Tech

Somalian govt orders shutdown of TikTok, Telegram, 1XBET

Published

1 year ago

August 21, 2023

The Somali government has announced a ban on social media platforms, TikTok, Telegram and online betting platform, 1XBET, as a way of curbing propaganda by the Al-Shabab terrorist group.

The Somali Minister of Communications and Technology, Jama Hassan Khalif, who gave the order in an announcement on Sunday, said blocking the platforms was necessitated by security concerns and the fight against terrorism, as the terrorists had been using the apps to spread their propaganda.

The ban, which is coming following a recent conference on communication, internet and social media security organized by the ministry, underlines the importance of the decision, citing the negative impact of the platforms on the lives of Somali youth, according to Khalif, who made the announcement in a nationwide address on Somalia National Television.

The minister said the government had resorted to the ban to ”protect the moral behavior of the Somali community when using communication and internet tools.”

“In a bid to accelerate the war and elimination of the terrorists who have shed the blood of the Somali people, the Ministry of Communications and Technology instructs companies that provide Internet services to suspend TikTok, Telegram, and 1XBET betting applications, which terrorists and groups responsible for spreading immorality use to spread graphic clips, photos and mislead society,” he said in the broadcast.

The SNT also posted the ban on its official Twitter account:

“The Ministry of Telecommunications and Technology announces the ban of #TikTok, #Telegram and online betting platform of 1Xbet, a move to counter and prevent indecent activities & contents, and extremism propaganda.”

Related Topics:Al-Shabab Featured Somalia Telegram Terrorism TikTok

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Tech

Tanzania to host 6th Ocean Innovation Africa summit in February

Published

18 hours ago

November 20, 2024

Isaac Dachen

Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, has been selected to host the sixth edition of the Ocean Innovation Africa (OIA) summit from February 24-28, 2025, as a flagship event within Regenerative Ocean Week.

The Ocean Innovation Africa is set to be Africa’s most significant platform for Ocean Innovation conservation, and sustainable development in the blue economy. OIA2025 will be co-organised with leading partners, including IUCN, GIZ, OceanHub Africa, Catalyze and the Ocean-Climate Platform.

With the theme, “Science-to-Solution”, the Regenerative Ocean Week will present a line-up of sessions designed to bridge the gap between scientific research, business innovation, policy, and community engagement.

According to the organizers of the event, it will bring together African ocean innovators, investors, researchers, policymakers, and community leaders to explore practical solutions that can be applied across the continent.

“These include the OIA Pitch Competition, which is a platform for Africa-based startups and entrepreneurs to showcase breakthrough ideas in ocean-impact solutions, allowing them to connect with investors and industry leaders and emphasizing Africa’s role in driving sustainable ocean initiatives,” the organizers said in a statement.

Tech

Orange Egypt earmarks $52.7m to support African startups

Published

2 days ago

November 19, 2024

Isaac Dachen

Orange Egypt has earmarked the sum of $52.7 million to support African startups in what is going to be the largest investment to drive a youth-focused tech revolution.

According to the company, the mammoth investment will see over 40 startups benefitting from the funds, with most of them being Egyptian companies.

‘It’s a boost for Egypt’s growing entrepreneurial ecosystem and a step closer to cementing its spot as a top startup hub in Africa,” the company said in a statement.

The investment is coming on the heels of the telco signing a deal with the Egyptian government to roll out the second phase of its 5G licensing.

The statement noted that with Egypt’s startup game already strong and ranking as the third most funded country in the MENA region, “the numbers speak for themselves.”

“In 2022, Egyptian startups closed 143 funding deals worth nearly $766.7 million, outpacing the $606.79 million raised the year before.

“Plus over 2,100 startups employing more than 50,000 people, the country’s ecosystem is one of the top 10 emerging startup hubs globally.

“The Egyptian government is all in on this. And since launching initiatives like Egypt Ventures in 2017, they’ve been backing startups to drive innovation and growth in the tech space.

“Orange Egypt’s latest move only adds fuel to this already blazing fire, paving the way for more opportunities and a stronger startup culture across Africa,” it added.