Mbeya Kicks Off 2025: Empowered with Digital Resilience Training

The Internet serves as a powerful catalyst for advancing human rights, yet it is increasingly weaponized by anti-democratic actors. Authoritarian regimes deploy advanced surveillance, oppressive legislation, and regulatory controls to suppress and criminalize human rights defenders, journalists, and civic movements. In developing countries, particularly across Africa, diverse tactics are employed to restrict civic spaces, posing complex and evolving challenges for those safeguarding democratic freedoms.

Given Tanzania's history of internet shutdowns during elections, particularly in 2020, Reach Out Tanzania organized a two-day training session in Mbeya to enhance the capacity of Civil Society Organizations in the region. The training was held on Thursday, January 9, and Friday, January 10, 2025. The training focused on equipping this key group with the skills to mitigate the impact of internet shutdowns. This group plays a vital role as election observers and as watchdogs for human rights and democracy.

The workshop equipped 15 participants from Mbeya, including youth, women, and persons with disabilities (PWDs), with essential skills to navigate and overcome the challenges of internet shutdowns and censorship. Participants gained a deeper understanding of the nature and impact of internet shutdowns, along with practical strategies to build resilience and mitigate disruptions.

The success of this workshop highlights Reach Out Tanzania’s continued commitment to advocating for internet rights and empowering communities. By fostering resilience and providing valuable skills, the initiative strengthens the efforts of individuals and groups dedicated to promoting justice, equality, and democratic freedoms in an increasingly challenging digital landscape.