GONLINE AFRICA’s Post

Twelve years ago today, I was sitting on the top floor of the iHUB Nairobi, an innovation hub and co-working space. I was conducting research and working on INVSTG8 | Investigate to help investigative journalists easily build a collaboration network, get access to restricted information globally, and fight #misinformation and #disinformation. This after I had spent an intense week presenting, participating in workshops and seeking seed funding at the African News Innovation Challenge (ANIC) in Zanzibar. There were many unexpected twists and turns, (such as inadvertently entering Kenya illegally in a Kafkaesque scenario and being escorted to meet the minister of immigration amid armed guards), and some near brushes with danger. I'm still not sure which was more harrowing: avoiding being robbed in gridlock, headlights going out on a speeding car in a heavy rainstorm at night, or evading a hungry coalition of cheetahs… but the trip helped to solidify and teach valuable lessons. While I didn't win the funding, I ended up advising winners of the ANIC who did, learned a lot about the process, difficulties and barriers for investigative journalism across Africa; and made some very smart, kind and personable friends who remain so to this day. The overarching lesson from the sum of the experiences powerfully reinforced what I learned in the field and newsroom, reporting and editing daily news: Set a plan using the best information you have, but don't force it. Be flexible enough to adapt and change. A plan is just that — not law. Sticking to it will lead to certain failure when events and information unfolding in reality demand a different approach than the plan's hypothetical assumptions. The most important reminder was one we lose sight of alarmingly more, it seems, reading headlines in the last year: Take the care and time to center people and their humanity first, always. If we're not trying to make life and the world better for people, what's the point? The work is in service of people — not the other way around. Do you have a reflection on something you learned when everything seemed to be going wrong? Please comment below. #journalism #investigative #collaboration #misinfo #disinfo #technology #software #management #people #humanity #inclusion #inclusive #travel cc Samantha Barry, Noel Dickover, Alexander Howard, Jason Norwood-Young

If you are in lagos, you are cordially invited to our Africa Policy Conversations town-hall meeting (register with the link https://lnkd.in/dJ2NJeJz) which will hold on the 28th of September, 2024. Some of the issues that will be discussed include; 1. Active citizenship: Concensus building for Youth participation in public policy and nation building 2. Innovation, Entrepreneurship and increase in funding for youth-led initiatives and enterprises 3. Gathering and utilizing data from citizens to shape policy, and impact evaluation. Etc This townhall seeks to engage relevant stakeholders and harness feedback, in order to bridge the gap and include more voices to this important conversation around nation building. We are also looking to raise more awareness on the role of local governments and good governance at the grassroots level. By achieving these outcomes, young people will be encouraged to actively participate in shaping their collective future, which will drive inclusive and sustainable development. Save the date! #wethepeople #lagostownhallmeeting2024 #africapolicyconversations #impact #grassroots #civiceducation

#ICYMI In this CNBC Africa #Special, experts dissect strategies and opportunities for fostering service exchange between Rwanda and Zimbabwe, as highlighted during the Rwanda-Zimbabwe Business Forum. Watch the full discussion here⬇️ https://brnw.ch/21wIGre Rwanda Development Board (RDB)

Bridging the Digital Divide: A Call for Accessible Justice in Kenya As Kenya pushes forward in embracing legal technology, there remains an undeniable barrier that’s slowing down access to justice for countless Kenyans—poor internet connectivity, particularly in rural and marginalized areas. Imagine facing a legal hearing where every word is drowned out by poor network signals, and all you can repeatedly hear is the infamous "Can you hear me?" or "You're breaking up." Articles 48, 49, and 50 of our Constitution—guaranteeing access to justice, fair hearing, and the rights of arrested persons—are compromised in a virtual setting that lacks reliable internet infrastructure. At MtaaLex Solutions, we recognize that no matter how innovative legaltech becomes, without dependable connectivity, these tools are merely out of reach for many who need them most. This digital divide widens the gap, leaving vulnerable communities further marginalized. To truly make justice accessible for all, we must address the connectivity crisis. It’s not just about advancing technology; it’s about ensuring that every Kenyan, from Nairobi to the most remote villages, can access fair and timely justice. Let’s work together to ensure technology doesn’t just evolve but evolves inclusively, leaving no one behind. #AccessToJustice #LegalTech #DigitalInclusion #Kenya #LSK #Safaricom #CAK #Mtaalexsolutions #judiciary Irũngũ Houghton

“…intellectuals have a special contribution to make to the development of our nation, and to Africa. And I am asking that their knowledge, and the greater understanding that they should possess, should be used for the benefit of the society of which we are all members.” #TanzaniaWebHosting #TanzaniaHosting #WebHostingTanzania #AfricanWebHosting #EastAfricanWebHosting #TanzaniaWebsite #DomainRegistrationTanzania #WebsiteDesignTanzania #DigitalMarketingTanzania

The Kenyan diaspora has the potential to be a powerful force in promoting “Made in Kenya” products. By leveraging their unique position and resources, they can contribute to the economic development of Kenya. Through social media advocacy, e-commerce, cultural events, business collaborations, and promotion of ethical practices, the diaspora can play a pivotal role in improving incomes for local entrepreneurs and growing our export potential in the global marketplace. Buy Kenya, Build Kenya. Read the second issue of the Made in Kenya Newsletter, where the focus is on diaspora and their role in marketing our Kenyan products. https://lnkd.in/db5CVyNp

In March this year, I wrote about how FactCheckAfrica's team embarked on a journey from Ilorin to Abuja and then Gombe for our fact-checking and digital literacy programs. The first session was held at KWASU, followed by another at FCE Gombe. It was a truly exciting, fun-filled, and adventurous journey—one of the highlights of my 2024. Since then, we've traveled far and wide, holding many more impactful sessions. At FactCheckAfrica our program also includes addressing critical issues such as, gendered disinformation, linguistic diversity, challenges faced by vulnerable and offline communities, the climate crisis, public distrust of the media, resource constraints, and navigating politically sensitive environments. These are areas of special concern for African fact-checkers and remain the driving force behind our work. Read more about our journey and impact here: https://goto.now/Bv9Hd https://goto.now/5WZ7k Habeeb Adewale Tajudeen Taiwo Sunday Timothy Darren Linvill Olasupo Abideen Prudence Emudianughe Mustapha Lawal Oluwafemi Oluwaseye Ayomide Adesina #DigitalLiteracy #MediaTrust #GenderedDisinformation #LinguisticDiversity #AfricanFactCheckers #MediaInnovation #FightMisinformation #DigitalInclusion #EmpoweringCommunities #TruthMatters

Parliamentary engagement especially in the legal, policy and fiscal sectors is key to achievement of #SDGs

South Africa’s local and provincial governments are central to delivering essential services and fostering socio-economic development. However, a series of recent media reports have revealed significant shortcomings. https://lnkd.in/d3p4Fw4S

"It is necessary to support not only vulnerable communities in 'your backyard' but also communities around the world," Pierre Masson, President of the Masson Foundation, tells us. "The world has only gotten smaller and better connected over the years, and this is primarily due to the advancement of technology." Read more about why Pierre chooses to bridge the digital divide for Uganda: https://lnkd.in/gSGqiS_Y #ActionInAfrica #DigitalDivide