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Ethiopian activists sue Facebook parent company, Meta, over wartime hate speech

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Two Ethiopian activists have filed a lawsuit against Facebook’s parent company, Meta, over wartime hate speeches allegedly posted and promoted on the social media platform amid “heated rhetoric over their country’s deadly Tigray conflict.”

The petitioners, a former Amnesty International human rights researcher, Fisseha Tekle, and the son of a University professor, Meareg Amare, who was killed weeks after posts on Facebook inciting violence against him, filed the lawsuit on Wednesday in neighboring Kenya, which is home to the platform’s content moderation operations related to Ethiopia.

In the lawsuit, the petitioners allege, among other things, that “Meta hasn’t hired enough content moderators to moderate hate speeches, that it uses an algorithm that prioritises hateful content and that it acts more slowly to crises in Africa than elsewhere in the world.”

“This legal action is a significant step in holding Meta to account for its harmful business model,” said Mwangovya in a statement where he pointed out that the Facebook posts targeting the late professor were not isolated cases.

The lawsuit which is backed by Kenyan-based legal organisation, the Katiba Institute, seeks the creation of a $1.6 billion fund for victims of hate speech in war-torn Ethiopia.

Facebook spokesman, Ben Walters, when contacted by media outlets to comment on the lawsuit, said he could not comment on the lawsuit because they haven’t received it.

“We have strict rules which outline what is and isn’t allowed on Facebook and Instagram. Hate speech and incitement to violence are against these rules and we invest heavily in teams and technology to help us find and remove this content.

“Facebook continues to develop its capabilities to catch violating content in Ethiopia’s most widely spoken languages,” he said.

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SA internet service provider Kaya Konekta launches data access for underserved communities

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South Africa’s leading Internet Service Provider (ISP), Kaya Konekta (KaKo), has launched new operations aimed at reaching underserved communities in the country.

The new service which the company says will revolutionise connectivity in the catchment areas comes with affordable and accessible internet services.

Founder and CEO of KaKo, Kagisho Dichabe, who praised the efforts of his team in a statement on Friday, said “KaKo aims to bridge the connectivity gap by providing reliable and affordable data, with a host of mobile and home broadband packages at below market rates.”

“For financial inclusion to be a reality, we need to connect the unconnected, and “Data Must Fall,” he said.

“We are dedicated to providing affordable, reliable internet services to underserved communities, empowering individuals and businesses for a better future.

“Data has become too expensive for people in our communities, especially in our townships,” Dichabe said.

He added that KaKo also aims to empower youth with accessible, high-speed internet, enabling them to access educational materials and online courses conveniently.

“This connectivity offers opportunities for knowledge expansion, higher education pursuits, and skill development,” he emphasized.

The startup’s CEO Thabiso Malekele, also noted that the company views the “internet as an essential tool, not a privilege, for unlocking potential, fostering learning, and connecting communities.”

“This belief fuels our passion to change and improve the lives of underserved and unconnected individuals.

“Our nation’s history compels us to actively champion this cause. While we strive to expand our reach like any ISP by deploying various technologies including fibre, LTE and 5G to different customers, we prioritise addressing the critical gaps in connectivity that leave many behind.

“At Kaya Konekta, we’re passionate about both customer service and the community.”

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Nigeria’s MAX partners Ghana’s Kofa in e-bike financing deal

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Nigeria’s electric vehicle solutions provider, MAX, has announced striking a partnership deal with Ghana’s innovator in energy networks, Kofa, that will see MAX offering financing options for over 2,000 revolutionary TailG Jidi bikes.

The bikes which are developed by Kofa in conjunction with TailG, a Chinese manufacturer, were launched in October last year and has been a big hit in the West African country.

A statement by MAX on Thursday, stated that the partnership marks a significant milestone in making green transportation more accessible in Africa.

“Max’s financing options for the motorbikes will enable more individuals and businesses to adopt eco-friendly transportation, aligning with both companies’ vision of a sustainable future,” it said.

“This collaboration between MAX and Kofa is a step towards a greener, more sustainable Africa.

“This partnership is poised to accelerate the transition to green energy and sustainable transportation in Africa,” the company said.

“The coming together of the two democratises access to vehicle ownership and electric mobility across Africa through a tech-driven platform that offers a spectrum of services, including subscription-based vehicle financing,cutting-edge electric vehicle options, and comprehensive support services.

“Kofa, meanwhile, is focused on creating affordable, sustainable, and customer-driven electricity networks, starting with electric motorcycles.

“The startup partnered TailG Group, a leading electric vehicle brand from China, to launch the Jidi electric motorcycle last October, and subsequently announced the planned launch of its second-generation Kore 2 Swap & Go network,” it added.

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