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Category: Education / ICT

  • Africa enters epic global AI innovation race, joining world’s tech capitals as an epicentre for digital advancement

    Africa enters epic global AI innovation race, joining world’s tech capitals as an epicentre for digital advancement

    Marrakech, Morocco: The AI mania that’s transforming business, government and society globally is also igniting waves of innovation across Africa, with the shape-shifting tech’s existential prospects powering a cross-continental investment surge at the AI Everything Expo by GITEX AFRICA in Morocco next month.

    Africa’s epic AI opportunity is already disrupting digital advancements in diverse sectors from finance and agriculture, to healthcare and mobility, all fueling a booming AI market that, according to analysts Statista, will grow 30 percent annually over the next six years to value US$17 billion by 2030.

    This massive AI rush combined with a rapidly growing population of 1.5 billion people – of which 70 percent are under the age of 30 – creates a potent recipe of AI acceleration, but highlights gaps in talent development, venture allocation, policy and infrastructure.

    These crucial challenges and opportunities will be addressed when the world’s AI cognoscenti and pivotal power players of its widespread deployment unite to fast-track the continent’s next big tech shift at the AI Everything Expo by GITEX AFRICA, the year’s largest and most progressive platform for AI exploration and deep tech innovation.

    Taking place from 29-31 May 2024 in Marrakech, Africa’s powerhouse tech showcase will feature the world’s tech titans spearheading the AI gold rush, including Microsoft, IBM, Huawei, Nvidia, and Google, along with hundreds of AI ambitious start-ups from across the globe with grand visions to change Africa via AI-infused products and services.

    An AI continent ‘brimming with investment opportunity’

    Microsoft, the world’s most valuable company, and GITEX AFRICA’s official AI Partner, is leading the way in the AI investment race, having forged partnerships with the world’s hottest makers of AI models, including the UAE’s G42, a global leader in visionary AI.

    Microsoft’s recent US$1.5 billion strategic investment in G42 to accelerate AI development in growing economies such as Africa will be welcomed by big tech executives, government leaders, investors and tech entrepreneurs alike at GITEX AFRICA 2024, which will also feature Presight, G42’s big data analytics company powered by generative AI.

    Lillian Barnard, President of Microsoft Africa, said AI can unlock a continent “brimming with investment opportunity.” “Africa has long been recognised for its formidable growth prospects and AI is the long-awaited key to help unlock that potential,” said Barnard, who will also be a headline speaker at GITEX AFRICA’s power-packed conference programme.

    “The AI-powered innovation we’re seeing today is poised to reinvent every aspect of society from healthcare to financial services, manufacturing and beyond. If Africa is to benefit from the paradigm shift currently sweeping the globe, we must make the promise of AI real for people and organisations across the continent – and do so responsibly. GITEX provides us with a platform to come together and work towards fulfilling that commitment.”

    Dr. Adel Alsharji, the COO of Presight, added that Africa is the second-fastest growing region globally in AI adoption. “Africa’s AI journey is gaining momentum, and this progress highlights the continent’s readiness to explore and harness the potential of AI for driving economic growth and addressing local challenges,” said Alsharji, adding that demand for AI-related jobs will increase two-fold over the next three years. “AI could add US$13 trillion to the global economy by 2030, while the number of AI-related jobs in Africa alone is expected to grow by 200 percent by 2025.”

    A formidable African force in a world-changing AI revolution  

    The AI Everything Expo will gather the brightest minds and most innovative thinkers in the field of AI at the AI Everything Conference, one of 10 powerful conference stages at GITEX AFRICA, the continent’s largest tech and start-up show.

    Headline speakers leading the AI phenomenon include Dragoș Tudorache, Vice-President of the Renew Europe Group; Mactar Seck, Chief of Technology and Innovation at the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA); and Jepson Taylor, Former Chief AI Strategist, Dataiku.

    AI and it’s far-reaching multisectoral impact will be evident on the exhibition floor, with exhibitors showcasing how the AI boom is turbocharging waves of innovation across industries, from education and agriculture, to transport, retail, energy, or logistics.

    Clinify, a Nigerian start-up epitomises this movement in the healthcare sector, and is one of hundreds of global change-makers at GITEX AFRICA’s North Star Africa start-up showcase. Clinify, an electronic medical record (EMR) platform seeks to digitise patients’ medical records in Africa, where 90 percent of such information is still paper based.

    CEO and Founder Michael Omidele, said there’s an urgent need for centralised and digitised medical records. “Africa’s healthcare sector faces several challenges; there’s only one doctor available for every 10,000 patients whereas the average in developed countries is one doctor for every 250 people,” said Omidele.

    “Clinify is a one of a kind African solution offering a digitally centralised and standardised interoperable aggregator of healthcare systems, a telemedicine platform, and an EMR solution giving patients access to their medical records. Our goal is to network with healthcare providers, to expand this innovation from Nigeria and export it across Africa.”

    Under the High Patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI of the Kingdom of Morocco, GITEX AFRICA is held under the authority of the Moroccan Ministry of Digital Transition and Administration Reform, in partnership with Morocco’s Digital Development Agency. The 2nd blockbuster edition, organised by KAOUN International, follows its pioneering debut in 2023.

    More information is available at www.gitexafrica.com.

  • ECA urges African countries to adopt technological solutions to monitor their development strategies

    ECA urges African countries to adopt technological solutions to monitor their development strategies

    To bolster national planning activities, policymakers have been urged to embrace digital tools to foster greater transparency, efficiency, and effectiveness.

    The call to action was made during the meeting on “Leveraging Digital Technologies for Integrated Planning to Advance the SDGs and Agenda 2063 in Times of Multiple Crises”, which took place as a side event at the Tenth Session of the Africa Regional Forum on Sustainable Development (ARFSD-10).

    Mr Antonio Pedro, Deputy Executive Secretary of the UN Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), stressed the importance of technology in supporting development planning systems.

    He said that while many countries do an excellent job of identifying their priorities through extensive stakeholders’ consultation, the number of identified priorities is often so numerous that implementation becomes a challenge.

    To address this challenge, ECA developed the Integrated Planning and Reporting Tool (IPRT), a web-based tool designed to enhance the effectiveness of planning.

    The IPRT aims to strengthen planning systems by leveraging technology, allowing for the digital tracking of national, provincial and sector plans in alignment with annual budgets and international commitments such as SDGs and Agenda 2063.

    Mr Bartholomew Armah, Chief of Development Planning in the Macroeconomics and Governance Division at ECA highlighted the tool’s ability to facilitate integrated and coherent planning, addressing the issue of disconnected planning frameworks at various levels and ensuring alignment with global commitments.

    “The IPRT represents a significant step forward in the integration of multiple development agendas into national development plans, offering a harmonized approach to progress reporting”, he said.

    Ms. Annette Griessel, Deputy Director General of National Planning Coordination at the South African Department of Planning, Monitoring, and Evaluation (DPME), highlighted the transformative role of technology in redressing the development disparities created by South Africa’s apartheid past.

    She noted the progress made in reforming the planning system, ensuring their alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Africa’s Agenda 2063, “which is seen as a cornerstone in building a capable developmental state”.

    The IPRT has already been deployed in more than 30 countries with ongoing efforts to ensure its use by other countries on the continent. It makes the tracking of performance on the indicators of the National development plan more user-friendly.

    The e-meeting was organized by ECA’s Macroeconomics and Governance Division and the Office for Eastern Africa.

    Distributed  by ICA Media on Behalf of UNECA

    SOURCE

    UNECA

     

     

     
  • Desperation to lure African youth into the evil LGBT Agenda

    Desperation to lure African youth into the evil LGBT Agenda

    Story: Abubakar Sadik Mohammed

    The government of Zimbabwe through the office of the country’s Vice President has not only strongly and firmly rejected an LGBT Scholarship offer, but also, denounced it as unlawful, anti-Christian, anti-Zimbabwean and unAfrican insidious attempts by foreign interests to entice, lure and recruit Zimbabwean less privileged but able students into Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender activities and malpractices through offers of educational scholarships.

    Zimbabwe, the government re-emphasized, has legislated against all such deviances making any offers predicated on the same aberrations unlawful and criminal and a grave and gross affront on its national values and ethos as a Christian nation.

    These were contained in a Press Release issued in Harare, Thursday, by the office of the country’s Vice President, Hon.Gen.(Retd), Dr.C.G.D. N Chiwenga.

    To this end, the statement continued, government sees such scholarship offers as a direct challenge to its authority and thus will not hesitate to take appropriate measures to enforce national laws and to protect and defend national values.

    “Our schools and institutions of higher learning will not entertain applicants let alone enroll persons associated with such alien anti-life, anti-African and anti-Christian values which are being promoted and cultivated by as well practiced in decadent societies with whom we share no moral values or cultural affinities.

    “Zimbabwe is a sovereign African State with definite laws and values which typify it cutting it apart from others mores.

    “Young Zimbabweans who Qualify for enrollment into tertiary institutions here and elsewhere should approach government department tasked to give grants and scholarship support to deserving cases. They should never be tempted to trade or sell their souls for such abominable and devilish offers.”, it further added.

  • New African Magazine reveals the 100 Most Influential Africans of 2023

    New African Magazine reveals the 100 Most Influential Africans of 2023

    • The list features a diverse and inspiring group of men and women from various fields and sectors, who have made a positive impact on the continent and the world
    • Creatives dominate the ranking with 31 representatives, followed by Business with 25 entries
    • Nigeria is the country most represented on the list
    • The list reflects the shifting trends and priorities in Africa, as the continent faces new challenges and opportunities

    02 January 2023 – New African magazine released today its annual listing of the 100 Most Influential Africans of 2023. The list celebrates the achievements and contributions of Africans from various fields and sectors, who have made a positive impact on the continent and the world.

    The list features a diverse and inspiring group of men and women, who have demonstrated excellence, innovation, leadership, resilience, and vision in their respective domains. They include politicians, entrepreneurs, industrialists, environmentalists, creatives, scientists, educators, sports personalities, and more.

    The list also reflects the shifting trends and priorities in Africa, as the continent faces new challenges and opportunities in the post-pandemic era. Creatives dominate the ranking with 31 representatives, including singer Abel Tesfaye, aka The Weekend, filmmaker Alice Diop and writer Nana Darkoa Sekyiamah.

    The second category with the highest number of entries was the Business section, with 25 entries. The section included two behemoths from DFIs, supporting a private sector approach to investing: Samaila Zubairu from Africa Finance Corporation and the President of Afreximbank, Benedict Oramah, undoubtedly Africa’s juggernaut from the last few years leading Africa’s transformation. Also on the list is the former CEO of Eskom and whistleblower who nearly paid with his life André de Ruyter.

    Nigeria was the country most represented on the list, highlighting the country’s dominance in the creative sector and business. William Ruto, the President of Kenya, and Bola Tinubu, President of Nigeria, were the only heads of state to make it, along with the Guinean military leader Mamady Doumbouya. Doumbouya created quite a stir at this year’s UN General Assembly and appears to have found a solution around the Simandou mining saga.

    With Climate Change at the top of the agenda, the list features several players in the environmental space, such as James Mwangi, formerly from Dalberg Group who has set up his own venture fund investing in climate related businesses, and Elizabeth Maruma Mrema, the Executive Secretary of the UN Convention on Biological Diversity.

    In the media, we have two media leaders from Côte d’Ivoire, Fabrice Sawegnon, founder of communications agency Voodoo, and Daniel Ahaoussa, serial entrepreneur and founder of a number of websites in West and Central Africa. Also included are the journalist Alan Kasujja, the BBC journalist, and Branko Brkic, founder of Daily Maverick, arguably the most powerful media in South Africa today.

    And in sports, record breakers Faith Kipyegon and Kelvin Kiptum make it, as well as the Springboks team, under the leadership of their captain Siya Kolisi. Patrice Motsepe, the President of CAF, a close friend of FIFA president Gianni Infantino and an increasingly influential voice in sports, is also included.

    The 100 Most Influential Africans of 2023 is a special edition of New African magazine, which offers a comprehensive and insightful overview of the lives and achievements of the selected individuals. The magazine also provides a platform for the readers to learn from their stories, and to be inspired by their examples.

    Download the 100 Most Influential Africans of 2023 special edition of New  African or see below the list in full.

    Politics and Public Service

    • William Ruto
    • Ibrahima Cheikh Diong
    • Sidi Ould Tah
    • Akinwumi Adesina
    • Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala
    • Bola Tinubu
    • Mamady Doumbouya
    • Ousmane Sonko
    • Nadia Fettah Alaoui
    • Tsitsi Masiyiwa
    • Tidjane Thiam

    Business

    • Mohamed Kande
    • Sim Tshabalala
    • Karim Beguir
    • Didier Acouetey
    • Olugbenga Agboola
    • Samaila Zubairu
    • Prof. Benedict Okey Oramah
    • Ralph Mupita
    • Ibrahim Sagna
    • Simon Tiemtoré
    • Jules Ngankam
    • Riham ElGizy
    • André de Ruyter
    • Aliko Dangote
    • Ham Serunjogi
    • Serge Ekué
    • Bahija Jallal
    • Coura Sène
    • Bernard Koné Dossongui
    • Hassanein Hiridjee
    • Shola Akinlade
    • James Mwangi
    • Pascal Agboyibor

    Science and Academia

    • Anna Adeola Makanju
    • Chao Tayiana Maina
    • Nemat Talaat Shafik
    • Ismahane Elouafi
    • Moungi Bawendi
    • Timnit Gebru

    Environmental

    • James Irungu Mwangi
    • Ephraim Mwepya Shitima
    • Wanjira Mathai
    • Rashid Sumaila
    • Elizabeth Maruma Mrema
    • Dr Musonda Mumba

    Creative

    • Kaouther Ben Hania
    • Danai Gurira
    • Ncuti Gatwa
    • Black Coffee
    • Tyla Laura Seethal
    • Temilade “Tems” Openiyi
    • Lesley Lokko
    • Mulenga Kapwepwe
    • Alice Diop
    • Wanuri Kahiu
    • Bassem Youssef
    • Malenga Mulendema
    • Jadesola Osiberu
    • Editi Effiong
    • Ali Said Alamin Mandhry
    • Abel “The Weekend” Tesfaye
    • Pretty Yende
    • Julie Mehretu
    • Pierre Thiam
    • Teju Cole
    • Thebe Magugu
    • David Diop
    • Burna Boy
    • Serge Attukwei Clottey
    • Nana Darkoa Sekyiamah
    • Aïda Muluneh
    • Omoyemi Akerele
    • Mariam Issoufou Kamara
    • Victor Ekpuk
    • DJ Snake
    • Gandhi “Maitre Gims” Djuna

    Media

    • Claude Grunitzky
    • Chioma Nnadi
    • Edward Enninful
    • Alan Kasujja
    • Wode Maya
    • Anton Harber
    • Khabane “Khaby” Lame
    • Charity Ekezie
    • Moses “Uncle Mo” Kiboneka
    • Branko Brkic
    • Tomiwa Aladekomo
    • Marie Mbullu
    • Nicolas Pompigne-Mognard
    • Daniel Ahaoussa
    • Fabrice Sawegnon

    Sports

    • Francis Ngannou
    • Faith Kipyegon
    • The Springboks, led by captain Siya Kolisi
    • Patrice Motsepe
    • Kelvin Kiptum
    • Victor Osmihen
    • Biniam Girmay
    • Yassine Bounou

     

     
  • Factoring Urban Gardening into African’s Built Environment

    Factoring Urban Gardening into African’s Built Environment

    …. As ACEACFMS 2023 holds in Accra

    Story: Mohammed Abu

    Science, Technical and Mathematics (STEM) students from the Kumasi Academy Senior High School, in Ghana’s Ashanti Region excited participants with a great presentation on the science of urban gardening and vertical farming concept at the. maiden event of the African Continental Sustainable Built Environment Summit(ACEACFMS)held at East Legion in country’s capital of Accra, on Thursday, December, 14.

    The science based urban gardening concept combines science and innovation that seeks to offer opportunity especially for vegetable crop production under an urban environment, where arable land and water meant for farming is virtually non-existent.

    It was therefore not surprising that Kumasi Academy Senior High Schools was among the award winners in the Technologies and Innovation category during the awards segment of the summit that registered a total of nineteen (19) awardees under eight categories with 20 awards.

    The school also clinched a major deal as the GM Bamboo Eco-City Ltd, the Principal. Consultant and partner of the African Continental Sustainable Built Environment Industry Summit(ACEACFMS-23) decided on the sidelines of the event to sign an MOU with it to work closely on a 166-acre Bamboo Eco-Tech-Industrial Garden City Projects in the Central region where 3,500 Sustainable Smart Infrastructure will be developed with integrated Smart Gardening Technologies.

    An 80-feet x 160 feet plot has been given to the Kumasi Academy STEM Team by GM Bamboo Eco-City at the Bamboo Eco-City-2 to build the prototypes of their smart House and Urban Technologies.

    The Bamboo Eco-Tech-City is located near cape Coast at Abankrom, Afenakrom & Damang in the Anomabo Traditional Area within the Mfantsipim Municipality in the Central Region of the Republic of Ghana.

    GM Bamboo City will Partner with Kumasi Academy Senior High School to develop grant winning proposals to access fund to develop their technologies.

     

     

  • United States (U.S.) and African Development Bank Collaborate to Accelerate Africa’s Digital Transformation

    United States (U.S.) and African Development Bank Collaborate to Accelerate Africa’s Digital Transformation

    CAPE TOWN, South Africa, November 28, 2023/ — The U.S. Commercial Service and the African Development Bank (www.AfDB.org) have announced a new strategic collaboration in a move to drive digital transformation across Africa.

    Unveiled on the sidelines of the Africa Tech Festival held in Cape Town, South Africa, this collaboration paves the way for a series of dialogues on how U.S. digital innovation can support development goals across Africa.

    The discussions will focus on key themes such as embracing new technologies, improving internet access, enhancing skills, and creating a regulatory environment conducive to innovation.

    Both parties will explore how African governments can collaborate with American technology firms to grow their economies and how U.S. businesses can tap into new opportunities in Africa’s emerging markets.

    Ashley Ndir, senior U.S. Commercial Liaison to the African Development Bank, emphasized, “We are at a turning point in Africa’s technological advancement. By bridging insights from the U.S. private sector with Africa’s vibrant markets, we aim to drive innovation and economic growth. This partnership is a testament to that mission.”

    Head of ICT Operations Nicholas Williams from the African Development Bank said, “Africa has made significant investments in pivotal infrastructure and policy enhancements to create an innovative digital economy.

    As Africa’s premier development finance institution, the African Development Bank will help push Africa’s digital boundaries even further by forging strategic relations, building on historical investments and, more importantly, tapping into the energy of our young population, who are digital natives. We value the insights that the U.S. private sector may bring.”

    The initiative builds on the African Development Bank’s $2 billion investment in digital infrastructure, which includes regional and national broadband development, creating favourable policy environments for private sector investments, scaling digital skills, and nurturing innovative enterprises.

    The Bank’s efforts have reduced the cost of internet access, enhanced digital literacy, and fostered a conducive business and policy environment. It will also benefit from the U.S. Commercial Service’s experience in fostering international trade.
    This collaboration promises to champion the digital transformation in Africa, aiming for a future where technology empowers growth and prosperity.
    With this partnership, both the U.S. Commercial Service and the African Development Bank reaffirm their commitment to not only elevate digital capabilities in Africa but also to ensure that the continent’s potential is fully realized in the digital era.
    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB).

    Media contact: 
    Communication and External Relations Department
    media@afdb.org
  • Africa’s youth are more educated, less employed, and less politically engaged than their elders, Afrobarometer study shows

    Africa’s youth are more educated, less employed, and less politically engaged than their elders, Afrobarometer study shows

    ACCRA, Ghana, November 20, 2023/ — Africa’s youth are more educated than their elders but are also more likely to be unemployed, according to Afrobarometer’s (https://www.Afrobarometer.org/) latest Pan-Africa Profile (https://apo-opa.co/46mmAb9).

    The study also shows that African youth are considerably less engaged than their elders in civic and political activities that could spur change, including voting in elections. One encouraging trend is a steady increase in young people’s contact with local leaders.

    Across 39 African countries surveyed in 2021/2023, unemployment is the top policy priority that 18- to 35-year-olds want their governments to address, followed by economic management. On both issues, overwhelming majorities in most countries see their government as failing. Compared to older generations, young people are less trustful of government institutions and leaders and more likely to view them as corrupt.

    Even so, young Africans are just as committed as their elders to democracy and opposed to non-democratic alternatives, including military rule, as their elders. But the youth are particularly dissatisfied with the way democracy works in their countries, and in the event that elected leaders abuse their power, they are more likely than their elders to countenance military intervention.

    Key findings

    • Almost two-thirds (64%) of youth (aged 18-35) have had at least some secondary school education, compared to 35% of citizens aged 56 and older (Figure 1).
      • But youth are considerably more likely than their elders to be out of work and looking for a job.
    • Unemployment tops the list of the most important problems that African youth want their government to address (cited by 37%), followed by management of the economy (30%) and health (26%) (Figure 2).
      • On average across 39 countries, only two in 10 youth (19%) say their government is performing well on job creation.
    • Like their elders, young Africans support democracy (64%) and reject such authoritarian alternatives as one-man rule (80%), one-party rule (78%), and military rule (65%) (Figure 3).
    • However, six in 10 (60%) are dissatisfied with the way democracy works in their country.
    • Youth are also more willing than their elders to tolerate a military takeover of the government if elected leaders abuse their power (56% among those aged 18-35 vs. 47% among those aged 56 and above) (Figure 4).
    • Youth are less likely than older citizens to vote in elections (63% vs. 84%), identify with a political party (37% vs. 45%), attend a community meeting (43% vs. 54%), and join others to raise an issue (39% vs. 45%) (Figure 5).
    • But while low, rates of young people’s contact with traditional leaders, local government councillors, political party officials, and members of Parliament have increased since 2014/2015.
    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Afrobarometer.
    For more information, please contact:
    Josephine Appiah-Nyamekye Sanny
    Afrobarometer communications and knowledge manager
    Email: jappiah@afrobarometer.org
    Telephone: +233240933
  • Kaspersky opens its first Transparency Center in the African region

    Kaspersky opens its first Transparency Center in the African region

    KIGALI, Rwanda, November 15, 2023/ — As part of the Africa Cyber Defense Forum (ACDF), Kaspersky (www.Kaspersky.co.za) has today announced the opening of its first Transparency Center in the African region. The new center, located in Kigali, Rwanda, is opening as part of Kaspersky’s Global Transparency Initiative, established to highlight the reliability of the company’s solutions and advocate for greater transparency throughout the cybersecurity industry. The new center offers its visitors a comprehensive overview of Kaspersky’s engineering and data processing practices, and a live demonstration of the source code for its products and services.

    Internet penetration in the African region has been steadily increasing over the years: according to the World Bank (https://apo-opa.co/3QYBJuX), broadband Internet access in Africa grew from 26% in 2019 to 36% in 2022. As outlined in the African Union’s Digital Transformation Strategy (https://apo-opa.co/3ucquWR), all  people in Africa should be digitally empowered by 2030, which means that digitalisation will be enhancing, bringing both opportunities and challenges.

    The new Transparency Center in Kigali is available for Kaspersky’s partners, customers, and regulators responsible for cybersecurity. It is designed to serve the “blue piste” review option, which has gained significant popularity among Transparency Centers’ visitors since the opening of the first facility in 2018.

    It offers a general overview of Kaspersky’s engineering and data processing practices: throughout their visit, partners and customers are welcome to ask Kaspersky experts any questions related to the company’s data processing procedures and the functioning of its solutions.

    Additionally, as part of the “blue piste,” they can improve or acquire skills to assess the security of ICT products that their organisations use, learning the highlights of Kaspersky’s Cyber Capacity Building Program (https://apo-opa.co/3SKSOd5) for government organisations, academia and companies.

    Underscoring the strong nexus between transparency and the fight against cybercrime, and Kaspersky’s commitment to both causes, the new Transparency Center opening was welcomed by the African Union Mechanism for Police Cooperation (AFRIPOL):

    “The African region is currently undergoing rapid digital transformation, with Internet penetration continually growing year on year. To counter potential security risks stemming from the use of technology, it is imperative to understand what forms an effective framework to mitigate risks.

    Today, as Kaspersky announces the opening of its first Transparency Center in the African region, we appreciate the company’s openness and welcome its Global Transparency Initiative, which is exemplary for organisations in the region in terms of building digital trust.

    Kaspersky has a proven track record of collaborating with local, regional and international law enforcement agencies to combat cybercrime, sharing its technical expertise, in the spirit of transparency,” AFRIPOL’s Acting Executive Director, Ambassador Jalel Chelba, commented.

    With the opening of the facility in the region, Kaspersky will expand its network to encompass a total of 11 Transparency Centers located across Europe, Asia-Pacific, North and Latin America, the Middle East and Africa.

    Introducing another milestone in the Global Transparency Initiative, Genie Sugene Gan, Head of Government Affairs and Public Policy for Asia-Pacific, Japan, Middle East, Turkey and Africa regions at Kaspersky, during her keynote speech at the ACDF, noted:

    “A growing emphasis on cybersecurity within the pan-regional African agenda is piquing the interest of national authorities. However, there remains a significant gap in cyber-capacity building. By opening the Transparency Center, Kaspersky aims to address the local market needs, offering education in such critical areas as evaluating product security and establishing secure development processes. The Transparency Center opening marks a pivotal advancement and a significant milestone for both our organisation and the region, as we bring essential capacity-building capabilities and best cybersecurity practices to the region.”

    Being a dedicated advocate for enhancing transparency in the cybersecurity industry, Kaspersky launched its Global Transparency Initiative in 2017, becoming a pioneer in advancing digital trust.

    The initiative reaffirms the company’s readiness to disclose how Kaspersky works, what standards it implements, how its solutions perform and why they are trustworthy.

    Kaspersky actively involves the broader community in validating and verifying the reliability of its products, internal processes, and overall business operations. As a significant aspect of the Global Transparency Initiative, the company leads as the first cybersecurity vendor to disclose its source code for external review.

    To learn more on the Global Transparency Initiative or request a visit to a Transparency Center, please check the website (https://apo-opa.co/3MIAoG8).

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Kaspersky.
  • Appointment of the Board of Seychelles Communications Regulatory Authority

    Appointment of the Board of Seychelles Communications Regulatory Authority

    08 November 2023 | Information Communications Technology

    The Office of the President has today announced the appointment of the Board of the Seychelles Communications Regulatory Authority, this is in accordance with Section 148 (1) and Section 148 (5) of the Communications Act, 2023.

    The Authority is responsible for the implementation and enforcement of the Communications Act 2023 and assumes the regulatory function carried out thus far by the Department of ICT (DICT) in the telecommunications & broadcasting sectors. DICT retains the policy portfolio responsibility for telecommunications and broadcasting.

    Mr Joyvani Chetty has been appointed as the Chairperson and Mr James Jean as the Vice-Chairperson

    The other Board Members are:

    Mrs Natalie Edmond                               Member

    Mr Brian Hoareau                                   Member

    Mr Lawrence Kamugisha                       Member

    Ms Beryl Payet                                       Member

    Ms Franca Sicobo                                  Member

    The Board Members have been appointed for a for a 3-year period effective from the 1st November, 2023

    SOURCE

    State Hows News

     

     

  • Climate Justice and Just Societal Transition to Green Economy gets Major Boost

    Climate Justice and Just Societal Transition to Green Economy gets Major Boost

    Prof. Chukwumerije Okereke has been elected Fellow of The World Academy of Sciences for the advancement of science in developing countries (UNESCO-TWAS) in recognition of his outstanding contribution to science and its promotion in the developing world.

    The Nigeria born Okereke is a Professor in Global Governance and Public Policy in the School for Policy Studies, Bristol University, UK, and Director for the Centre for Climate Change and Development, Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike, Nigeria.

    He is a globally recognised leading scholar on global climate governance and international development with specialism on the justice dimensions of the international climate regime and just societal transitions to the green economy.

    Okereke has a strong track record of cutting-edge and high-impact research focused on understanding and addressing systemic barriers to economic and social inclusion in the context of climate policy and green economy transitions,

    He has made significant contributions to scholarship on several areas such as: (i) understanding how different conceptions of justice influence global climate governance and the implications for climate-resilient sustainable development in developing countries; (ii) advancing the theory of theory of climate governance through his various works that focus on the activities of non-nation state actors in climate governance; and (iii) advancing knowledge and practice of climate governance and green growth transitions in Africa where his work has had a far-reaching impact on public policy and practice across the continent.

    He also worked with a diverse array of stakeholders to mobilise research to shape climate governance in Africa including drafting a climate change law in Nigeria, modelling Nigeria’s long-term low-carbon development strategy, designing African Unions’ Adaptation Initiative, and drafting the first ever national green growth plan in Africa, for the Government of Rwanda.

    Professor Okereke’s academic merit and international research leadership status is affirmed through his leadership roles in multiple high-profile global Scientist Assessment Projects and networks including as Coordinating Lead Author, of the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Working Group III Sixth Assessment Report.

    He is a visiting professor at London School of Economics and Senior Academic Visitor at the University of Oxford.

    He is also a leading member of the Global Earth Commission’s Safe and Just Transformation Working Group and Coordinator of African Forum Climate Change, Energy and Development (AFCEED) the leading African Network of scholars, policy makers and practitioners working on climate change and sustainability transitions in Africa.

    Commenting on the award, Okereke said: “I am delighted to have been elected Fellow of The World Academy of Sciences for the advancement of science in developing countries (UNESCO-TWAS).

    “It means a lot to me because I have always been driven by a desire to highlight the challenges faced by developing countries in addressing climate change while also pursuing economic growth as well as the opportunities to leverage climate action to build resilience and achieve economic growth.

    “Developing countries face multiple challenges related to colonial legacy and unjust international economic order which work to the advantage of advanced countries. I believe that approaching climate governance from the framework of justice enables us to tackle, not just the issue of climate pollution, but also the more fundamental question of global equity and fairness needed to ensure that everyone can lead a decent life regardless of where they are born.

    “I grew up in a very rural village in Old Eastern Nigeria. I played naked under the rain, swam and drank water from the brownish local river, went to school for the most time barefooted, studied under the big akparata tree in the local school, hunted rats and rabbits with my age-mates and sang with other children under the moonlight.

    “I experienced the joy of growing up in the natural environment and am passionate to see that economic development for all the good things it brings does not impose existential risk on our environment and the lives of people on the planet.

    “This recognition encourages me to continue to work as there is still quite a long way to go to achieve climate justice for the vulnerable countries of the world.”

    Okereke is among 47 Fellows elected by the Academy.

    SOURCE

    Centre for Climate Change & Development

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