African Governments urged to expand Digital Rights, Inclusion

Governments across Africa have been urged to expand digital rights and inclusion on the continent by formulating favorable laws and policies.

This was the summation of digital experts at the Paradigm Initiative (PIN) festival held in Harare, Zimbabwe.

The festival celebrated the collective behind-the-scenes efforts toward advancing digital rights and inclusion in Africa over the years.

Gbenga Sesan, Executive Director at PIN said as much as many governments in Africa have made considerable progress towards improving privacy online, data protection and providing affordable internet to increase access, much more needs to be done to bridge the existing digital divide.

“Paradigm Initiative has been in existence for 15 years now and over the years, we have seen gradual progress towards digital transformation, a clear indication of opportunities that exist towards safeguarding digital rights for all,” Sesan added.

Anriette Esterhuysen, Executive Director of Association for Progressive Communications (APC) emphasized the need for developing policies geared towards empowering individuals and strengthening their livelihood capacities through ICTs.

“Having worked together with Paradigm Initiative over the years, I can attest to the benefits that accrue when individuals and organizations are empowered. Access to ICTs leaves individuals, communities and institutions in a better position to act, and try to solve their own problems,” she added.

PIN is a leading Pan-African Digital Rights and Inclusion organization that supports digital access of Africans in a bid to ensure wholesale citizen participation in all governance, economic and social processes.