Background 

Paradigm Initiative (PIN) is a social enterprise that works to connect underserved young Africans with digital opportunities, and ensures the protection of their rights. Through its teams, partners and networks across the African continent, PIN monitors the state of digital rights and inclusion in Africa and intervenes with programs and actions that best respond to the challenges.  The digital ecosystem in Africa is marked by digital rights violations which PIN has aptly captured in its Londa reports on the state of digital rights and inclusion in Africa as well as been subject to global deliberations at regional and international platforms such as the Digital Rights and Inclusion Forum (DRIF), Internet Governance Forum, and RightsCon. 

Through the digital rights community, advocacy initiatives are changing the digital landscape ensuring best practices are adopted into policy and legislation in Africa. Meaningful strides in some African countries are being taken to bridge the digital divide and are worth acknowledging.  With this background, it is pertinent that PIN documents digital rights and inclusion violations, highlights milestones and makes recommendations aimed at improving the digital landscape in Africa.

Paradigm Initiative seeks the services of researchers on digital rights and digital inclusion from African countries to be co-authors of the Londa report focusing on a specific country. Paradigm Initiative will pay a reasonable amount to the researcher for work satisfactorily completed and submitted. The amount will be disclosed to successful applicants.

Rationale and Scope of the report

PIN seeks to compile the 2022 annual report that gives an in-depth analysis of the state of digital rights and inclusion in Africa by examining violations and gaps, investigating the use and application of policy and legislation as well as proffering key recommendations advancing digital rights and inclusion in Africa. The report will also draw key themes for deliberation at the upcoming DRIF23.  

Methodology

The report will comprise well-researched country reports which are well-referenced and submitted by authors from its team members and community. The study of the countries will take a multifaceted approach, combining empirical and desk-research methods to assess both quantitative and qualitative aspects of digital rights and inclusion in Africa. 

Format

Each report must identify and discuss the thematic assessment area,  refer to any in-country legal, policy and institutional frameworks as well as applicable treaties ratified and highlight recommendations. The reports must comply with a shared writing guide and range from 2500 – 3500 words. Each author must also complete a 5-minute completion survey on submission of the first draft. The following format will guide the researchers.

1. Title: Country Report……..
2. Researcher:………
3. Executive Summary (Please summarise your entire report in not more than 2 paragraphs. Major highlights and recommendations suffice)
4. Introduction (Context and Background)

• Country Analysis 

The country analysis must include and not be limited to any of the following thematic assessment areas:

• • Internet Freedom (The following must be included as sub-themes a)Internet access and disruptions, b)Free speech and media freedoms,  and c) Privacy and surveillance)
  • Data Governance in the country reported on. (Are there any policies and laws on this in line with best practices? The researcher must also discuss Digital IDs) 
  • Review of the Universal Service Fund (Is it available and serving a purpose? The researcher to assess if it is being used to bridge the digital divide) 
  • Developments in ICT and Emerging Technologies (The researcher to discuss AI Strategies, inclusion of ICTs in National Action Plans or Strategies.)
  • Conclusion 

Required expertise and qualification 

• Good understanding of the country to be reported on;
• A relevant postgraduate qualification. 
• Expertise, knowledge, and experience in digital rights and inclusion. 

PIN seeks researchers for reports on the countries below:

Kindly submit your response here by 28th October 2022.