African ladies at a call centre office in South Africa. [Courtesy] Unlike most tech companies, Opera’s website offers no clear mission statement or articulated set of values—nothing about climate change, sustainability, giving back, empowering communities, or investing in society. Nothing even about integrity or earning public trust. Instead, it provides only a vague reference to “innovate and inspire, uncover the unexpected….” On the point of “uncovering the unexpected,” the company was sued by the Kenyan government around 2020—an outcome that some employees, speaking off the record, described as a surprise to Opera’s executives and seen as a fabricated attempt by Kenya…
Author: By Bernice Lee Edet
Opera’s digital dominance in Africa masks deeper issues of power, ownership and surveillance. [Courtesy, iStockphoto] The rains are about to begin, but Consolata Achieng’ no longer worries about a leaking roof — a sharp contrast to last year’s wet season, when she endured cold and flooding in a makeshift hut that nearly collapsed under the weight of the relentless downpour. Consolata now has a new house, courtesy of the Widows’ Empowerment Programme. Her Rang’wena Women’s Group is relieved, as the 85-year-old widow has been under their care since she lost her husband 35 years ago. Well-wishers also bought her furniture and utensils before…