Change Makers

Forward
This special edition has been produced as part of the
commemoration of the 10th anniversary of the
publication of the State of Internet Freedom in Africa
(SIFA) report and the annual convening of the Forum
on Internet Freedom in Africa (FIFAfrica). The first
editions of SIFA and FIFAfrica were published and
conducted in 2014, respectively. Since then, the
annual State of Internet Freedom in Africa report has
been instrumental in complementing the work of
state and non-state actors by providing contextual
information and generating evidence to inform ICT
policymaking and practice, creating awareness on
internet freedom issues on the continent, and shaping
conversations by digital rights actors across the
continent.
Looking back, Africa’s journey to achieve internet
freedom has not been without challenges. There have
been significant threats to internet freedom,
evidenced by the rampant state censorship through
internet shutdowns, surveillance, blocking and
filtering of websites, and the widespread use of
repressive laws to suppress the voices of key actors.
Furthermore, there remains a significant digital divide
as limited access to the internet and digital devices,
poor digital infrastructure, high cost of connectivity,
and low digital literacy levels and skills continue to
plague the capacity of Africans to enjoy the full
benefits of the internet. While many of these persist
to some degree, new threats, such as disinformation,
information manipulation, and cyber attacks, that
could potentially be powered by artificial intelligence
present new challenges to internet freedom.

A CIPESA Series

In this special edition, CIPESA documents and shares
reflections and insights from ten individuals who have
been instrumental in shaping Africa’s digital and
Internet freedom advocacy landscape over the last
ten years.
We hope their insights and perspectives will continue
inspiring and informing the quest for greater internet
freedom in Africa. As more people from around Africa
connect to the Internet, we must continue to work to
ensure that no one is left behind and no more voices
continue to be silenced. As these changemakers have
demonstrated by leading the charge from the front,
let us all join the path they have illuminated and
champion in our various roles:, a more free, secure,
and open internet in Africa.

the rampant state censorship through
internet shutdowns, surveillance,
blocking and filtering of websites, and
the widespread use of repressive laws
to suppress the voices of key actors.
‘Gbenga Sesan, the Executive Director of Paradigm
Initiative, is an eloquent advocate for internet
freedom across the continent, leading efforts to push
back against repressive laws and promoting digital
inclusion while speaking truth to power. He continues
to champion the transformative power of technology
for social good and to drive positive change in society.

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