The Digital Rights and Inclusion Forum (DRIF25), now in its 12th iteration, will be held from April 29th to May 1st, 2025, at the Mulungushi International Conference Centre in Lusaka, Zambia.

More than 1,000 participants hailing from 65 nations areanticipated to join this significant gathering, where registrations wereconclusively shut off on April 13th, 2025.

The forum will include notable speakers such as Zambia’s Minister of Technology and Science, Hon. Felix Mutati; Advocate Pansy Tlakula, who chairs the Information Regulator of South Africa; and 'Gbenga Sesan, the Executive Director at Paradigm Initiative.

Notable contributors also encompass Usama Khilji, who serves as the Executive Director at Bolo Bhi, along with Beatrice Mutali, identified as the UN Resident Coordinator for Zambia.

DRIF25, organized by Paradigm Initiative (PIN) with backing from both local and international collaborators like Bloggers of Zambia, Internet Society Zambia, and the Zambia Ministry of Technology and Science, will center around the theme: Fostering Digital Ubuntu in Strategies for Technology.

The discussions will address key topics including artificial intelligence, data protection, digital inclusion, and human rights.

The three-day symposium will feature 122 sessions, encompassing everything from workshops and panel discussions to technology demonstrations and exhibits.

These selections were made from an unprecedented 345 submissions, further underscoring the forum’s expansion in recent times. Key sponsors such as the Ford Foundation, Meta, Google, and Wikimedia Foundation are essential in bringing this event to fruition.

PIN plans to release important publications at the event, including the 2024 version. Digital Rights and Inclusion in Africa Report – Londa and the organization’s book, The PIN Narrative: Ongoing Endeavor , detailing its progression from a modest cybercafé in Lagos, Nigeria, to becoming a prominent digital rights group across Africa.

As a leading platform in the continent for promoting digital rights and inclusivity, DRIF25 aims to expand upon the achievements of past events, fostering discussions and cooperation amongst various participants.