. The three-day panels brought together thought leaders and practitioners to address urgent challenges related to platform governance, media literacy, open-data practices, and the integrity of election information in the concerned region. Conversations were also geared towards practical solutions that can reinforce trust in public information and digital systems across West Africa and the Sahel.
The Time Capsule: Their Story, Their Impact
It’s raining anniversaries at PIN! On May 14th, our Programmes Officer for Francophone Africa, Moussa Waly SENE, celebrated his first year working for the organisation. Just a few days later, on May 22nd, Chiti Mutati also marked one year in her role as Programmes Officer for the Southern Africa region. From the Digital Rights and Inclusion Forum (DRIF) to impactful workshops, trainings, and seamless teamwork, both colleagues have brought energy and dedication to their work across the continent. In this video, Chiti reflects on her journey over the past year, sharing key insights and memorable moments from her work at PIN.
Love what we do? Media Corner
Weekend read: “Truth gets a lot of respect”
In a recent interview with the Business and Human Rights Group newsletter, our Executive Director, ‘Gbenga Sesan, sheds light on the evolving challenges in the digital rights space. Tracing his life journey and how Paradigm Initiative came to be, he also shares insights on the value of standing on the side of truth and calling out injustice without fear or favour. Read the full interview.
The PIN Podcast: Journalism in the age of Artificial Intelligence
Have you listened to the latest edition of the PIN podcast? It highlights this year’s World Press Freedom Day theme, “Reporting in the Brave New World: The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Press Freedom and the Media.”
In this edition, our Communications Officer, Giyo Ndzi sits down with Odeh Friday, Country Director of Accountability Lab Nigeria and Kóláwolé Olúwádàre, Vice President of SERAP Nigeria, to reflect on the current state of press freedom, the risks journalists face both online and offline, and how civil society can drive accountability in the digital age. Listen here.
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.
