Digital rights forum calls for balanced internet regulations across Africa

Paradigm Initiative Executive Director Gbenga Sesan, Namibia Deputy Minister for ICT Emma Inamutila Theofelus, KICTANet CEO Grace Githaiga and Derechos Digitales Advocacy Director Vladimir Garay panelists at the 10^th Digital Rights and Inclusion Forum in Nairobi. [Courtesy]

The Digital Rights and Inclusion Forum (DRIF23) has called for sustainable internet and balanced regulation across the African continent.

In its 10^th forum that is happening in Nairobi starting today, the panel raised concerns about the huge cost involved in developing internet infrastructure and the need for government and political good will.

The three-day event with delegation from across the world is expected to bring together representatives from government, non-governmental organizations, academia, media, funding partners, the United Nations, the technical community, and the private sector within the digital ecosystem under the theme of 'Building A Sustainable Internet For All'.

The sessions at the forum will focus on internet shutdowns, universal service fund utilisation, data protection, content moderation, and censorship.

Also lined up at the event are key launches of research, platforms, and networks.

The event started with a high-level panel discussion comprising Ms Emma Inamutila Theofelus, Namibia Deputy Minister for Information Communication and Technology, Ms Grace Githaiga Chief Executive Officer and Convenor, KICTANet, Mr Gbenga Sesan, Executive Director, Paradigm Initiative and Mr Vladimir Garay, Advocacy Director, Derechos Digitales.

The panel argued that rolling out internet infrastructure is difficult and very expensive.

Ms Theofelus said for instant in Namibia, they have put in place conditions for licensing and investment from the government.

"There has been some political will. This includes the Universal Service Fund. We also have one of the most liberated media on the continent," she said.

Ms Githaiga in her remarks emphasised the need for multi-stakeholder collaboration and joint convenings in delivering Internet access.

"As KICTANet, we have held joint convenings focusing on cybersecurity, data protection and the broadband report. The Kenya Internet Governance Forum is our flagship program. Through the forum we discuss and see how to fit issues into our local context," she said.

The panel said good internet connectivity and access supports human rights.

It said there is urgent need for African countries to collaborate and address the existing connectivity gaps.

This the panel said will see many citizens get high quality, affordable and secure internet connectivity.

The Pan-African bilingual event is being hosted by the Paradigm Initiative in collaboration with Kenya ICT Action Network (KICTANet) and Centre for Intellectual Property and Information Technology Law (CIPIT) established under Strathmore University.