Digital Rights in Africa Report

By Faith Zuma | A spotlight on a Sprint for Internet Health project

Babatunde Okunoye is Research lead at Paradigm Initiative, a social enterprise working on digital inclusion and rights in Africa.

I interviewed Babatunde Okunoye to learn more about Digital Rights in Africa how you can contribute to the work.

What is Digital Rights in Africa?

My Mozilla OL7 project ‘’Digital Rights in Africa’’ sought to fashion out ways to pool resources and expertise amongst Africans towards improving internet health on the continent. This effort is set against the rise of actions such as internet shutdowns, illegal surveillance and the passage of laws restricting freedom of expression and other digital rights in Africa. By creating a network of activists across Africa who train and collaborate with each other, we push-back against these activities.

Why did you start Digital Rights in Africa?

I started because I saw the need for a collaborative platform created by Africans for Africans towards greater internet health on the continent. In this case, the platform is a mailing-list.

What challenges have you faced working on this project? And how did you overcame them,

The major challenge I have faced is seeking out collaborators from under-represented groups in Africa, particularly from North Africa, who are not active on the mailing list.

What kind of skills do I need to contribute to your project?

You’ll probably need some knowledge of digital rights or a willingness to learn. Strong interpersonal skills are however crucial.

How can others contribute your project?

Please sign up to the NetRights Africa coalition mailing list to join conversations and collaboration towards greater Internet Health in Africa. The mailing list for instance has become a platform for collaboration to circumvent Internet disruptions in Africa.

How has the Open Leaders program helped you with your project?

I can’t say enough of the Open Leaders Program. I met a wonderful set of people, learnt from them on teamwork, collaboration while working open, and leadership.

What meme or gif best represents your project?

Join us wherever you are during the month of May at Mozilla’s Sprint for Internet Health to work on many amazing open projects! Join a diverse network of scientists, educators, artists, engineers and others in person and online to hack and build projects for a health Internet.

This post by Faith Zuma is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.