The Digital Rights and Inclusion Forum (DRIF) has convened in Lusaka, Zambia, attracting over 1,000 delegates from across Africa advocating for the continent to capitalise on digital technology for inclusive development.
Emphasising the theme of Ubuntu, which signifies unity and togetherness, the event has brought together stakeholders from civil society, government, academia, media, and the private sector to explore how digital policies can strengthen and empower Africa.
Zambia’s Minister of Technology and Science, Felix Mutati, stressed the critical need for investment in information and communication technologies (ICTs) to realise Africa’s development goals. “Creating and enabling investment leads to opportunities. Once that foundation is laid, we can embark on our journey toward development,” he stated.
Hosted by Paradigm Initiative in collaboration with the Zambian government, Bloggers of Zambia, the Internet Society (Zambia Chapter), and various international partners, the forum has focused on vital issues such as internet rights, digital inclusion, and the legal frameworks necessary to improve access to information across the continent.
Pansy Tlakula, Chairperson of the Information Regulator in South Africa, highlighted regional collaboration’s importance in enhancing digital access. This message resonated with other participants, including Favitziga from Burundi, who warned that limited access to digital information presents a significant barrier to Africa’s progress. “The lack of legal backing for information access in this digital age poses a severe threat to digital opportunities,” he remarked.
Additionally, representatives from the United Nations contributed to the discussions. Beatrice Montali, speaking on behalf of the UN in Zambia, emphasised the need to utilise digital tools to protect and promote freedom of speech and expression.
Mutati also revealed that Zambia is working on revising its data protection laws and introducing new policies to stimulate innovation. “We are also focused on several legislative pieces, including a startup bill which aims to create a venture capital fund as a critical element,” he announced.
