The book detailing the journey of Paradigm Initiative from a tiny cybercafe in Lagos, Nigeria to a leading pan-African digital rights and inclusion organisation with presence in six countries and implementing multi-million dollar projects across 28 countries is now out.
Titled The Paradigm Initiative Story: A Work in Progress, the book, which highlights the organisation’s transformative journey is resource-rich, delving into various facets of organisational development and success, including a focus on the people who have contributed to, and built it.
It also provides insights on fundraising and organisational development especially in resource constrained environments and Paradigm Initiative’s (PIN’s) learning journey while focusing on the future. It is a story of triumph, demonstrating the power of resilience, focus and passion. Through the book, readers can learn how consistent support from donors and partners goes a long way in building strong institutions.
The story told by ‘Gbenga Sesan, the organisation’s Executive Director demonstrates what it takes to transform a dream conceptualised in Ajegunle, a teeming informal settlement in the heart of Lagos, Nigeria, to an impactful formidable organisation with footprints across the continent.
“The inspiration to document the Paradigm Initiative Story was born out of a deep desire to share with others how our organisation has been able to grow, the lessons we learnt, and challenges and opportunities that exist. It is more about sharing our experience while creating a roadmap in uncharted waters,” ‘Gbenga stated.
The book showcases the evolution of Paradigm Initiative from early days when access to technology was a privilege few individuals could afford, to the organisation’s key position in driving digital access and championing digital rights. Through the book, readers are able to witness the power of vision, persistence and role of technology in creating lasting social change.
Global Endorsements and Insights on the Paradigm Initiative Story
In his foreword on the book, Vint Cerf, Vice President, Chief Internet Evangelist, Google, says the book has greatly enhanced his esteem for ‘Gbenga and his work. Cerf is also the Chair of the Internet Governance Forum (IGF) Leadership Panel, where ‘
“The book is a story of determination, commitment, successes and failures. It is told in a personal way that makes the story all the more compelling. It is a pragmatic story filled with concrete observations about the trials that all nonprofit organisations face. In the case of the Paradigm Initiative Story, the challenges are all the more complex given inflationary considerations that make financing all the more difficult,” says Cerf, who is known as one of the ‘Fathers of the Internet.’
From the book, it is clear that digital inclusion entails more than provision of access to devices or the internet. It includes equipping people with skills and knowledge to navigate the digital world and utilise it for social and economic empowerment. A key aspect that stands out is the role PIN continues to play in advocating for digital rights, and creating policies and empowering the youth through digital literacy while bridging the digital divide.
The publication has been released against the backdrop of a widening digital divide, where millions of individuals are yet to be connected, underscoring the need for continuous effort in bridging the digital gap while advocating for friendly digital laws and policies that deepen and support inclusion efforts.
The book has been endorsed by Emmanuel Oluwatosin, Director of StartUpCourt, ‘Tope Soremi, Project Management Consultant, Chris Uwaje, Founder and Chief Architect of Mobile Software Solutions Ltd, Harry ‘Tomi Davies (TD), Founding President of the African Business Angel Network (ABAN), Peter Stephenson, former Director of Trade and Investment, British High Commission, Dr. Aida Opoku-Mensah(PhD), Special Advisor on Special Initiatives & SDGs/Agenda 2030, United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) and Walda Roseman, Chair, Arthur C. Clarke Foundation; CEO, CompassRose International.
The eBook and hardback versions are available on the publisher’s website, while the hardback version can be obtained from Amazon. The paperback version will be available from July 2026.
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