Ethiopia has launched a campaign to raise funds for the construction of a giant dam on the River Nile - the source of significant regional tension.

People have been asked to use their mobile phones to send money for the $5bn (£3bn) project, but the has not said how much it hopes to raise.

The government recently refused to sign a US-mediated deal with Egypt and Sudan over the dam.

The authorities seem to be trying to tap into public anger over what is seen as US pressure on Ethiopia to sign an unfavourable deal.

Egypt and Sudan are worried the dam will deprive them of water.

When finished the dam is estimated to produce 6,000 MW of electricity.

It is around 68% complete and Ethiopian authorities plan to start filling it in a few months.