The Digital Rights and Inclusion Forum (DRIF25) is all set for its 12th edition, taking place from April 29th to May 1st, 2025, at the Mulungushi International Conference Centre in Lusaka, Zambia.
Over 1,000 delegates from 65 countries are expected to attend this highly anticipated event, with registration officially closed on April 13th, 2025.
The forum will feature esteemed speakers, including Zambia’s Minister of Technology and Science, Hon. Felix Mutati; Advocate Pansy Tlakula, Chairperson of the Information Regulator of South Africa; and ‘Gbenga Sesan, Executive Director at Paradigm Initiative.
Other notable contributors include Usama Khilji, Executive Director of Bolo Bhi, and Beatrice Mutali, the UN Resident Coordinator for Zambia.
Organized by Paradigm Initiative (PIN) with support from local and international partners such as Bloggers of Zambia, Internet Society Zambia, and the Zambia Ministry of Technology and Science, DRIF25 will focus on the theme: Promoting Digital Ubuntu in Approaches to Technology.
Discussions will tackle critical issues such as Artificial Intelligence, Data Protection, Digital Inclusion, and Human Rights.
The three-day forum will include 122 sessions, ranging from workshops and panel discussions to tech demos and exhibitions.
These were selected from a record-breaking 345 proposals, continuing the forum’s growth over recent years. Sponsors like Ford Foundation, Meta, Google, and Wikimedia Foundation play a crucial role in making the event possible.
PIN is set to unveil key publications during the event, including the 2024 Digital Rights and Inclusion in Africa Report – Londa and the organization’s book, The PIN Story: Work in Progress, chronicling its journey from a small cybercafe in Lagos, Nigeria, to a leading pan-African digital rights organization.
As one of the continent’s premier platforms for advancing digital rights and inclusion, DRIF25 promises to build on the success of previous editions, driving dialogue and collaboration among diverse stakeholders.
