AMDISS Joins African Forum on Internet Freedom in Namibia

(JUBA) – The Association for Media Development in South Sudan (AMDISS) is taking part in a continental forum on internet freedom in Windhoek, Namibia. The two day gathering began on Thursday, 25 September 2025, and concluded today, Friday 26 September 2025.

The forum brought together participants from across Africa, including media professionals, ICT experts, civil society activists, technology companies, government officials and development partners. Discussions centred on the challenges and opportunities at the intersection of technology, human rights, and governance.

Issues on the agenda included artificial intelligence and governance, information integrity, digital democracy, platform accountability, child online safety and media freedom. Organisers said the forum was designed to strengthen networking, promote collaboration, and improve access to information across the continent.

Speaking during the event, Ayaa Irene Lokang, Director of AMDISS, described the forum as very important for South Sudan. She said internet access lies at the heart of media work and freedom of expression, and that taking part in the meeting allowed AMDISS to raise issues affecting free expression in the country.

AMDISS participated in the forum as a member of the African Freedom of Expression Exchange (AFEX), a continental network that brings together key freedom of expression organisations. The South Sudan body also sits on the Steering Committee of AFEX, giving it a direct role in shaping continental discussions.

As part of its work at the forum, AFEX launched a landmark report on access to information in Africa. The report compared legislation in 11 countries: Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Botswana, South Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Ghana, Gambia and Nigeria. Although South Sudan was not included in the study, AMDISS contributed through its experience in drafting South Sudan’s Access to Information Bill.

AMDISS is also a member of other regional and international networks, such as the Africa Freedom of Information Centre (AFIC) and the International Freedom of Expression Exchange (IFEX). Through these platforms, the organisation continues to expand its visibility and influence in promoting press freedom and the right to access information.

A statement from AMDISS stated that the active involvement in continental and global platforms signals its commitment to advancing media development in South Sudan while linking national challenges to wider African and global debates.

Areas Discussed at the Forum