Wednesday, October 1, 2025
Home Blog Page 198

The Shadow of Disinformation: A Call to Action in Ethiopia

0

In our increasingly interconnected world, the digital landscape presents a double-edged sword. While it offers unprecedented opportunities for communication and knowledge sharing, it also serves as a breeding ground for disinformation and hate speech, casting a long shadow over our societies. This insidious issue reaches far beyond the glow of screens, affecting those who may never use a computer. It fuels real-world divisions, ignites conflicts, exacerbates existing tensions, perpetuates cycles of political polarization and tribalism, and deepens societal fractures. Additionally, it normalizes gender-based harassment, transforming what should be unthinkable into a grim reality. In Ethiopia, as in many nations, we witness the daily toll of this digital scourge: the erosion of trust, the fracturing of communities, the silencing of voices, and the undermining of our collective progress.

The urgent need for intervention is clear. We must act now to protect the very fabric of our society from this corrosive influence. Collective action is essential, involving government, civil society, educational institutions, and individuals. We must be prepared to respond to this call to arms with knowledge and determination.

Amidst this alarming situation, there is movement and hope. One promising initiative is The Africa Fact-Checking Fellowship – Ethiopia (AFF-ETH), which aims to equip citizens with the skills to identify and counter false information on social media. This fellowship program, part of the #defyhatenow Ethiopia project, is coordinated by the rOg agency based in Germany in partnership with Positive Peace Ethiopia (PPE), with funding from the European Union. Its goal is to develop a network of scholars who are knowledgeable and willing to engage in fact-checking.

The program consists of a three-month training course where participants—including youth, women, content creators, journalists, and thought leaders—are trained in small groups (cohorts) through a blended format of online and offline sessions. The first cohort, which included 15 participants from diverse backgrounds in the Oromia region, completed 19 sessions in Shashemene city and online.

The program’s transformative impact is exemplified by Shewit Hirpho, an alumna with a background in education and women’s empowerment. “Before the fellowship, I was overwhelmed by the flood of fake news and misinformation,” she shared. “Now I have the ability to defend myself and help my community counteract this damaging information disorder.”

Encouraged by this success, the second cohort began on March 1, 2025, and is currently training 15 more disinformation fighters in the Tigray region. The initiative also features a radio show on Shashemene FM to reach even more listeners with accurate information.

“Education is a powerful weapon in this fight,” says Naol Getachew, a training coordinator and Lead Trainer. “It is the strongest tool we have to combat hate speech and misinformation. We have only just begun our journey, and while it will be long, our goal is to reach as many people as possible.”

Bruk Mezgebu, the country project manager for #defyhatenow Ethiopia, outlines the project’s objective: “We are committed to fostering a healthier online community by mobilizing civic and digital action against hate speech, bridging the knowledge gap between tech-savvy and non-tech-savvy citizens, and promoting responsible social media use.”

While the challenge of disinformation is significant, it is not insurmountable. By equipping citizens with the tools to distinguish fact from falsehood, initiatives like AFF-ETH are helping to create a more informed and resilient society. This is a call to action for all Ethiopians to become guardians of the truth, to critically examine information, and to contribute to a digital landscape that fosters harmony and peace.

19 African countries integrate elements of China’s education model

0

Nineteen African countries have adopted key aspects of China’s education system, marking a significant milestone in the growing educational partnership between China and the African continent. The announcement was made during the 16th Chinese Language Day, jointly hosted by the Chinese Mission to the African Union and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), at a vibrant event held at the ECA Conference Center in Addis Ababa.

Mr. Hu Changchun, Head of the Chinese Mission to the African Union and China’s representative to the ECA, highlighted the expanding influence of Chinese educational practices across Africa. He noted that, in addition to the 19 countries adopting China’s education system, 47 African nations have established 67 Confucius Institutes and 10 Confucius Classrooms, along with several Chinese cultural centers, to promote language and cultural exchange.

The integration of China’s education model in Africa is part of a broader strategy to enhance cooperation in digital education, vocational training, and teacher capacity building. According to the latest Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Beijing Action Plan (2025–2027), China has pledged to provide 60,000 training opportunities for Africans, focusing on youth, women’s empowerment, and digital skills. The plan also includes the establishment of regional cooperation centers for digital education and the rollout of Luban Workshops-Chinese vocational and technical training hubs-across the continent.

Chinese officials and African partners say these initiatives are designed to help modernize Africa’s education sector, foster technological advancement, and create a skilled workforce for the continent’s growing industries. “The project is to bring top-notch Chinese education to Africa,” said Gabriel Dwomoh, vice-chancellor of Kumasi Technical University in Ghana, praising the practical training offered by Luban Workshops.

The surge in educational cooperation is also reflected in the rising number of African students studying in China. Over 81,000 African students were enrolled in Chinese universities in 2018, a 61% increase from 2015, with numbers expected to grow further as new programs and scholarships are launched under China-Africa cooperation agreements. Many African students are pursuing degrees in STEM, agriculture, and medicine, fields identified as critical for the continent’s development.

Mai-Ellen Jarrett, Acting Director of ECA’s administrative division, underscored the importance of language and cultural exchange, noting that Chinese is now one of the world’s most widely spoken languages and plays a growing role in international relations. “Harmony in difference,” the theme of this year’s Chinese Language Day, was cited as a reminder of the value of embracing diversity while working together for a better world.

China’s educational outreach in Africa is not without its critics. Some observers express concern that the spread of Chinese-funded schools and training programs could influence governance models and limit the space for democratic development on the continent. However, proponents argue that the partnership is primarily aimed at skills development, technology transfer, and mutual benefit.

Hu Changchun emphasized the need for “open tolerance, unity, and cooperation,” especially in a world facing complex challenges. He reaffirmed China’s commitment to strengthening educational and cultural ties with Africa, expressing hope that these efforts will continue to enrich lives and foster shared prosperity.

Hundreds of businesses report land seizures in wake of political upheaval, investors forum warns

0

The Addis Ababa Investors Forum (AAIF) has sounded the alarm over widespread land seizures affecting hundreds of enterprises that have transitioned from small and micro-scale operations to medium-sized industries in the capital and its surrounding areas. The Forum claims that more than 900 businesses are facing existential threats due to political instability and the fallout from recent conflicts, particularly those linked to the northern region.

In a formal letter to the Ministry of Industry, the AAIF urged immediate government intervention to protect these factories, which it described as vital to the nation’s economic backbone. The letter highlights that the turmoil following the country’s political transition-exacerbated by unrest and the actions of certain activists and ethnic-based political actors-has left many previously thriving enterprises vulnerable to illicit land takeovers.

According to AAIF President Ashenafi Muse, the affected businesses had grown into medium-sized industries through years of perseverance and organization, with significant government investment aimed at boosting import substitution and saving foreign exchange. “These enterprises have legitimate investment licenses, but their premises are being taken over in ways that are not transparent, often under the guise of legal sales, and are ending up in the hands of illegal traders and the chaotic land market,” Ashenafi said.

The Forum alleges that hundreds of factory sites intended for industrial use have been seized and diverted from their original purposes, pushing many businesses toward collapse. Ashenafi noted that the situation was so severe during the height of the instability that it was difficult to notify authorities in a timely manner. However, with relative peace now restored and the government reiterating its support for manufacturers, the AAIF is calling for urgent action to restore seized properties to their rightful owners.

The Forum emphasized that these issues are particularly acute for enterprises established in the first three rounds of industrial development, which are now under intense pressure. “This situation could seriously undermine the country’s industrial growth, and the government’s efforts to support this sector could be in vain if immediate steps are not taken,” Ashenafi warned.

Meanwhile, the Ethiopian Enterprise Development (EED) reported the creation of 2,752 new enterprises in the first nine months of the 2024/25 fiscal year, achieving 76% of its annual target. While more than 151,000 jobs have been generated in the sector, AAIF cautions that the collapse of existing factories could jeopardize these gains.

The AAIF called on authorities to restore the affected factories to full production capacity by returning seized premises to their legal owners. The Forum argues that such action would not only help save foreign exchange by promoting local manufacturing but also play a crucial role in job creation and economic stability.

The situation highlights broader concerns about land administration and governance in Addis Ababa, where irregular land allocations, a lack of transparency, and political interference have contributed to a climate of uncertainty for investors and business owners. Experts warn that unless these challenges are addressed, the city’s ambitions for industrial growth and equitable development could be at risk.

5 Great Tips to Travel to France & Have an Amazing Time

0

France is often seen as a dream destination for many travellers, no matter where they’re from. It’s easy to see why so many people want to travel to France. But, that doesn’t mean most people can just hop on a plane and go. There’s often a few areas to sort out before you can do that.

A lot of this focuses on visas and similar factors, but they’re far from the only areas to pay attention to. At least, that’s the case if you want your French vacation to go well.

If you want to make sure your trip is truly unforgettable, it’s worth using a few vacation tips to plan it out. Most of these should make sure you have as amazing a time as possible. They’ll help you plan out the trip a whole lot better, while making sure you have a great time when you’re there.

It’s worth taking a look at some of the more notable of these.

Why Travel to France?

Before going through the best tips for your French vacation, it’s worth looking at why you should travel to France in the first place. You could just want to go because you’ve never been there. If you’re on the fence about it, you might need a bit of extra persuading to decide on it.

There are plenty of reasons to consider it, like:

  1. Plenty of amenities to use, like public transport and even luggage storage Bordeaux.
  2. Amazing cuisine to try every day you’re there.
  3. A wealth of scenery to take in, explore, and enjoy.
  4. The extensive history to breathe in during your time there.
  5. Countless places to stay in France while enjoying yourself.

Each of these could be quite appealing, and they help explain why so many people travel to France for the vacation. Planning it could seem stressful, though.

Thankfully, planning out a French vacation doesn’t need to be complicated. It could be a whole lot easier than you’d think. It might just be a matter of using a few vacation planning tips. Five of these could help you plan it out relatively easily while avoiding more than a bit of stress.

Travel to France: 5 Tips to Make it Perfect

1. Plan Around Seasons

There are plenty of times to visit France, with each season offering a bit of a different experience. It’s worth keeping that in mind when you’re planning your trip. The weather will be a notable part of this, so looking into this can be recommended. It could end up having a noticeable impact on your vacation.

Summer can often be a great time to go, especially if you like beach vacations. But, this can be one of the busiest times of the year. The winter, on the other hand, can be great if you want to go skiing in the French Alps. Know the best time to go for your preferences.

2. Learn a Few Phrases

Countless countries have English as either a first or second language, and this is the case for France, too. Most French people will have at least a passing level of English, so you shouldn’t have to struggle too much with communication. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t put a little effort in.

It’s always worth learning a few basic phrases to help get you by. Even just the likes of bonjour, s’il vous plait, and similar phrases can all be worth learning. With how quick and easy they are to learn, there’s no reason not to put a little effort into them.

3. Know How Tipping Works

Tipping is often seen as mandatory in many countries, especially the United States. When you’re from one of these countries, leaving a tip could be second-nature, no matter the service you’ve received. That doesn’t mean you need to leave a tip for everything when you’re in France.

It isn’t seen as customary here, and there’s usually a service charge included in your bill. This is often seen as the tip, which is why you don’t often need to leave one. That’s not to say you shouldn’t. If you received great service, it’s always worth leaving a tip for the waiters.

4. Use Public Transport

Getting around on your trip to France doesn’t need to be complicated or expensive. While you can always use taxis when you need to, there are a few other options to this. If you want to save yourself a bit of money, using public transport can be a great option while you’re there.

The public transport system in France is much better than many other countries, especially in larger cities. Even inter-city travel can be a breeze with France’s high-speed trains. You could save yourself a decent bit of money with this while still being able to enjoy your vacation.

5. Dress the Part

The French have always been known for their sense of style. It’s worth keeping that in mind when you’re going to France. You wouldn’t want to feel like you stand out like a sore thumb because of what you’re wearing. Put a bit of effort into looking relatively stylish on your trip.

You don’t have to go over-the-top with this, but avoiding looking like a slouch is recommended. This is especially true when you’re going to restaurants. Turning up in shorts or flip-flops, for example, is usually frowned upon and isn’t allowed in some restaurants.

Wrapping Up

It’s easy to see why so many people want to travel to France. It’s a dream vacation for countless people. Don’t just hop on a plane and head off, though. It’s worth making sure you have it properly planned out first. That way, you can make sure you enjoy your French vacation as much as possible.

A few vacation planning tips could help with this. They wouldn’t just make sure you have a great time, either. They’ll help make planning out the trip much easier. You’ll end up having an amazing time when you’re there without needing to stress about planning it all out.