2023 Participants

Gilbert Beyamba

Pollicy, Uganda

Gilbert Beyamba (he/him), with a background in Information Technology and an IMBA from the University of International Business and Economics, China, participated in the prestigious 2023 Oxford Media Policy Summer Institute cohort at the University of Oxford. During this program, he earned a Certificate in Comparative Media Law and Policy from the Oxford Centre for Socio-Legal Studies at Jesus college. Currently serves as the Director of Programs at Pollicy (www.pollicy.org), an award-winning feminist collective based in Uganda. In this role, he is a dynamic leader, overseeing a diverse team of technologists, researchers, academics, and activists, with a focus on leveraging data and technology to drive social change, particularly for marginalized groups and women. Gilbert is also part of the Code For Science Event Fund Selection Committee, supporting community-driven data science infrastructures. Throughout his career, Gilbert has consistently demonstrated strong management capabilities and a talent for shaping teams and driving organizational growth. From his earlier roles as VP of Programming at Mara Foundation and Unreasonable East Africa (now SHONA), to his work in youth empowerment programming in public health, specifically in sexual reproductive health, he has been a hands-on leader with a deep understanding of diverse cultures and regional nuances. These experiences have given him valuable insights into the intersection of technology, diplomacy, and international relations, with a particular interest in the impact of digital diplomacy from an Afrocentric perspective. In addition to his responsibilities at Pollicy, Gilbert is actively engaged in exploring the synergies between technology and diplomacy, focusing on its implications for international relations. He is passionate about leveraging tech and digital diplomacy to advance Africa’s interests on the global stage.

Helen Samukeliso Sithole

MISA Zimbabwe, Zimbabwe

Helen Sithole is the Legal and ICT Policy Officer for MISA Zimbabwe. She is a legal professional with extensive experience of policy research and analysis across Southern Africa focused on the effects of technologies on the enjoyment of fundamental rights. She is dedicated to advocating for effective policies that address the legal and regulatory challenges of the digital age. She holds a Bachelor of laws degree and a Post Graduate Certificate in AI Policy.

Ihueze Gideon Nwobilor

Paradigm Initiative, Nigeria

Ihueze is a Senior Program Officer at Paradigm Initiative, where he leads Paradigm Initiative’s Digital Inclusion programs while working on digital rights advocacy projects. His career in Development Practice spans Twelve years, with cognate experience with Reputable National and International Development Organisations and NGOs. During these years, he has developed competence and expertise in Project Design and Development, Management and Implementation, Social Research, Proposal Writing, Resource Mobilisation, Strategic Litigation, Capacity building, Policy Advocacy, Institutional engagement, Media engagement and Social Communication. Ihueze is a Fellow of the Nigerian School of Internet Governance. His Digital inclusion and policy work at Paradigm Initiative, spanning over nine years, has impacted over 8000 young persons in over 12 African countries.

Isaac Amuku

Women of Uganda Network (WOUGNET), Uganda

Isaac Amuku has extensive experience in internet governance, ICT research, policy and regulation. He has organised high level dialogues with policy makers, regulators, government ministries and the marginalised groups such as women, girls, persons with disability and people who live in the rural areas to discuss issues of digital human rights, specifically women’s rights online using the feminist principles of the internet, and African declaration of internet rights and freedoms. He uses his research skills to provide advice and technical support in production and publishing policy briefs, position papers, toolkits, handbooks and reports on the issues of data privacy, gender digital divide, freedom of expression, etc. He has also significantly contributed gender perspective at the Global Internet Governance Fora, Digital Rights and Inclusion Fora and Feminist Tech Exchange workshops. Amuku has a Master’s Degree in Economics and a postgraduate Diploma in Monitoring and Evaluation.

Jean-Pierre Ayobangira Safari Nshuti

DRC Parliament, Kenya, Democratic Republic of Congo

Member of Parliament (National Assembly of the DRC). Best elected among all the young candidates. Areas of interest: new technologies (internet governance, telecom, IT infrastructure), rural development, agribusiness, youth entrepreneurship, conflict resolution (land disputes, armed groups), peaceful coexistence, gender promotion, education.

John Gbadamosi

Media Rights Agenda, Nigeria

John Gbadamosi is an accomplished Programme Officer with a strong affiliation to the Digital Rights Department of Media Rights Agenda. With an extensive career spanning over 15 years, John has adeptly navigated the intricate landscape of digital rights and related fields. Throughout his professional journey, John has actively engaged with a diverse array of stakeholders and communities, addressing multifaceted issues in these domains. Notably, he distinguished himself as a fellow of Article 19’s esteemed Internet of Rights (IoR) Fellowship Programme. During his tenure in this role, John meticulously examined regulatory frameworks governing the deployment of broadband services within Nigeria. In the course of his project, John skillfully mapped out these regulatory guidelines, meticulously scrutinized license procedures, and astutely identified the human rights implications intertwined with these processes. His dedication and expertise led him to explore specific standardization initiatives in Japan, with a primary focus on the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802 Standards, LAN/MAN Standards Committee (LMSC), and the Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP). John Gbadamosi’s dynamic career reflects his commitment to championing digital rights and fostering an environment of informed regulation. His comprehensive experience and scholarly inquiries have contributed significantly to the discourse surrounding internet governance and rights-based technological implementation.

Judith Murungi

Young African Policy Research Hub (YAPORH), Kenya

Judith is a lawyer and legal researcher in the area of Global Health Law and International Human Rights. She is currently carrying out research at the intersection of health, human rights and recent technological advancements including Artificial Intelligence (AI). She continues to participate in law and policy advocacy in these areas as she contributes to shaping the regulatory landscape of AI in Africa.

Kehinde Oluwasegun Adegboyega

Human Rights Journalists Network Nigeria, Nigeria

Kehinde Adegboyega is the Executive Director of Human Rights Journalists Network Nigeria a human rights organisation with a community of over 90 journalists that collaborate to document, build capacity and advocate on human rights in Nigeria.

Koroney Massani

Député National, Assemblée Nationale du Niger, Nigeria

Chef de Projet en Informatique, Expert TIC. Président du Comité Scientifique du Forum TIC CEDEAO 2017, 2020 et 2023. Membre du comité exécutif du réseau des parlementaires africains sur la gouvemance de I internet. Panelist au forum Africain sur la la gouvernance de I internet (AFIGF). Panelist au forum mondial sur la gouvernance de I internet (IGF). Expert en matière de fichier électoral. Ancien Président de la Commission des Affaires Etrangères et de la Coopération à l’Assemblée Nationale du Niger. Ancien Président du Réseau OMC de l’Assemblée Nationale du Niger Ancien Président du Groupe d’Amitié Iran-Niger. Ancien Délégué Général à l’Informatique auprès du Président de la République avec rang de ministre (1996-1999). Ancien Haut – Commissaire aux NTIC avec rang de ministre (2002-2010). Ancien Directeur du Projet SYDONIA WORD à la Direction Générale de la Douane du Niger (2013-2016). Chevalier de l’Ordre de Mérite du Niger. Officier de l’Ordre de Mérite du Niger, Chevalier de I Ordre National.

Letsatsi Phinehas Lekhooa

ISOC Lesotho Chapter, Lesotho

Letsatsi Lekhooa is a specialist in the non-profit and governmental sectors with more than 9 years of expertise in the disciplines of technology and climate change. He is a proactive, goal-oriented person with experience interacting with a wide range of stakeholders, which has aided the companies he has had the chance to work for in remaining viable. After completing his Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and Computer Science, he continued his study on climate change. Additionally, he has certifications from the High Performance Computing for Sustainable Development and the High Performance Computing Coding Summer School 2023 programmes. He is a great expert with a wonderful grasping ability that allows him to easily understand even the most difficult concepts.

Linda Mmbone Ngari

Africa Uncensored, Kenya

A skilled OSINT specialist, experienced as a fact-checker and fact-checking editor. Has a grasp of mis/disinformation trends in Africa, traversing a variety of topics such as Climate change disinformation, elections misinformation, health and financial scams.

Lydia Lamisi

APNIG, Ghana

Lydia Lamisi Akanvariba, Member of Parliament, Tempane constituency. A member of the 8th Parliament of Ghana and APNIG.

Maha Abdel Nasser

Parliament, Egypt

Maha Abdel Nasser is a member of Parliament (MP) and Vice President of the Egyptian Social Democratic Party (ESDP), and she was one of the founding members where she helped in different places during the early stages in the party, she has been elected as the deputy of the secretary general from 2012 till 2015, and then member in the political bureau till 2022 when she was elected as VP. Maha has been an executive member in the salvation front 2012-2013 and has been elected as a member of supreme council in the Egyptian Syndicate of Engineers, where she was heading different committees as part of her voluntarily work from 2014-2020. Maha holds an engineering degree from Cairo University and an MBA from the Arab Academy for Science and Technology as well as a PhD degree in Marketing from Mayfield University, USA. As for the business side, she has more than 30 years of experience in the areas of sales, marketing and technical as well as management in the ICT industry with proven ability to drive business growth through aggressive sales initiatives that deliver revenue growth and market share. She held different executive jobs in Multinational, regional, and large local corporates, and her last job was Chief Executive Officer (CEO) in ACCM, part of El-Kharafi Group, ICT sector. She is also a certified instructor in AUC and part time instructor in the Arab Academy for Science & Technology (AAST) and American Chamber of Commerce in Egypt.

Mahamoud Moustapha Daher

African Parliamentary Network on Internet Governance (APNIG), Djibouti

My name’s Hon. Mahamoud Moustapha Daher, MP of the Republic of Djibouti. I am also a member of the Pan-African Parliament (PAP) as well as the African Parliamentary Network on Internet Governance (APNIG). As a former teacher and head of the IT department at the University of Djibouti (15 years), I was elected Member of the National Assembly of Djibouti in February 2018 (re-elected for a second term in February 2023). From then on, I set out to strengthen and promote the crucial role and challenges of digital technology in socio-economic development. I took part in several activities, forums and events (international and continental) concerning the challenges and opportunities of Digital. Thus, in the era of the Digital Revolution, the MPs, that we are, need to have a better understanding of these new dynamics, of this development tool that digital represents. And our continent, Africa, must fully exploit the potential of digital technologies in the service of its development.

Mark Mulobi

Monitoring Evaluation Research And Learning, Digital Impact Alliance, Kenya

Mark is a Monitoring Evaluation Research and Learning Consultant for the Digital Impact Alliance (DIAL) of the United Nations Foundation (UNF). He is part of the team that helps bridge the gap of digital inclusiveness using evaluation to better the lives of others and ensure that no one is left behind in the world. Currently, Mark is supporting research at DIAL on Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) and the intersections of DPI and Climate, Gender, and Data governance. Further, he is supporting work on data exchange and consent.

Mephato Reatile

APNIC, Botswana

Mephato Reatile is a dedicated and passionate member of parliament hailing from Botswana. He is an advocate for uplifting the lives of his fellow citizens. With a strong belief in the power of democracy and good governance, Mephato has tirelessly worked towards creating positive and sustainable change in his constituency. He possesses a deep understanding of the intricacies of the political landscape. This knowledge, combined with his genuine empathy for the people he represents, drives his commitment to improving their living conditions and providing them with better opportunities. Mephato Reatile firmly believes in the importance of inclusive development. He has actively taken part in shaping policies that focus on healthcare accessibility, education reform, and economic empowerment for the marginalized communities in Botswana. Through his brave and vocal stance on important issues, Mephato aims to create an environment where every citizen’s voice is heard, regardless of their socio-economic background. As a member of parliament, Mephato Reatile remains committed to being a catalyst for change and a vocal representative for the people of Botswana. Through his unwavering dedication, he aspires to build a brighter and more prosperous future for the nation, one where every citizen can thrive and achieve their fullest potential.

Meshack Kukubo Masibo

Mphatso Vanessa Gunda

Parliament of Malawi, Malawi

Mphatso is a seasoned ICT professional with over 13 years of experience in the public sector; Parliament, and 5 years in the private sector. She holds a Master’s degree in Information Science: Information Management, a Bachelor’s Degree in Information Technology, and is a Hubert Humphery Fellow with a focus on Technology Policy and Management. As an Officer of Parliament, she is tasked with ensuring that Members of Parliament are well-informed and updated on technology issues. She is passionate about digital transformation, digital inclusion, and ensuring that people at the grassroots level benefit from technological services.

Mundie Jesica Uiras

Namibia Media Trust, Namibia

Jessica Mundie Uiras is a dedicated advocate for social and political equality. She works as a Programme Coordinator at the Namibia Media Trust (NMT), where she works to promote a conducive environment where a free media can work sustainably to contribute to the building of inclusive societies. In line with her work at the NMT, she is the founder of the Eagles Foundation and several other initiatives that promote social inclusion of those marginalised and driven to the fringes of our society.

Paul Kithinji

GIZ, Kenya

Paul, currently a Data Policy Advisor at the DataCipation Program within the GIZ – AU portfolio is an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya, based in Nairobi. He is also a Tech Law and Policy Researcher with keen interest in Digital Rights, Information Communication and Technology Law and Digital Transformation. He holds a degree from the University of Nairobi and a post-graduate diploma from the Kenya School of Law. He has considerable experience in tech law and policy research and has contributed on numerous occasions to the right to privacy and data protection projects and programs both regionally and globally.

Rehema Baguma

I am an Associate Prof. of Information Systems at Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda. I am also a Researcher and Consultant in Human centered Design, ICT Policy, eGovernance ,eLearning, AI Ethics and Responsible AI. I am currently part of a team implementing two projects: Ethical and Fairness Considerations of Large Language Models in Africa and Democratising AI supported by Google and OpenAI respectively.

Robert Alai Onyango

Nairobi City County Assembly, Kenya

I am a leading tech blogger who ran for a political office and won the Kileleshwa Ward and is serving as the Member of County Assembly for the ward from 2022 to 2027. I am a BSc. Computer Science graduate from USIU-Africa and an advocate for automation of government services, revenue and non-revenue services. I am passionate above democratisation of internet governance and non-interference with the freedoms of those who need it the most, women and other vulnerable groups.

Rosevitha Ndumbu

Institute of Public Policy Research, Namibia

Rosevitha Numbu is a Namibian researcher, digital rights advocate, and lawyer. She currently works for Namibia’s largest think-tank, the Institute of Public Policy Research and has prior affiliation to institutions such as the National Youth Council (NYC), the Namibia Media Trust (NMT), the Namibia National Students Organisation (NANSO) as well as the Media and Information Literacy Learning Initiative (MILLI). As the Vice-president of the Internet Society Namibia Chapter, she champions proactive digital security empowering individuals to safeguard their digital realms. With a background at the Namibia Media Trust as a consultant and Namibian representative on a 6 country digital rights project, she has regional experience enhancing digital rights in Southern Africa. Rosevitha is also a member of the inaugural EU-Namibia Youth Sounding Board, advocating for responsible digital governance and data protection. Her areas of interest is at the intersection of law and technology as it relates to digital rights, data protection and oybersecurity in the hopes of contributing to a safe- and more secure digital landscape in Namibia and beyond.

Samuel Nartey George

Parliament of Ghana, Ghana

Samuel Nartey George, MP is a Ghanaian politician and a member of the National Democratic Congress. He is a second term Member of Parliament for the Ningo-Prampram constituency in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana. The outspoken legislator got elected with an overwhelming margin of victory in keenly contested elections on the back of his strong community connections and advocacy for the needs of his constituents and a reputation as the voice of the youth. Born on 22 January 1985 in Somanya, in the Eastern Region of Ghana, he holds a BSc. in Agricultural Engineering from KNUST, an LLB from the University of London, an MA in Conflict, Peace & Security from the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre. He recently completed an MSc in International Strategy & Diplomacy from the London School of Economics. He is currently pursuing an LLM/LPC from the University of Law both in the UK. Samuel Nartey George has served as an Assistant Director in the Office of the Head of Civil Service between 2010 to 2013 and was subsequently appointed as the Communications Specialist to the President between 2014 and 2016. He served on the Governing Board of the National Information Technology Agency (NITA). Prior to his public service, he has run his own private IT consultancy offering service to various government institutions, the World Bank and UNDP funded projects in Ghana as well as private clients. He has a passion for ICT and focuses largely on policy for driving internet penetration and digital inclusion, internet governance, cybersecurity and the protection of users of the internet and the creation of a new cadre of Afrocentric software that caters to the peculiarity of our continent. Sam George, as he is popularly called back home in Ghana, is a vocal voice on issues regarding telecommunications, data protection, ICT policy, digitalization and last mile connectivity. Sam George serves as the Deputy Ranking Member of the Communications Select Committee in Ghana’s National Parliament. He is also a Member of the Public Accounts Committee. He is a member of the Population Caucus and the African Parliamentarians Network Against Corruption. He is a Charismatic Christian, married and a father of three. His love for football is manifest in his support for Accra Hearts of Oak Sporting Club and Arsenal Football Club. He is an Elder of the Perez Chapel International, Perez Dome, Dzorwulu.

Sani Suleiman San

Paradigm Initiative, Nigeria

Sani Suleiman Sani is an early-career advocate for digital rights and inclusion, working as a Program officer at Paradigm Initiative. With a diverse range of research and advocacy endervours, Sani Focuses on special niches such as Business and Human Rights in the tech sector, Data Protection and Privacy, emerging technologies and meaningful connectivity. Sani actively contributes as an author and co-author of various publications, addressing various digital rights and inclusion challenges across Africa. Currently pursuing a masters degree in Remote Sensing and GIS at Ahmadu Bello University, he also possessed a certificate in Data protection and Privacy from the University of Lagos.

Shirley Gladys Nakyejwe

Ministry of ICT and National Guidance, Uganda

Shirley Gladys Nakyejwe, an esteemed alumna of the Young African Leadership Initiative (YALI) Program 2017, is renowned for her innovation-centered approach and expertise in leveraging Intellectual Property (IP) to enhance competitiveness within the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector. Currently serving as a Senior ICT Officer and Intellectual Property Specialist at Uganda’s Ministry of ICT and National Guidance, Shirley is pivotal in guiding young innovators to safeguard their IP assets on ICT-driven solutions. Her comprehensive guidelines encompassing IP ownership, registration, disclosure, and commercialization strategies empower local talents for global competitiveness. Shirley’s influence extends beyond her contributions to innovators; she also contributes to Uganda’s ICT sector through active participation in shaping the Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) Policy. This policy framework is designed to foster a conducive regulatory landscape and provide incentives for local third-party service providers. Backed by her academic journey, which includes a master’s degree in Intellectual Property (MIP) and another in ICT Management, Policy, and Architectural Design, complemented by a bachelor’s degree in computer science, Shirley possesses a unique blend of technical proficiency and IP acumen. Shirley’s expertise and commitment make her an invaluable participant in the African School on Internet Governance 2023. Her profound background in technology and Intellectual Property alongside her transformative community initiatives aimed at empowering young girls in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) enrich the program’s discussions and propel the dialogue on internet governance and data policies across Africa.

Silvia Tsitsi Mukwindidza

Bustop TV, Zimbabwe

Silvia Tsitsi Mukwindidza is a Journalist and communications personnel with over 6 years of experience in communication strategy, content creation, creative campaigns, and project management. She is the Communication and Admin officer at Bustop TV, a leading digital media organisation that creates edutainment content for advocacy-based projects. Silvia just finished a course with Internet Society on Internet Governance and another course on Internet Shutdowns with Access Now. She is passionate about digital rights, cybersecurity and internet freedoms, these are topics she often blogs about. She is a candidate for a Masters in Politics and International Relations at the University of Zimbabwe.

Susan Dossi

Africa Parliamentary Network on Internet Governance (APNIG), Malawi

Hon. Susan Dossi is a Member of Parliament for Chikwawa West Constituency since 2019. Chairperson for the Media, Information and Communication Committee of Malawi Parliament. Member of the Africa Parliament on Internet Governance (APNIG). Member of the Legal Affairs Committee. Member of the Malawi Parliament Women Caucus.

Sylvie Pegmi Debana Epse Siyam Siwe

PROTEGE QV/APC Board), Cameroon

Sylvie SIYAM is an expert in local development and decentralization. President of the PROTEGE QV association (www.protegeqv.org) of which one of the areas of action is ICT for development. Actor in advocating for better access to the internet in Cameroon. Co-author of several studies and publications on digital rights and better access to the internet; the latest study is the development of the African Index of Internet Rights and Freedoms which is a tool to assess respect for digital rights by governments in Africa. Co-organization of several training courses for the appropriation of ICT and the safe use of the Internet. Sylvie is a member of APC’s Borad of directors since 2017.

Yesmin Salako

Centre for Information Technology and Development, Nigeria

Yesmin Salako is a gender and digital rights advocate, a wife and a mother. As a certified development practitioner she has about five (5) years working experience with marginalized, excluded and underprivileged communities in the Federal Capital Territory, Nigeria working directly with women and children creating safe spaces. She has trained over 30 women on digital inclusion and women online safety.  She is a member of the Digital Rights Civil Society Coalition in Nigeria. She is a 2021 Alumni of the Ibrahim Mu’azzam institute of philosophy and political theory.  She served as a delegate for Czech Republic of the Disarmament and International Security Committee (DiSEC) of the International Model United Nations (IMUN) online conference 2021. Currently she serves as a Program Officer at the Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD).