Pan-African digital rights and inclusion organisation Paradigm Initiative (PIN), together with the Association for Progressive Communications (APC), have appealed to governments across Africa to expand digital rights and inclusion.

Speaking on the sidelines of the recently concluded PIN festival in Harare, representatives from both organisations said citizens of Africa are using ICT on a regular basis and this has increased the need for inclusive practices and respecting of rights.

'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.”

Anriette Esterhuysen, Executive Director of 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 organisations 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.

Paradigm Initiative was established in 2007, and advocates internet freedom, proposes policy solutions and monitors legal and policy frameworks around ICT to ensure citizen rights.

Nnenna Paul-Ugochukwu, PIN COO said the organisation has played an important role in spearheading development of public policy for internet freedom in Africa and will continue to do so through its presence in Nigeria, Cameroon, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Senegal and Kenya.

Thobekile Matimbe, PIN’s Partnerships and Engagements Manager echoed the need for the establishment of sound policies, noting that the Zimbabwe government had enacted data protection laws which is a step in the right direction.

She urged the Southern African country’s authorities to ensure internet access during the upcoming general election.