September 2024 Newsletter - Paradigm Initiative

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Dear Esteemed Reader,

Today marks the end of the third quarter of the year 2024. At this juncture, we reflect and appreciate the contribution of all stakeholders who have consistently ensured we keep the fire burning and impact lives across the African continent. September was a special month for Paradigm Initiative, as we made new strides in our quest for digital rights and inclusion quest in the region, and beyond. We have come from far and we remain confident that walking this path with you will take us farther.

Enjoy the read, The Paradigm Initiative Team.

Key Highlights

• PIN at the UN Summit of the Future

• Ajegunle Legacy Scholarship: PIN launches call for second edition

• Stemming the Tide of Abuse in Nigeria’s Digital Space

• Digital Lending Apps: What you need to know before seeking another loan

• Paradigm Initiative echoes commitment to the Monitoring and Implementation of the Global Digital Compact

• Digital ID Day 2024: Advancing legal identity for all in the digital age

• Paradigm Initiative makes mark at East Africa Internet Governance Forum

PIN at the UN Summit of the Future

Paradigm Initiative participated in a series of sessions at the recently concluded United Nations Summit of the Future in New York, USA. Our team comprised of the Executive Director, ‘Gbenga Sesan, Senior Manager, Grants and Programmes Strategy, Adeboye Adegoke and Senior Manager, Partnerships and Engagements, Thobekile Matimbe engaged in various high-level events, including the UN Internet Governance Forum Leadership Panel Meeting, the Global South Alliance Meeting, and the Summit itself, which focused on

shaping an action-oriented Pact for the Future. The Summit of the Future took place between September 2223, was designed to foster international cooperation around key global priorities, including sustainable development and financing, international peace and security, science, technology, and innovation, digital cooperation, and empowering youth and future generations. The meeting provided an invaluable platform for addressing key issues such as digital inclusion, digital rights, and the future of education. By engaging in high-level discussions on cybersecurity, content regulation, and digital infrastructure, the PIN team contributed to shaping a more equitable and inclusive digital future. The team was in New York, USA between 19th and 25th September.

AI for humanity: Adeboye gives Africa a voice

On the sidelines of the Summit of the Future, PIN Senior Manager for Grants and Programmes Strategy, Adeboye Adegoke had the privilege of sharing the podium with U.S. Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken and other global leaders at the 79th UN General Assembly High-Level Ministerial

Event on AI for Humanity: Charting the Global Course for Human RightsBased Governance. They engaged in critical discussions on aligning AI governance with human rights and international law, shaping the future of AI for the betterment of humanity. The session was convened by the Kingdom of the Netherlands, 2024 Chair of the Freedom Online Coalition (FOC), with foreign ministers, UN representatives, civil society, and industry representatives in attendance. Watch Adeboye’s submission here.

Paradigm Initiative echoes commitment to the Monitoring and Implementation of the Global Digital Compact

Paradigm Initiative has embraced the adoption of the Pact of the Future with the Annexed Global Digital Compact (GDC), describing it as one that demonstrates the importance

of ensuring that technology is designed and used in a way that does not violate human rights, but takes advantage of the benefits to bridge the digital divides. The adoption of the Pact of the Future was one of the major outcomes of the UN Summit for the Future in New York, USA. In response to the Interactive Dialogue on Enhancing Multilateralism for International Peace and Security at the UN Summit of the Future, Paradigm Initiative also highlighted the importance of a multistakeholder approach to fostering the rights-respecting development of technology that supports peace and security. “We believe tackling information disorders such as hate speech and violent extremism, establishing consensus over key definitions of terms such as cybercrimes to foster a common understanding of what they are in the realm of peace and security is critical,” said Thobekile Matimbe, Senior Manager, Partnerships and Engagements. See details of our statement.

Ajegunle Legacy Scholarship: PIN launches call for second edition

Applications are now open for the second edition of Paradigm Initiative’s Ajegunle Legacy Scholarship, providing brilliant students an opportunity to secure funding to further their education. Named after the Ajegunle Community in Lagos, Nigeria, the initiative annually supports four young Ajegunle residents by providing them with full scholarships for their studies in the country. The scholarship is divided into two categories. One category, the Ajegunle Legacy Scholarship, supports two young persons (male and female) in getting advanced software development training annually. The second category, the Taiwo Bankole Prize, supports two young people (one male and one female) to acquire university education in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) or law. Kindly pass this information on to any potential beneficiaries you might know residing in Ajegunle.

PIN trains law enforcement officers on policy-making

On September 3rd and 4th, we host-

On September 6th, we added our voice to those of other members of the Net Rights Coalition (NRC) to express discontentment with the blocking of the social media application, X, on Tanzania’s main internet service ed our latest edition of Stemming the Tide of Abuse in Nigeria’s Digital Space (STANDS) workshop for law enforcement officers. With support from the Kingdom of the Netherlands, we enhanced the capacity of the officers in policy-making, enforcement, and adjudication related to Internet governance. Through the workshop, we also equipped participants with the knowledge and skills needed to protect human rights ensuring they can serve and protect all communities in Nigeria with integrity and respect. On the sidelines of the STANDS workshop, we also hosted the Digital Policy Engagement Series (DiPES), centered on Nigeria’s AI strategy and E-Governance Bill. It was an avenue to take a critical look at legislative documents shaping Nigeria’s digital landscape, as well as initiate crucial discussions and insights with policymakers, civil society, and other key stakeholders.

Net Rights Coalition condemns Internet censorship in Tanzania

providers, which occurred on August 30. The move was carried out by the Tanzanian government, in response to alleged opposition party plans to raid police stations where political prisoners were allegedly being held. This regrettable move of internet censorship was yet another instance of Tanzania’s troubling history of restricting internet access during critical national events, undermining fundamental rights to information and expression. Find our full statement here.

Ripoti is now live!

At the 2024 Digital Rights and Inclusion Forum (DIF24) in Accra Ghana, we launched version 2.0 of our digital rights reporting platform, Ripoti. As a follow-up to this, Ripoti now has dedicated social media handles on X (formerly Twitter), Facebook and Instagram. By following, liking, and sharing Ripoti’s posts, you can help amplify the conversation around dig-

ital rights and empower more people to take action. Let us spread the word and continue making an impact together. Please follow, and share to help Ripoti grow its reach. To learn more about Ripoti and how it works, check this link.

Events

Digital Rights Academy in Tanzania

Paradigm Initiative (PIN), Tanzania Media for Community Development (TAMCODE) and Youth Environmental Justice and Gender Equality (YOGE) on Thursday September 5th hosted a Digital Rights Academy in Dodoma, Tanzania. Graced by Hon.

Jabir Shekimweri, District Commissioner for Dodoma Municipal, the academy featured insightful and educative exchanges on data rights and digital security, in the process empowering women candidates and sitting politicians. Despite their vital contributions to social and economic progress, women face significant discrimination especially in their quest for political seats. At the academy, these leaders were equipped with essential tools to enhance their effectiveness and digital safety during and after campaigns for meaningful community development.

‘Gbenga and Miriam represent PIN at East

African IGF

On September 11th and 12th, our Executive Director, ‘Gbenga Sesan and Programmes Officer, East Africa, Miriam Wanjiru attended the East Africa Internet Governance Forum in Kampala, Uganda. On September 12th,

‘Gbenga was on the High-Level Panel held under the theme ‘Building our Multi-stakeholder Digital Future for East Africa’. On the same day, Miriam joined panellists to discuss digital rights in Kenya, at a session themed ‘All eyes on Kenya’s Impunity! Examining the Abductions and Arbitrary Arrests of 50+ Digital Activists.’ Held under the theme ‘Building our Multistakeholder Digital Future for East Africa,’ the East Africa IGF was aimed at creating an inclusive, multilateral, multi-stakeholder and multilingual discussion platform to address crucial issues that enhance Internet development and governance in East Africa.

Bridgette at African Youth and Human Rights Conference

Our Partnerships and Engagements Officer, Bridgette Ndlovu participated as a panellist in an African Youth and Human Rights Conference that was organised by the Centre for Human Rights, University of Pretoria on the 3rd and 4th of September, 2024. The conference examined the information landscapes in Uganda and Zimbabwe and highlighted the challenges that African youth encounter when exercising their right to freedom of expression online. The session also

sought to address the shrinking civic space in restrictive environments. At the event, she also highlighted PIN’s Londa report and shared the state of digital rights in Zimbabwe and the role of young people.

NRC Quarterly Webinar: Unpacking the African Digital Compact

PIN and other members of the Net Rights Coalition (NRC) on September 18th, hosted the quarterly Net Rights Coalition Webinar, Unpacking the African Digital Compact and its implications on Africa’s digital future. It was an avenue to unpack the Africa Digital Compact in the context of the Global Digital Compact as well as discuss the challenges and opportunities presented by the compact

and provide recommendations for a digitally inclusive Africa. Anchored in Agenda 2063 and the AU Digital Transformation Strategy, the Compact aligns with the Global Digital Compact while addressing Africa’s unique challenges and opportunities. Its main goal is to harness the power of digital technologies for sustainable development, innovation, and inclusivity. More details on the work of the NRC can be viewed here.

Sustainable funding for NGOs at FIFAfrica

Participating at the Forum on Internet Freedom in Africa (FIFAfrica), Paradigm Initiative’s Senior Managers Adeboye Adegoke (Grants & Programmes Strategy) and Adesuyi Ajibade (Finance & Administration) had an insightful session on financial sustainability in digital rights projects across Africa. Adesuyi’s presentation bordered on the need for organisa-

tions to seek a mix of funding avenues to reduce dependency on any single source. He also underscored the need for effective financial management, capacity building, community engagement and strategic planning to guarantee long-term visioning and planning, both essential for aligning financial strategies with the Organisation’s mission and goals. He further shared a couple of tools to help organisations identify patterns, provide Insight into spending patterns, improve budgeting and assess their reliance on external funding sources compared to overall income.

Thought Leadership

Digital ID Day 2024: Advancing legal identity for all in the digital age

Every September 16th is commemorated as Identity Day (ID Day) to underscore the fundamental importance of having verifiable proof of identity. In this year’s edition, PIN added its voice to the global movement to recognise the day, and the importance of verifiable proof of identity in the digital age. With UN Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 16.9 aiming to provide le-

gal identity for all by 2030, it is crucial to address the digital rights policies that support this mission. Our latest Digital Policy Digest (DPD) aligns with this mission. It assesses Sierra Leone’s National Innovation & Digital Strategy (2019-2029) and features Resolution 580 by the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights, which tackles internet shutdowns and elections across Africa. Download and read the digest here.

Advancing Africa’s Digital Future: Harnessing Digital Public Infrastructure for Inclusion

As technology rapidly transforms economies, Africa stands at a pivotal moment in its digital journey. With a young, vibrant population and increasing connectivity, the continent has the potential to lead in Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), driving growth and development. But how can Africa ensure that this digital revolution is inclusive, secure, and

protective of digital rights? Senior Manager, Grants and Programmes Strategy, Adeboye Adegoke explores how Africa can harness DPI to build a more equitable, connected, and prosperous future—while addressing the risks of rapid digitalisation. Read the full article.

Digital Lending Apps: What you need to know before seeking another loan

Digital Lending has increased in popularity in Africa, disrupting traditional banking and financial services systems that have historically hindered individuals from accessing credit. However, despite these platforms’ gains towards financial inclusion, the challenges and risks to human and digital rights, which have emerged from their popularity in the region, cannot be ignored. PIN’s Programmes Officer, Southern Africa, Chiti Mbizule Mutati highlights all you need to know about digital rights, before

taking another loan. Full article can be accessed here.

PIN’s 2023 Londa report discussion series on Twitter comes to an end

In June 2024, we rolled out Twitter series discussions spotlighting our 2023 Londa report. The Twitter Space discussions were not only insightful, but also illuminating. Discussions were moderated by Susan Mwape, Executive Director, Common Cause Zambia and Moussa Waly Sene, PIN Programmes Officer, Francophone Africa. The sessions were attended by Londa country authors and opinion shapers on the continent. The eighth, which was the last session, featured Bulanda Nkhowani, a tech policy expert and Campaigns and Partnerships

Lead for Africa at Digital Action and William Benjamin Kahale, Policy Analyst at Zaina Foundation. You can listen to the Twitter Space here.

LIFE Legacy echoes

Changing Kibera: One youth at a time

In 2023, Doris Njagi was one of thousands of youth in Kibera, Nairobi County, Kenya, with little knowledge of technology or its potential as a tool for social change. Today, Doris has gained skills in coding, Linux, and Information Technology (IT), empowering her to create a brighter future for herself and her community. Similarly, Herman Owino, another participant, is eager to use his newfound tech knowledge to give back and make a lasting impact in Kibera. Doris and Herman are just two of the many young Africans whose lives have been transformed through Paradigm Initiative’s LIFE Legacy Programme. The initiative, whose acronym stands for Life Skills, ICTs, Financial Readiness, and Entrepreneurship, equips young people from under-served communities with valuable ICT and entrepreneurial skills. It also connects them to intern-

ships, online work, or entrepreneurial ventures—providing the chance to earn immediate and sustainable income. With $60, you can help empower one young person, with $600, you can empower 10 young persons, and with $6000, you can change the lives of 100 youth, in the process impacting more lives like those of Doris and Herman across Africa by giving them access to LIFE Legacy training. Watch a video on the LIFE Legacy initiative in Kibera here.

Annual Impact Report – Our Journey Towards Digital Rights and Inclusion

In 2023, Paradigm Initiative reached over 11,984,941 people across social

media (Facebook, Twitter (X), LinkedIn, Tik Tok and Instagram). From advocating for policy changes to empowering communities through digital inclusion programs, Paradigm Initiative has and continues to amplify voices, protect digital freedoms, and expand opportunities for under-served populations across the continent. Curious about our impact? Download the PIN Annual Impact Report to see how your support and participation have contributed to real change.

Charting Africa’s future, one policy at a time

As renowned champions for human rights online, Paradigm Initiative proposes policy solutions and closely monitors the evolving legal and policy landscapes related to Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) in Africa, ensuring their alignment with citizen rights. Notably, we have achieved significant milestones, including spearheading the initial draft of the Digital Rights and Freedom Bill, a groundbreaking digital rights law in Africa – the first of its kind. Originating from our policy advocacy and influencing work in Nigeria, the Digital Rights and Freedom Bill passed through the Nigerian House of Rep-

Happy Independence Day Nigeria!

Tomorrow, October 1st, Nigeria clocks 64 years after independence. Nigeria is a multi-ethnic and culturally diverse federation of 36 autonomous states and the Federal Capital Territory. The most significant marker of 2023 for the ‘African Giant’ was its general elections held in February and March 2023, which brought in a new administration sworn in May 2023 with the mantra, “Renewed Hope.” Over a year later, Nigerians can now look back and raise questions over the direction their landscape is heading. Paradigm Initiative on its part, sheds light on Nigeria’s digital landscape through the Londa report, offering insights into internet freedom, media liberties, data governance, and emerging technologies. The report underscores the nation’s unique moment for positive transformation, resentatives in 2018 and the Nigerian Senate in 2019. Our commitment to this cause has resonated across borders, with the bill serving as a model for digital rights advocates in Malawi, Tanzania and Somalia. Check out our Strategic Management Plan (SMP) for our next course of action over the next five years and stay updated.

recognising challenges such as limited internet access, media censorship concerns, and transparency issues within the Universal Service Provision Fund implementation. Download and read the full report here.

Thank you for staying with us. We hope you had an amazing time reading. Please leave any feedback at media.enquiry@paradigmhq.org

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