Digital literacy essential for Africa’s economy – Firm

The Executive Director of Paradigm Initiative, Gbenga Sesan, has called for increased investment in digital literacy programmes, particularly in underserved communities, to ensure broader access to digital services.

In a note shared with The PUNCH, Sesan emphasised that such initiatives will bridge the digital divide, foster inclusion, and equip individuals with the necessary skills to thrive in a digital economy.

Additionally, Sesan highlighted Rwanda’s Smart Africa Initiative, which aims to equip over 100,000 young Africans with digital skills by 2025.

The initiative, which includes distributing tablets in schools and establishing coding boot camps, is an example of the kind of effort needed across Africa to bridge the digital divide.

Sesan also emphasised Paradigm Initiative’s commitment to shaping a digital environment where technology enhances, rather than undermines, human rights.

He stated that the organisation’s mission is not only to bridge the digital divide but also to empower underserved communities through digital rights, ensuring access to the necessary skills, resources, and opportunities.

“For over a decade, Paradigm Initiative has been advancing digital inclusion and digital rights across Africa, managing large multi-country programmes with funding from organisations such as the Ford Foundation, Rockefeller Foundation, Omidyar Networks, Open Society Foundations, Google.org, the Government of the Netherlands, and the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labour (United States Government).”

Sesan also detailed the Digital Rights and Inclusion Forum, an annual bilingual (English and French) event that Paradigm Initiative has hosted since 2013.

He said the forum brings together internet freedom activists from across the Global Majority to share experiences, research, and collaborate on advancing internet freedom.

Each year, DRIF targets at least 500 stakeholders, empowering them to address digital rights and inclusion challenges in their communities, he noted.

Through its efforts and collaborations with various stakeholders, including the media, Sesan believes it can catalyse systemic change in digital rights and inclusion, leading to transformative outcomes for individuals and communities across Africa.