Change Makers What motivated you to become an advocate for Internet freedom in Africa, and how did you get started? My motivation to become an advocate for Internet freedom in Africa stemmed from my experience attending my first Forum on Internet Freedom in Africa (FIFA) event in Johannesburg. Prior to this, I had been working in a technical field alongside telecommunications. This event truly opened my eyes to the importance of digital rights in our rapidly evolving digital landscape. A few years later, I became acquainted with the concept of the feminist Internet, which further deepened my interest in the field of global feminist digital rights. This pivotal experience ignited my passion for advocating for Internet freedom in Africa, as it highlighted the critical need to address issues related to online rights, access, and inclusion. It made me realize that promoting digital rights is not just a technical matter but a fundamental aspect of ensuring a fair and inclusive digital future for all Africans. What progress have you seen in the expansion of Internet freedom in Africa over the past ten years? Over the past decade, there has been significant progress in the expansion of Internet freedom in Africa. One of the most notable changes has been the increased awareness among the African population about the importance of Internet freedom. As the Internet has become more integrated into everyday activities, more people have come to understand that there are forces at play trying to limit online freedoms. They have also recognized the economic, social, and political opportunities that digital spaces offer. A CIPESA Series A positive trend is that Africa is now well-represented at global events and discussions related to Internet freedom and digital rights. This signifies a growing engagement and interest in the region in shaping the future of the Internet. Additionally, there has been a proliferation of initiatives and organizations in different African countries dedicated to advancing Internet freedom and digital rights. These initiatives include advocacy groups, research centres, and grassroots movements, all working towards a common goal. Successful advocacy campaigns have also played a crucial role in preserving Internet freedom in Africa. These campaigns have raised awareness about various threats to online rights and have mobilized communities to take action in defence of their digital freedoms. In summary, the past decade has seen positive developments in terms of awareness, engagement, and the establishment of initiatives to promote Internet freedom in Africa. Yet, the dynamic nature of the digital landscape demands ongoing efforts to counter emerging threats and ensure that the Internet remains a fair and accessible space for all Africans. There is still significant work for the digital rights community to do! 33