Session
Subtheme
African Internet Rights Alliance & the Net Rights Coalition
Adeboro Odunlami - African Internet Rights Alliance - Civil Society - Nigeria, Africa Bridgette Ndlovu - Net Rights Coalition - Civil Society - Bulawayo, Zimbabwe Angela Minayo - ARTICLE19 Eastern Africa - Civil Society, Nairobi, Kenya
Adeboro Odunlami - African Internet Rights Alliance - Civil Society - Nigeria, Africa Bridgette Ndlovu - Net Rights Coalition - Civil Society - Bulawayo, Zimbabwe Angela Minayo - ARTICLE19 Eastern Africa - Civil Society, Nairobi, Kenya
Organization's Website
Speakers
Adeboro Odunlami - African Internet Rights Alliance - Civil Society - Nigeria, Africa
Bridgette Ndlovu - Net Rights Coalition - Civil Society - Bulawayo Zimbabwe
Thobekile Matimbe - Paradigm Iniaitive - Civil Society - Bulawayo, Zimbabwe
Onsite Moderator
Adeboro Odunlami
Online Moderator
Bridgette Ndlovu
Rapporteur
Angela Minayo
SDGs
9. Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
10. Reduced Inequalities
16. Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
17. Partnerships for the Goals
Targets: SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals - This networking session brings together diverse stakeholders, including policymakers, civil society, academia, and the private sector, to strengthen partnerships that advance digital rights and Internet governance in Africa. We will facilitate knowledge-sharing and by so doing, contribute to the broader global goal of enhancing partnerships for sustainable development. SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions - By having an interactive conversation about digital rights and governance, the networking session supports the development of transparent and inclusive digital policies that reinforce democratic values, freedom of expression, and access to information. We will explore related policy recommendations and accountability mechanisms. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities: The digital divide remains a major inequality driver in Africa. This session will address how marginalized communities, women, and underserved regions can be better integrated into the digital space. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure: Interactive discussions will also focus on local innovation to build collective knowledge and strategies for African-led solutions drive policy frameworks, digital security, and infrastructure development.
10. Reduced Inequalities
16. Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
17. Partnerships for the Goals
Targets: SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals - This networking session brings together diverse stakeholders, including policymakers, civil society, academia, and the private sector, to strengthen partnerships that advance digital rights and Internet governance in Africa. We will facilitate knowledge-sharing and by so doing, contribute to the broader global goal of enhancing partnerships for sustainable development. SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions - By having an interactive conversation about digital rights and governance, the networking session supports the development of transparent and inclusive digital policies that reinforce democratic values, freedom of expression, and access to information. We will explore related policy recommendations and accountability mechanisms. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities: The digital divide remains a major inequality driver in Africa. This session will address how marginalized communities, women, and underserved regions can be better integrated into the digital space. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure: Interactive discussions will also focus on local innovation to build collective knowledge and strategies for African-led solutions drive policy frameworks, digital security, and infrastructure development.
Format
Theater
This interactive hybrid networking session will follow a structured but flexible format. Our goal is to have meaningful engagement, collaboration, and actionable discussions among African digital rights stakeholders. Welcome & Introduction - 5 mins Interactive Networking (with prompted discussions) - 10 mins Thematic Discussion Rounds - 20 mins Plenary Discussion & Action-Oriented Collaboration - 15 mins Closing and Next Steps - 10 mins
This interactive hybrid networking session will follow a structured but flexible format. Our goal is to have meaningful engagement, collaboration, and actionable discussions among African digital rights stakeholders. Welcome & Introduction - 5 mins Interactive Networking (with prompted discussions) - 10 mins Thematic Discussion Rounds - 20 mins Plenary Discussion & Action-Oriented Collaboration - 15 mins Closing and Next Steps - 10 mins
Duration (minutes)
60
Description
This collaborative networking session, co-hosted by the African Internet Rights Alliance (AIRA) and the NetRights Coalition (NRC - https://paradigmhq.org/net-rights-coalition/ ) will gather African digital rights defenders, policymakers, academia, and other stakeholders committed to advancing digital rights and shaping inclusive Internet governance across the continent. Participants will have the opportunity to share experiences, discuss challenges, and explore joint strategies to promote digital cooperation in Africa as we work towards protecting digital rights. The session aligns with the IGF 2025 issue areas of Human Rights, Access and Inclusion, and Data Governance, providing a platform for stakeholders to connect and strengthen the digital rights ecosystem in Africa. The session will provide a platform to share notes on strategies for effective mobilising and advocacy to ensure positive outcomes. Attendees will share notes on key outcomes that are a result of successful community organising on digital rights. In line with the IGF subthemes, the session will explore innovative ways of promoting capacity building and knowledge sharing to shape the digital ecosystem. The session will explore potential opportunities for African countries to implement the Global Digital Compact and discuss the role of digital rights activists in the implementation of the GDC. At the end of the networking session, organisers will prepare a report outlining the role of civil society in the implementation of the GDC.
The session has a dedicated online co-moderator who will specifically facilitate engagement with online participants, ensuring they are actively involved in discussions and have equal opportunity to contribute. Both onsite and online attendees will join thematic breakout discussions, with online participants grouped into virtual breakout rooms facilitated by designated discussion leads. We will also provide equitable speaking opportunities to ensure a balanced exchange of perspectives.
The session has a dedicated online co-moderator who will specifically facilitate engagement with online participants, ensuring they are actively involved in discussions and have equal opportunity to contribute. Both onsite and online attendees will join thematic breakout discussions, with online participants grouped into virtual breakout rooms facilitated by designated discussion leads. We will also provide equitable speaking opportunities to ensure a balanced exchange of perspectives.