Paradigm Initiative (PIN) has officially opened registration for the 2025 Digital Rights and Inclusion Forum (DRIF25), set to take place from April 29 to May 1, 2025, at the Mulungushi International Conference Centre (MICC) in Lusaka, Zambia. Now in its 12th edition, DRIF has grown into a premier global gathering, uniting policymakers, digital rights advocates, civil society groups, academia, media, and private sector representatives to shape the future of digital inclusion.
This year’s forum will be held under the theme: “Promoting Digital Ubuntu in Approaches to Technology” – emphasizing collaboration and inclusivity in advancing digital rights across the Global South.
New Registration and Ticketing Model
For the first time, PIN is introducing a ticketed model, allowing attendees to support digital rights efforts by purchasing tickets. However, free registration remains available until March 20, 2025, ensuring accessibility for all. This hybrid approach aligns with the event’s mission to foster inclusivity while ensuring long-term sustainability.
PIN, a leading pan-African non-profit organization dedicated to advancing digital rights and inclusion, has been at the forefront of ensuring underserved communities across Africa have access to digital opportunities. Through its regional offices in Cameroon, Kenya, Nigeria, Senegal, Zambia, and Zimbabwe, the organization has impacted over 150,000 youth through initiatives that enhance digital literacy, financial readiness, and online security. Additionally, PIN has developed key digital rights tools such as Londa (an annual digital rights report), Ayeta (a digital security toolkit), and Ripoti (a platform for reporting digital rights violations).
Key Themes and Focus Areas
DRIF25 will tackle critical digital rights and inclusion topics, including:
- Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Technologies
- Trust and Accountability
- Data Protection, Privacy, and Cybersecurity
- Digital Inclusion and Marginalized Groups
- Digital Security
- Human Rights and Freedoms
Attendees can expect panel discussions, workshops, exhibitions, tech demos, lightning talks, and networking opportunities, fostering dialogue and knowledge exchange.
Growing Influence and Participation
Over the years, DRIF has grown into a significant platform for digital rights discussions. The 2024 edition in Accra, Ghana, saw a record 1,044 attendees from 61 countries, while 2023’s edition in Nairobi, Kenya, attracted 601 participants from 54 countries. The number of sessions has also increased, with DRIF2024 hosting 80+ sessions, up from 70 the previous year.
The event has been a launchpad for significant reports and initiatives, including the premiere of PIN’s short film Undersight and the release of the Londa report, which covered 26 African countries. For DRIF25, PIN has already received 346 session proposals, spanning workshops, panel discussions, and tech demonstrations.
Partners and Sponsors
DRIF25 is hosted by PIN in collaboration with Bloggers of Zambia, Common Cause Zambia, Internews Network Zambia, Internet Society Zambia, Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) Zambia, Zambian Cybersecurity Initiative Foundation (ZCSI), and Zambia’s Ministry of Technology and Science.
It is supported by global sponsors, including:
- Ford Foundation
- Luminate
- Mott Foundation
- Meta
- Wellsprings
- Kingdom of the Netherlands
- MacArthur Foundation
- Wikimedia Foundation
A Platform for Digital Rights and Policy Discussions
Thobekile Matimbe, Senior Manager, Partnerships and Engagements at PIN, emphasized that DRIF25 is more than just a conference – it is a movement to build a digitally inclusive future.
“As we plan our gathering in Lusaka, Zambia, we look forward to engaging with diverse stakeholders to shape policies and innovations that ensure collective approaches, digital rights, and inclusion for all. This is our moment to bridge gaps, foster trust, and champion an inclusive and tech-driven future.”
PIN will provide feedback to session hosts on February 28, 2025.
How to Register
Registration for DRIF25 is now open. Free registration is available until March 20, 2025, after which only paid ticket options will remain.
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