Latest news with #DigitalLiteracy
Zawya
15 hours ago
- Politics
- Zawya
African Union and United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Champion Information Integrity with New Continental Framework
"In an era of evolving information landscapes, safeguarding information integrity is paramount to fostering trust, informed citizenship, and robust democracies across Africa," stated Director of information and communication Directorate, Leslie Richer, 'This framework marks an important step in equipping our citizens with the critical skills needed to navigate the digital age." The Information and Communication Directorate, in a collaborative effort with the UNESCO Liaison Office to the AU and UNECA, are working towards developing the first draft of the AU Continental Framework on Information Integrity, Digital, Media, and Information Literacy (MIL).This Framework will provide essential support to AU Member States to develop and implement comprehensive Information Literacy (MIL) and digital competencies policies and strategies and further empower African citizens to critically assess information, participate effectively in digital spaces, and contribute to inclusive development. "This collaboration with the African Union on the Continental Framework for Information Integrity and Media and Information Literacy (MIL) is a crucial step forward. UNESCO firmly believes that empowering African citizens with these essential skills is key to promoting informed civic engagement, countering disinformation and misinformation, and driving an inclusive and equitable digital transformation across the continent. Rita Bissoonauth, Director of UNESCO Liaison Office to AU, ECA and Representative to Ethiopia. The development of this inaugural draft framework is guided by key continental and international recommendations and decisions, including: The Continental AI Strategy, which was endorsed by the African Union Executive Council during its 45th Ordinary Session in Accra, Ghana, on July 18-19, 2024, with particular focus on its recommendations pertaining to responsible AI development and deployment to ensure the integrity of Information (pages 50-51). The G20 Maceió Ministerial Declaration on Digital Inclusion for All, emphasizing the global commitment to equitable access and digital literacy. Relevant Decisions adopted by the Peace and Security Council (PSC) of the African Union (AU) at its 1214th meeting (open session) held on June 13, 2024, and its 1230th meeting (Open Session) on September 2, 2024, underlining the nexus between information integrity, digital literacy, peace, and security. Following the completion of this initial draft, a six-month regional consultation process with stakeholders will commence. This extensive consultation phase ensures comprehensive feedback and broad buy-in before the framework is presented for approval to the Communication and ICT Ministers and the Sixth Ordinary Session of the Specialized Technical Committee on Communication and ICT (CCICT-6), to be held 3rd – 6th November 2025 in Addis Ababa. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Union (AU).
Zawya
28-07-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Liquid Intelligent Technologies South Africa honours top achievers in its 2024 Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) and Digital Literacy Programme
Liquid Intelligent Technologies (Liquid) ( a business of Cassava Technologies, a global technology leader of African heritage, proudly celebrates the remarkable successes achieved by 101 Grade 12 learners from four high schools in the Mathibestad region of the Northwest Province through Liquid's 2024 STEM and Digital Literacy Programme. As part of Liquid's broader commitment to digital inclusion, skills development, and empowering communities and individuals, the initiative aims to strengthen foundational knowledge and enhance competency in the hugely sought-after areas of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. 'We are immensely proud of the resilience and performance of this year's learners. Through this programme, we are investing in more than just academic success. We are investing in the future engineers, scientists, and innovators of South Africa. Empowering learners with both STEM and digital literacy skills ensures they have the tools they need to unlock their full potential and make meaningful contributions to our digital future. Congratulations to the class of 2024, and we look forward to seeing what comes next,' said Ziaad Suleman, CEO of Cassava Technologies in South Africa and Botswana. Hosted at Sempapa Secondary School, the programme caters for learners from several neighbouring schools in the local community, including Kgaphamadi Secondary, Matlaisane High and Sekitla Secondary School. Fully funded by Liquid, the programme is accessible to all learners and offers supplementary lessons in mathematics, physical sciences, and digital literacy, equipping them with the essential skills necessary for success in a digital economy. The school also hosts a fully equipped Digital Literacy Lab, offering access to Microsoft digital literacy training and STEM resources. The top-performing learners from the 2024 cohort will be recognised at an academic awards celebration and career expo at the Liquid South Africa office in Johannesburg on 25 July. Awards include Excellence and Achievement in Mathematics and Physical Sciences, Most Improved Learner, STEM Engagement, and Digital Literacy Top Achievers. Three university bursaries will also be awarded to qualifying students who intend to study towards a STEM degree in 2026. Initiatives such as the STEM and Digital Literacy Programme underscore Liquid's commitment to developing South Africa's digital skills pipeline, equipping young people to pursue tertiary studies or entrepreneurial opportunities, and fostering inclusive economic growth through education and technology. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Liquid Intelligent Technologies. Liquid Intelligent Technologies: Liquid Intelligent Technologies is a business of Cassava Technologies (Cassava), a technology company of African heritage with operations in 40-plus markets across Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America, where the Cassava group companies operate. Liquid has firmly established itself as the leading provider of pan-African digital infrastructure with a 110,000 km-long fibre broadband network and satellite connectivity that provides high-speed access to the Internet anywhere in Africa. Liquid is also leveraging its digital network to provide Cloud and Cyber Security solutions through strategic partnerships with leading global players. Liquid is a comprehensive technology solutions group that provides customised digital solutions to public and private sector enterprises and SMEs across the continent. For more information, visit
