Hilma Nalupe
Ugandan digital security expert Andrew Gole has arrived in Namibia on Wednesday evening after completing a solo motorcycle journey across Africa under the #RoadToDigitalSafety campaign. His trip, covering more than 13 000 kilometres through ten countries, raises awareness about internet freedom and the need to protect vulnerable communities online.
Gole’s arrival coincided with the start of the 12th Forum on Internet Freedom in Africa (FIFAfrica25), hosted in Windhoek from 24 – 26 September 2025. He was escorted by members of the Windhoek City Runners Club and a few participants of the forum from the Dr. Hage Geingob Stadium to Mercure Hotel in a symbolic run highlighting community support for digital inclusion.
“In Africa, we face many challenges when it comes to internet freedom. Some countries have restrictions, others have very expensive internet access, while others are more open,” Gole said.
His route took him through Kenya, Tanzania, Malawi, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Botswana, and finally Namibia. Along the way, he encountered both openness and restrictions, from blocked platforms in Tanzania to unaffordable internet access in Malawi.
He also reflected on the risks that mirror both road and digital environments. “Even when you follow all the traffic rules, your safety on the road isn’t guaranteed. The same applies online, you must always take precautions.”
Despite challenges such as poor roads and limited internet access, Gole hopes his journey inspires wider dialogue and practical solutions for internet freedom across the continent.