In the evolving story of Africa’s digital transformation, one name continues to stand out for its consistency, courage, and commitment to inclusion: Gbenga Sesan. Known for his work in digital rights advocacy and youth technology empowerment, Sesan has spent years building systems that ensure young Africans are not excluded from the opportunities created by the internet.
His work sits at the intersection of technology, policy, and social impact, focusing on one clear mission: expanding access and protecting rights in the digital age.
Early Career and Foundation in Technology Advocacy
Gbenga Sesan began his professional journey as a technology enthusiast and social entrepreneur with a strong belief in the power of digital tools to transform lives. In the early 2000s, as internet penetration across Nigeria and much of Africa remained limited, he became actively involved in promoting digital literacy and technology education.
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His early initiatives focused on equipping young Nigerians with practical digital skills at a time when access to computers and structured internet training was still developing in many communities. This commitment laid the foundation for his long standing work in digital inclusion and policy advocacy.
Founding and Leading Paradigm Initiative
Sesan is the Executive Director of Paradigm Initiative, a nonprofit organization established to bridge the digital divide in Africa.
Paradigm Initiative operates programs in multiple African countries and works across two major focus areas.
Digital Inclusion
The organization provides digital literacy and technology training programs for underserved youth. These initiatives are designed to improve employability, encourage entrepreneurship, and expand participation in the digital economy.
Young people who participate in these programs gain skills in areas such as coding, foundational IT literacy, and the use of digital tools for communication and business.
Digital Rights Advocacy
Beyond digital skills training, Paradigm Initiative actively engages in advocacy around internet freedom, data protection, and inclusive technology policies. The organization publishes research, releases policy reports, and participates in stakeholder engagements addressing issues such as internet shutdowns and online freedom of expression.
Championing Internet Freedom in Africa
As internet access expands across the continent, conversations around privacy, digital surveillance, and freedom of expression continue to grow in importance. Gbenga Sesan has consistently advocated for policies that protect users’ rights in digital spaces.
He has spoken at regional and international platforms, including the Internet Governance Forum, contributing African perspectives to global discussions on internet governance and digital development.
His participation in these spaces reflects a broader commitment to ensuring that Africa’s digital growth is guided by principles of openness, accountability, and inclusion.
Empowering Africa’s Youth Through Technology
Africa’s rapidly growing youth population presents both opportunity and responsibility. Sesan’s work emphasizes preparing young people with the skills and awareness needed to succeed in an increasingly digital world.
By combining technical training with digital rights education, his approach ensures that youth are not only digitally skilled but also informed about their online freedoms and responsibilities.
Programs under Paradigm Initiative emphasize:
Digital literacy for underserved communities
Technology driven entrepreneurship
Responsible internet use
Awareness of digital rights and policy
This integrated model strengthens both access and protection for young Africans navigating digital spaces.
Regional and Continental Impact
Gbenga Sesan’s work extends beyond Nigeria through collaborations, research contributions, and participation in continental policy conversations. Paradigm Initiative’s presence in several African countries reflects a broader effort to address digital inequality at scale.
Through sustained advocacy and program implementation, his leadership continues to contribute to Africa’s evolving digital landscape.
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Author’s Note
Gbenga Sesan’s journey reflects a sustained commitment to digital inclusion and rights protection in Africa. His leadership at Paradigm Initiative demonstrates how structured digital literacy programs, combined with policy advocacy, can expand opportunity while safeguarding freedoms. The central message of his work remains clear: access to technology must be matched with protection of rights to ensure meaningful and inclusive digital progress.
References
Paradigm Initiative Official Publications
Internet Governance Forum Participation Records
Public Speeches and Interviews by Gbenga Sesan
Digital Rights and Internet Freedom Reports in Africa
