Code For Africa (CfA)

ICYMI 📸: On Friday, 12 July, we were at #IndabaX, a deep learning conference aimed at spreading knowledge and capacity in machine learning across the African continent. Athandiwe Saba, iLAB's managing editor, presented a talk on how Code For Africa (CfA)'s iLAB team uses AI to identify, track, and expose information manipulation. In an interview on the sidelines of her talk, she discussed the urgent need for early education and information literacy. 👇🏽

We're excited to join Pollicy for #DataFestAfrica in #Nairobi, #Kenya! Industry experts and policymakers are gathering to discuss advancing data use across #Africa. Code For Africa (CfA)'s senior programme manager at DataLab, Eric Wamugu, will deliver a talk titled "Mapping Climate Trends in Africa Using Deep Learning Tools." Don't miss it! Thursday, July 18, 11:00 - 12:00 EAT.

We're #hiring an AI Manager. Code For Africa (CfA) Africa has an exciting position for an innovative AI Manager who will be responsible for developing and implementing CfA’s AI strategy to drive positive social change You must possess significant experience delivering successful AI/ML applications, with expertise in modern AI techniques and technologies such as NLP and Multimodal Gen AI systems. 📅 Apply by 31 July 🔗 Follow this link for more: https://bit.ly/3WjiRJQ

Join us at for #IndabaX for a talk on everything AI with Code For Africa (CfA) iLAB managing editor, Athandiwe Saba. She will explore how AI tools can combat threats to public trust in democratic institutions and counter disinformation campaigns in Africa. ⏰ Join the talk at 14:30 - 15:30 CAT 📅 12 July, 2024

We're hiring! Join the continent's largest network of indigenous African civic technology + investigative data journalism labs. Current job openings at Code For Africa (CfA), closing in July: 1. Senior programme manager 2. Community coordinator 3. Senior copy editor Apply here: https://lnkd.in/d6VaPweb

💍 The changing face of marriage in South Africa 🇿🇦: A look at the numbers South Africa recognises civil marriages, customary marriages, and civil unions. From 2018 to 2021, the median age for grooms increased from 37 to 38 years, and for brides, from 33 to 34 years. Let's take a deep dive into the numbers: https://bit.ly/3Y2AfDI

What really concerns consumers when it comes to misinformation online? 🤔 The #DNR2024 report indicates that audience concerns about misinformation are often driven by exposure to opposing viewpoints and agendas than outright fake news. @Phathiswa Magopeni shares her thoughts on how newsrooms can build trust and combat misinformation effectively. Find more insights on the report: https://bit.ly/3xw8XuP

Pro-Kagame actors use AI-generated content to silence dissent Rwanda’s upcoming elections are shrouded in controversy as accusations of foreign interference and digital propaganda swirl. President Kagame’s bid for a fourth term raises concerns amid reports of stifled dissent and restricted freedoms. Learn how AI is shaping the narrative online and what it means for Rwandan voices. Here's what we found 👉🏾 https://bit.ly/45QAljW #DigitalPropaganda #RwandaElections2024 #FreedomOfExpression

This panel at the Africa Media Perspectives conference didn’t just talk about media capture; they set the room on fire with their thought-provoking and spicy takes! The discussion confronted media’s failings head-on and explored ways to reclaim our integrity and impact. As the 2024 Reuters Digital News Report highlighted, trust in media is at an all-time low, with influencers and videographers becoming the new “journalists” for many. Shockingly, 81% of South Africans were worried they couldn’t differentiate between real and fake news. 𝗕𝗮𝗱 𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘀 𝘄𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝗵𝗶𝗷𝗮𝗰𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝘀, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗲𝗱𝗶𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘀 𝗳𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗯𝗮𝗰𝗸 𝘄𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝗯𝗲𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘀𝗺𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗯𝘆 𝗱𝗶𝗴𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗺𝗲𝗿𝗰𝗲𝗻𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀. 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗽𝗮𝗻𝗲𝗹 𝗱𝗶𝗱𝗻’𝘁 𝗽𝘂𝗹𝗹 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗽𝘂𝗻𝗰𝗵𝗲𝘀. 🎤 Chris Roper from Code For Africa (CfA)candidly discussed the attempts to smear his name, from being labeled a CIA agent to facing legal threats.
 🔍 Pauli Van Wyk from Daily Maverick spoke openly about her experiences of being targeted by bot-armies and threats, including vile comments such as threats to “shoot her in the p*ssy.” 
🖋️ Amanda Strydom exposed the insidious tactics of how pundits hijacked op-eds and how propagandists laundered their content in our media. 
🌍 Jean le Roux revealed the chilling reality of foreign powers using our platforms to manipulate and polarise. 💡 Sebenzile Nkambule from IJHUB ORG highlighted the media’s role in mythologising political figures as heroes and saints, emphasising accountability and fairness. This session was a wake-up call and a rallying cry for all media professionals to reclaim our craft and fight back against the forces undermining our work. Kudos to everyone who made this panel unforgettable! #AMP2024 #MediaCapture #IndependentMedia #FightBack #TruthMatters Food For Mzansi Media Development Investment Fund

Meet Athandiwe Saba, our speaker at Indaba𝕏 SA🇿🇦 2024! 🎉 Athandiwe, a multi-award-winning investigative data journalist, will present on "The Power of AI to Fight Information Manipulation." She'll explore how open-source intelligence (OSINT), AI, and ML are utilized to investigate 'digital mercenaries' who spread disinformation across African societies. As the leader of Code For Africa (CfA)'s iLAB, a forensic data team, Athandiwe brings extensive experience in using AI-driven tools to combat entities undermining public trust in democratic institutions. In addition to her CfA role, she served as a research associate at the University of Pretoria's Data Department of Computer Science, advising on the South African-focused Data Commons project to enable local decision-making. Athandiwe also held the position of Deputy Editor at the Mail & Guardian, demonstrating her expertise in information access and promotion, newsroom management, editorial leadership, and strategic planning. Don't miss this opportunity to gain insights from Athandiwe's wealth of experience! Registration for Indaba𝕏 SA🇿🇦 2024 is still open. Visit https://lnkd.in/dE2b-ZHm to secure your spot! #IndabaXSA2024 #IndabaXSA