DRILL Programme
Announcement! – Transition from the DRILL Programme to the PIN Fellowship
Please be advised that we have concluded the Digital Rights and Inclusion Learning Lab (DRILL) Fellowship. We are grateful to all the alumni, mentors, and partners who contributed to its success. The fellowship hosted innovative learning around digital rights and inclusion in Africa and served as a space for enhanced capacity and networking.
Building on the success and lessons learned from DRILL, in 2026, please look out for the launch of the PIN Fellowship. This PIN Fellowship will continue our commitment to nurturing the next generation of leaders and innovators in the digital rights and inclusion ecosystem. A formal announcement will be made on this website and through our social media channels, providing a comprehensive overview of the fellowship’s goals, eligibility criteria, and the application process.
We appreciate your patience and look forward to welcoming the first cohort of PIN Fellows. Thank you for your continued interest and support.
To our Alumni
We are grateful for your participation and support for DRILL over the years. We value your recommendations, which have helped us shape our way forward.
PIN receives applications for its Digital Rights and Inclusion Learning Lab (DRILL) at least once a year. The successful applicants work with Paradigm Initiative for a determined period ranging from 3 – 9 months. As an early to mid-career fellowship, potential candidates must have basic experience as technology or social innovators, researchers, policy experts, and/or entrepreneurs. Through DRILL, PIN seeks to host innovative learning around digital rights and inclusion in Africa and serve as a space for enhanced capacity and networking. Fellows must have relevant postgraduate qualifications and be exceptional individuals who bring new learnings and innovations and gain exposure to the digital ecosystem.
PIN receives applications for its Digital Rights and Inclusion Learning Lab (DRILL) once a year.
The successful applicants work full time with Paradigm Initiative team members for a period ranging from 3 – 9 months.
As a mid-career fellowship, potential candidates are expected to have a minimum of 5 years’ experience as technology or social innovators, researchers, policy experts, and/or entrepreneurs.
Activities
PIN hosts innovative learning around digital rights and inclusion in Africa, and serves as a space for enhanced capacity, practice and reflection aimed to involve and connect different stakeholders and create dialogue amongst researchers, social innovators, policymakers and actors, the private sector, as well as civil society. The successful fellows are involved in a number of activities, including the following;
- Work full time with Paradigm Initiative team members for a period ranging from 3 – 9 months.
- Work on an innovative project.
- Host a Digital Rights and Inclusion Forum (DRIF) session.
- Host monthly ecosystem/sector meetings with the PIN Team to engage the ecosystem on critical issues arising or existing.
- Conduct biweekly presentations and prepare content to share with the PIN team on their project.
- Feature a monthly DRILL podcast.
DRILL Fellows
PRECIOUS DEDE
Shares her Amazing Story
My name is Dede Precious. An alumna of AbaLIFE 2017 Batch A. I heard about AbaLIFE after
PRECIOUS DEDE
Shares her Amazing Story
My name is Dede Precious. An alumna of AbaLIFE 2017 Batch A. I heard about AbaLIFE after
Next cohorts
Advisory board
Roselyn Ifeoma Micheal
DRILL - 2021
Precious Dede
DRILL - 2021
Felix Ndidi
DRILL - 2021
Enechukwu Chibuke
DRILL - 2021
Chigozie Israel
DRILL - 2021
Fatima Saleh
DRILL - 2021
Gideon Awanife
DRILL - 2021
Felix Ndidi
DRILL - 2021
2024 Fellows
Sarra Hannachi
Sarra Hannachi is a dedicated data activist and research enthusiast with a passion for data-driven social impact and human rights advocacy. She specializes in evidence-based mixed-methods research and critical tech policy research to address human rights issues affected by technology in war/armed conflict and forced migration contexts. Currently a Tech and Society fellow at Mozilla Foundation, Sarra’s scope of work focuses on promoting emerging technologies with rights-centered approaches for social justice and humanitarian action in critical settings, drawing on her experience in the MENA region and Africa with advancing data and AI ethics for human rights, peace and security.
Avit Ndayiziga
Avit Ndayiziga is a journalist and internet advocate. He works at Community Voice, a community-based media outlet that tells in-depth
stories shedding light on the most pressing issues afflicting the community. Beyond that, it fights to bridge the digital divide in Burundi through stories and workshops that equip young people with digital literacy enabling them to grab and benefit from digital opportunities. Upon missing his first flight due to the lack of internet bundles to check his email in 2017, Avit Ndayiziga was inspired to raise awareness of digital inclusion, especially for young people and marginalized groups. To that end, he produced and published digital rights-related stories at Radio Indundi Culture and his platform entitled The Winners. In 2019, he participated in the Internet Policy Development Process (PDP) with the African Network Information Center (Afrinic-31) Fellowship in Angola. Through it, he gained relevant Internet skills that enabled me to raise public awareness about Internet policy development and opportunities that the Internet offers in the digital era. In 2022, he attended, covered, and reported on the Internet Governance Forum (IGF22) in Ethiopia. Avit has worked with the Africa-China Reporting Project to uncover how the digital divide prevents young Burundians from taking advantage of digital possibilities.
Jessica M. Uiras
Jessica is a Human Rights Analyst, In-Country Researcher, and UNLEASH SDG Global Talent with a strong focus on Public Diplomacy and Rural Development. Her work is rooted in promoting democratic engagement, freedom of expression, and social justice within Namibia and beyond. I am passionate about advocating for marginalised communities, particularly young people with disabilities, and have extensive experience in project management, media relations, and advocacy.
She serves as a Knowledge Broker for the Directorate of Research, Innovation, and Partnerships at the Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST). As an alumna of the African School on Internet Governance and a short-term election observer with the African Union Election Observers Mission, she is committed to advancing the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals through strategic planning and effective communication. She thrives on building meaningful connections, cultivating social inclusion, and collaborating with stakeholders to create innovative, lasting solutions for change.
Shorefunmi Bola-saliu
Shorefunmi Bola-saliu is a visionary leader, lawyer, and highly skilled Cybersecurity GRC Analyst with an exceptional track record across high-stakes sectors, including Mergers and Acquisitions, Corporate Governance, Artificial Intelligence, and Third-Party Risk Management. With a sharp focus on digital/cyber policy and diplomacy, she contributes to issues at the intersection of technology and international security, positioning herself to shape the future of digital governance.
As the Founder of The Nexter Project, Shorefunmi is driving digital inclusion for Africa’s next generation. Her pioneering work empowers children by making cutting-edge digital literacy, technology, and cybersecurity skills accessible. Her mission is bold: to build a safer, more inclusive digital environment that strengthens the continent’s cybersecurity resilience.
Shorefunmi also advocates for gender diversity in tech. As a sought-after mentor, trainer, and speaker, she is committed to breaking barriers for women and inspiring future leaders in the cybersecurity space.
Joseph Akoli
Akoli Joseph is the Founder and Creative Director of Diversity Innovations Initiative (DIV) based in Uganda. He a Disability and Digital Inclusion specialist and holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Guidance and Counseling and certificates in trainer of trainees in Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) and Design Thinking. Joseph has over six years of relevant experience in program management.
Having won the 2021 Digital Human Rights Innovation Award, Joseph is passionate about promoting Digital Human Rights, Digital and Disability Inclusion, Social Innovation and Inclusive Disaster and Humanitarian Response.
Driven by the desire to create a barrier free society for persons with Disabilities, He is currently Developing a mobile application aimed at providing more than 10,000 Deaf young people in Uganda (Refugees and the Host community) Digital access to Comprehensive Sexuality Education Information in Sign Language as well as connecting them to friendly SRHR, Gender Based Violence and Mental Health Counseling Services.
Selamawit Tezera Chaka
Selamawit is a Pan-African feminist who grounds her work in intersectional feminist politics. She has been working at the intersections of youth inclusion, gender, human rights, and technology for over 7 years, at organizations such as African Feminism, FRIDA| the Young Feminist Fund, and others with a focus on advancing social justice. She also supports regional feminist organisations/collectives as a global advisor for FRIDA| the Young Feminist Fund. As a Safe Sisters fellow, she provides digital security training to over 100 women human rights defenders, women journalists and young girls. She has founded sheEsecures, a digital platform that advocates for women’s digital rights and internet freedom. Selamawit is a Mandela Washington Fellow.
Sapni G. K
Sapni G K is a lawyer and policy researcher. Her research explores the interaction between technology & society in various aspects of life, focusing on learning from gendered experiences of technology to help nudge towards more equitable regulation & policymaking. She has extensive experience working with civil society organizations across India and the majority world. She is an alumnus of the Open Internet for Democracy Leaders Program from the 2022-23 batch.
2023 Fellows
Ameni Saidani
Ameni Saidani is a dedicated advocate with a primary focus on digital rights, particularly for individuals with disabilities. With a comprehensive background spanning over four years in civil society engagement, Ameni has demonstrated an unyielding commitment to digital inclusivity and equity. Holding dual Master’s degrees in “Disability and Rehabilitation” and “Sign Language Interpretation,” she blends academic prowess with hands-on experience. Notably, Ameni’s proficiency as a Project Manager shines through roles like Research Fellow at Smex Organization and leadership in pivotal initiatives including ‘The Right to Vote = The Right to Access’ and ‘DigiDeaf.’ Fluent in Arabic, French, and English, and equipped with expert sign language interpretation skills, Ameni excels in fostering cross-cultural communication. Her dedication extends to the realm of digital advocacy, where she has showcased her insights as a speaker at events such as the ‘bread&net’ in Beirut and “Salamat” regional conference in Jordan. Ameni’s work resonates in her volunteer engagements, including translating press conferences and providing essential sign language training. Her commitment to digital rights and inclusion is a cornerstone of her journey, reflecting empowerment, collaboration, and an unshakable dedication to shaping a more inclusive digital landscape.”
Sibongile Mokapane
Sibongile Mokapane is a passionate human rights lawyer specializing in women and children’s rights, digital rights, and gender issues. With an LLB and an LLM degree, she is an advocate admitted to practice and currently working as an advocacy specialist at Politics4Her, focusing on the Women’s Leadership and Political Participation portfolio. Sibongile’s dedication to justice extends beyond her professional life. She is deeply committed to addressing the unique challenges faced by women and children, using her expertise in human rights law to advocate for their rights. Through her legal skills, advocacy efforts, and unwavering commitment, Sibongile strives to create positive change in her community and contributes to a more equitable society.
Wahome Wilson
Wahome Wilson is an advocate specializing in the areas of technology and intellectual property. He has a background in a variety of cross-cutting issues that touch on telecommunications law, media law, data protection and privacy. Wahome is currently the research and consulting lead at Lawyers Hub Kenya. While with the Lawyers Hub, he works closely with startups and other clients and advises them on issues touching on intellectual property, data protection, telecommunications law and other contractual issues. He also researches extensively on digital rights that focuses on the freedom of expression and right to privacy in the digital space. Prior to joining the Lawyers Hub, Wahome was an associate at Gikera and Vadgama Advocates in their Intellectual Property and Anti-Counterfeit practice. He also acted as in-house Counsel for ATC Kenya where he handled a number of roles. Wahome has also worked at Kiptinness and Odhiambo Associates LLP (KOA). He was an associate in the Technology and IP Department. While working at KOA, he counseled on data privacy matters and drafted complex agreements for various national and multinational clients. His research experience notably includes supporting on KICTANET’s paper on disinformation and elections and has written for Democracy in Africa on Internet Shutdowns in Africa.
Oritsemisan Favor Enemigin
DRILL - 2021
Chigozie Israel
DRILL - 2021
DRILL Publications
2024 - DRILL Fellowship FAQs
Answer: Unfortunately, the fellowship requires candidates to have relevant graduate or postgraduate qualifications. Therefore, if you are a university student in your final year and have not completed your undergraduate studies, you do not meet this fellowship’s eligibility criteria.
Answer: You can find the application link here. Simply click the provided link, which will direct you to the application form.
Answer: The application is open to nationals of countries in Africa and India.
Answer: Anyone above the age of 18 with the relevant experience is eligible to apply. This means individuals of all ages can apply as long as you meet the other eligibility criteria and can fulfill the responsibilities of the fellowship.
Answer: Yes, the fellowship is open to anyone in the Global South, including persons with disabilities and underserved communities.
Answer: Yes, fellows will each receive a stipend of USD $1000 or equivalent for the duration of the fellowship in line with a signed contract.
Answer: Fellows will have access to opportunities shared with the Net Rights Coalition on a bi-weekly basis. Fellows will become part of the Net Rights Coalition and have an opportunity to lead campaigns and events hosted by the Net Rights Coalition.