MozFest House in Lusaka, Zambia, that was held in November 2024, wasn’t just another event—it was a festival of ideas, a playground for the curious, and a reminder that technology, policy, and civic engagement are deeply intertwined. Unlike a conventional conference, MozFest House felt like an interactive lab—where ideas met action, and discussions translated into tangible solutions for local challenges.
As The Doodling Lawyer, I thrive in spaces like this. My sketchnotes and graphic recordings captured the energy of key sessions, helping break down complex topics into visuals that inform and inspire. Here’s a recap of some standout sessions and the insights they sparked.
What Makes MozFest Unique?
MozFest isn’t your average tech and policy gathering. It’s a mash-up of technologists, policymakers, artists, and activists all jamming together to rethink how the digital world should work for everyone. Sessions aren’t just sit-and-listen affairs—they’re hands-on, interactive, and designed to spark creative problem-solving. Most importantly, it’s all about the public good, making sure that conversations about AI, data rights, and digital governance actually serve communities, not just corporate interests.
Here are some sessions I attended, and of course, I’ve got the sketchnotes to show for it.
Keynote Address by Angela Oduor Lungati : Your Data, Your Power
Angela’s session was a powerful reminder that AI and grassroots technology alone won’t change the world—it’s how communities wield them that makes the difference. She emphasized the importance of community-led data governance, challenging us to think about who controls our data and how we can reclaim agency in the digital age. Her insights reinforced the role of civic education in empowering people to navigate digital landscapes.
Whose Gig Economy Is It Anyway?
This session unpacked the realities of digital labor platforms in Africa. We explored how gig work is marketed as an opportunity but often comes with hidden costs—precarious work conditions, algorithmic bias, and a lack of worker protections. The discussion underscored the need for fair policies that center workers’ rights rather than corporate profits. It was a crucial conversation about how governance structures must evolve to protect digital workers.
The Impact of AI on Digital Platforms Governance
One of the most thought-provoking discussions, this session tackled the ways AI is reshaping governance on digital platforms. From content moderation to data privacy, AI systems are increasingly influencing online spaces—sometimes for better, but often in ways that amplify bias and exclusion. The session emphasized the need for transparency, accountability, and public participation in AI governance.
Product, Policy, and People: Leveraging Trustworthy AI for Public Service Delivery in Africa
This session explored how AI can be harnessed for good—especially in public service delivery. We discussed practical ways to ensure AI systems are designed with fairness, inclusivity, and local context in mind. Rather than importing solutions from the Global North, Africa’s approach to AI must be homegrown, ethical, and people-centered.
Key Takeaways from MozFest House Lusaka
- Visual Storytelling is Essential: More and more, people are recognizing how visuals—infographics, sketchnotes, and graphic recordings—help bridge knowledge gaps and make complex topics accessible.
- Civic Engagement and Digital Rights Go Hand-in-Hand: The more people understand their digital rights, the better they can advocate for ethical policies.
- Community-Led Innovation is the Future: The best solutions don’t come from boardrooms; they emerge from the people directly impacted by the issues at hand.
MozFest House Lusaka reaffirmed my belief that when we combine law, technology, and civic engagement, we don’t just analyze problems—we create solutions. And as someone dedicated to making public interest information accessible, I left feeling more inspired than ever to use doodles as a tool for advocacy, education, and empowerment.
Until the next doodle – stay curious!
Yours, the Doodling Lawyer.
