The event, centred on the theme of Ubuntu or oneness, has brought together civil society, government, academia, media and private sector leaders to explore how digital policy can unify and empower the continent.

Zambia’s Minister of Technology and Science, Felix Mutati, stressed the importance of investing in information and communication technologies (ICTs) to support Africa’s development ambitions. “To create and enable investment, to create opportunity. So once you have done that, then you are on the journey,” he said.

The forum is being hosted by Paradigm Initiative in partnership with the Zambian government, Bloggers of Zambia, the Internet Society (Zambia Chapter), and international stakeholders. The discussions have placed strong emphasis on internet rights, digital inclusion, and the legal frameworks needed to enable access to information across Africa.

South Africa’s Pansy Tlakula, Chairperson of the Information Regulator, emphasised the importance of regional collaboration to improve digital access. Her message was echoed by participants like Favitziga from Burundi, who warned that poor access to digital information remains a threat to Africa’s progress. “The lack of law enabling people to access information in this digital era is a big threat to digital opportunities,” he said.

United Nations representatives also contributed to the conversation. Beatrice Montali, speaking on behalf of the UN system in Zambia, highlighted the importance of using digital tools to protect and promote freedom of speech and expression.

Mutati announced that Zambia is in the process of revising its data protection laws and introducing new policies to support innovation. “We are also working on other pieces of legislation including the startup bill. One of the critical features in this bill is for us to create what we're calling a venture capital fund,” he said.

--ChannelAfrica--