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Exploitation, Empowerment, or Somewhere in Between?

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Fair Trade a Myth? Unmasking the International Division of Labor  The global economy is a complex web of interconnectedness, with countries specialising in what they do best. This intricate system, known as the international division of labour (IDL), shapes trade patterns, development trajectories, and global power dynamics. Marxian analysis, with its focus on class struggle and unequal exchange, has long been a prominent tool for dissecting the IDL. Marx and the Power Disparity: A Valuable Lens Marxian scholars like Karl Marx identified inherent imbalances within the IDL, highlighting how core countries exploit cheaper labour in peripheral nations. This core-periphery model offers valuable insights into unequal exchange and uneven development, exposing the stark power dynamics at play. Take for example, the garment industry, where brands from developed countries source production from factories in developing nations. While these nations might benefit from job creation, concerns
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Can Platforms Be Trusted? Exploring the Accountability Gap in the Digital Sphere

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  The Platform Paradox: Regulation vs. Accountability in the Wild West Web Remember the chaotic early days of lockdown? Remember scrambling for reliable Wi-Fi, desperately clinging to video calls, and feeling lost in a digital whirlwind? The pandemic served as a stark reminder: 1) good Wi-Fi ain't a luxury, it's a lifeline. 2) That ancient webcam gathering dust? Suddenly it's your social superpower. And most importantly, 3) navigating this brave new digital world requires both confidence and skill. We've sung the praises of technology's role in the pandemic (and rightfully so!). It kept us informed, connected, and even entertained. But let's be honest, it also pushed us to the brink. Anxiety, confusion, and the constant digital hum – who has not been there? Now, as we emerge from the chaos, it's time to reflect. Let's talk about the lessons learned, the challenges faced, and how we can build a healthier, more balanced relationship with the digital world.
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Trend Timing Tactics

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  How to Align Your Campaign with Trending Topics in a Relevant Way In today's fast-paced digital age, staying ahead of the curve is essential for any successful campaign. But with the constant influx of new trends and hashtags, it can be tough to know how to align your campaign with what's hot without seeming forced or irrelevant. Fear not, fellow communicators! This blog post is your guide to navigating the ever-shifting landscape of trending topics and using them to your advantage. We'll explore the following key points: • Understanding the Power of Trending Topics: Why should you care about trending topics in the first place? We'll delve into the benefits of incorporating them into your campaign strategy, from boosting engagement to building brand relevance. • Finding the Right Fit: Not all trending topics are created equal. We'll share tips on how to identify trends that are relevant to your target audience and align with your brand values. • Jumping on
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Africa's Data Revolution: How the AU's Data Policy Framework is Paving the Way

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  Building a Data-Driven Future for Africa The African Union (AU) released (February 2022) a new data policy framework that aims to promote the responsible use of data for economic growth, social development, and good governance. The framework sets out principles and guidelines for data collection, use, and protection, and it calls for the development of national data policies and strategies across Africa. The Importance of Data Data is increasingly becoming a key resource for countries around the world. It can be used to improve decision-making, identify new opportunities, and solve complex problems. In Africa, data can be used to boost economic growth, reduce poverty, improve health and education, and promote good governance. The Challenges of Data Governance in Africa However, there are a number of challenges to data governance in Africa. These include: • The lack of a harmonized approach to data collection and use across the continent. • The lack of capacity to collect, manage,
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Digital Rights and Inclusion during the 2023 elections in Zimbabwe

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  The Importance of Protecting Digital Rights in the 2023 Zimbabwean Elections The 2023 Zimbabwean elections are just around the corner, and with them comes the potential for increased use of digital technologies to facilitate civic participation. However, there are also concerns about the potential for digital rights violations and exclusion.   In recent years, there have been a number of high-profile cases of internet shutdowns and digital platform clampdowns in Africa during election periods. These shutdowns have often been used by governments to suppress dissent and prevent the free flow of information.   In Zimbabwe, there is a history of government interference in the media and the internet. In 2018, the government shut down the internet for several days ahead of the presidential election. This shutdown was widely condemned by human rights groups, who argued that it violated the right to freedom of expression and access to information.    In addition to the risk of internet shut
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Cybersecurity Capacity-Building Needs in Africa

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  Securing Africa's Digital Future The internet has become an essential  fixture in the lives of  people all over the world, and Africa is no exception. However, the rapid growth of the internet in Africa has also led to an increase in cybercrime. In order to protect themselves from these threats, African countries need to build up their cybersecurity capacity. A recent consultation held in Lilongwe, Malawi, identified key cybersecurity capacity-building needs in Africa. The consultation was attended by a diverse group of individuals from African governments, law enforcement, and security agencies, the African Union Commission, civil society organisations, digital rights and media groups, and cybersecurity experts. The document was published by the African Regional Internet Registry (AfriNIC). This blog post was inspired by the consultation and the need to raise awareness of cybersecurity challenges and solutions in Africa. Training for government officials and law enforcement agen
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The Urgent Need For Digital Literacy To Identify Disinformation

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  Have You Ever Been Misled by Disinformation? I know I have. And I'm not the only one. I've seen it all, from fake news articles to misleading social media posts. It's gotten to the point where I don't know what to believe anymore.  The most recent study on disinformation in Zimbabwe was conducted by MISA Zimbabwe in 2020. The study, titled "MISA Zimbabwe Input for Report on Disinformation", found that  WhatsApp is the most popular social media platform in Zimbabwe and that it has been used to spread disinformation about a variety of topics, including the COVID-19 pandemic. The study's findings are consistent with other studies on disinformation in Africa. A 2020 study by the University of Cape Town found that 72% of Africans believe that they have been exposed to fake news. And a 2019 study by the Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism found that 64% of young Africans believe that fake news is a serious problem. The spread of disinformation is
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