Change Makers What are some of the most promising innovations, best practices, and initiatives that are contributing to the expansion of Internet freedom and digital rights in Africa? One of the most promising avenues for expanding Internet freedom and digital rights in Africa lies in raising awareness among the population about the many benefits of the Internet. As more individuals come to understand how the Internet can positively impact their lives through economic empowerment, social connections, and access to information, they become increasingly attuned to the need to preserve Internet freedom and access. This awareness-building approach serves as a foundational element in the broader efforts to secure digital rights across the continent. A particularly impactful strategy involves the use of entertainment and educational programs, including games, that have the potential to reach a wide and diverse audience. This approach recognizes the power of engagement and the role it plays in conveying the significance of Internet freedom. What are some of the emerging threats or pressing challenges to Internet freedom in Africa, and how can we stay ahead of them? It is important to note that while progress has been made, challenges persist. One notable challenge is the increasing sophistication of tools used to suppress Internet freedom. Governments and other actors have become more adept at implementing online censorship and surveillance, making it essential to stay vigilant and adaptive in the fight for Internet freedom. 34 How can we build trust, promote partnership, and enhance regional collaboration among different African stakeholders in the Internet governance ecosystem, including governments, inter-governmental bodies, civil society, industry, media, and academia? We can do so by breaking down silos and fostering open and candid discussions. By dismantling these barriers and facilitating dialogue, we create a conducive environment for cooperation. Forums like FIFAfrica are particularly important in this regard and we need to have many similar national and regional engagements. Oftentimes, these events may only invite other CSOs or other academics. Open and candid discussions allow stakeholders to openly share their perspectives, concerns, and priorities. This transparency fosters trust and mutual understanding, enabling participants to work collectively towards common goals. Multistakeholder forums and regular conferences provide neutral spaces for these discussions, encouraging diverse voices to contribute to Internet governance decisions. Furthermore, we need to expand who we invite to the table beyond just digital rights academics, activists, or government departments but rather think about how organisations working on health, education, or justice should also be keenly involved in these discussions. A CIPESA Series