MISA Lesotho joined regional and international actors in the digital rights and media freedom space at the Forum on Internet Freedom in Africa (FIFAfrica) 2025, held in Windhoek, Namibia, from 22 to 27 September 2025. The forum, hosted annually by the Collaboration on International ICT Policy for East and Southern Africa (CIPESA), has grown into Africa’s leading platform for dialogue on digital inclusion, governance, and freedom of expression.
This year’s edition brought together policymakers, journalists, civil society leaders, researchers, and technology experts to reflect on Africa’s digital future under the theme of resilience, inclusion, and collective action. It provided a vital space for voices across the continent to share insights and chart strategies for defending digital rights amid growing restrictions on online and media freedoms.
“I believe that FIFAfrica has been more than just a meeting.. it has been a living expression of Africa’s commitment to free expression and digital justice,” said Nicole Tau, Acting National Director of MISA Lesotho. “Being part of it allows us to connect Lesotho’s experiences to the broader African struggle for freedom, accountability, and innovation.”
Before the main conference officially opened, MISA Lesotho participated in the Spaces of Solidarity (SoS) Meeting, a convening of 21 partner organisations from across Southern Africa that collaborate to defend media freedom and freedom of expression.
The SoS platform plays a critical role in coordinating advocacy, identifying emerging threats, and sustaining networks of mutual support across the region. The meeting allowed participants to take stock of progress, reflect on the regional media freedom landscape, and reaffirm their joint commitment to solidarity-driven advocacy.
Discussions included the presentation of findings from the Southern Africa Media Freedom Climate Survey, which assessed perceptions of freedom of expression in the region. The results showed significant concerns across many countries, including Lesotho, where respondents described the environment as “problematic,” citing political interference, weak implementation of access to information laws, and growing digital surveillance.
“The Spaces of Solidarity network reinforces that none of us can protect press freedom alone,” Tau reflected. “When we share insights, align strategies, and support one another, our advocacy and our strategies become stronger and more effective.”
MISA Lesotho’s presence continued through the BRAVE Media meeting, a strategic dialogue which examined how MISA can remain relevant in a fast-changing global media landscape.
MISA Regional Director Dr. Tabani Moyo urged national chapters to continually adapt and innovate, warning that traditional advocacy models may no longer be sufficient in the face of rapid technological change and shrinking civic spaces. He encouraged MISA chapters to focus on value creation, agility, and accountability, ensuring that their collective work remains impactful and forward-looking.
“If we do not continuously reinvent how we operate, we risk losing relevance,” Dr. Moyo said. “MISA must be bold, creative, and united, because our value lies not only in our name, but in the difference we make.”
Participation in FIFAfrica 2025 reaffirmed MISA Lesotho’s commitment to engaging in regional and global conversations that influence media and digital policy. By contributing to dialogues on online freedoms, safety of journalists, and data governance, the chapter continues to position Lesotho as part of a continental movement advancing human rights in the digital age.
These engagements feed directly into MISA Lesotho’s local advocacy, including its ongoing work on access to information, journalist safety, and responsible digital governance.
MISA Lesotho extends its deep appreciation to DW Akademie for its ongoing partnership and support in enabling meaningful participation in regional initiatives like FIFAfrica and the Spaces of Solidarity network. Such collaborations strengthen MISA Lesotho’s capacity to champion independent journalism and defend digital rights at both national and regional levels.
Returning from FIFAfrica 2025, MISA Lesotho carries forward new insights, renewed connections, and a strengthened sense of purpose. The lessons learned, from solidarity to innovation, will guide its continued work in ensuring that freedom of expression, access to information, and media independence remain pillars of democracy in Lesotho.
