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Category: Education / ICT

  • Africa Tech Festival Announces Top 10 Finalists for Start-Up World Cup

    Africa Tech Festival Announces Top 10 Finalists for Start-Up World Cup

    JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, October 27, 2023/ — The results are in and today, organisers of the annual Africa Tech Festival (https://apo-opa.info/3myppVu), taking place in Cape Town 14 – 16 November, announced the top ten finalists of the AfricaIgnite Pitch Competition who will battle it out to win the opportunity to represent the African continent in the Startup World Cup (https://www.StartupWorldCup.io/) on 1 December this year.

    Making the announcement, James Williams, Senior Director, Events | Connecting Africa | Informa Tech, remarked: “Congratulations to everyone who entered. We called for the continent’s brightest, most inspiring founders to apply to help build the African innovation ecosystem and they certainly delivered.

    “I know I speak for my colleagues, the investors and judges who will be closely monitoring the pitch competition, when I say that Africa’s talent, ingenuity, and unmatched potential is abundant and diverse, and this is clearly represented in this broad array of finalists. It is therefore going to be no small task to select just one winner who will represent the continent at the Startup World Cup Final, held by Pegasus in San Francisco on 1st December.”

    Providing insight as to what she will be looking for in the winning pitch, investor, and AfricaIgnite Pitch Competition judge, Keshni Morar of Investable (https://www.Investable.Business/), warns contenders to come prepared. Morar will be looking for the granular detail in the presentations, with a demonstrable understanding of the market in which the start-up is looking to play or is already active. Depth of the go to market strategy too for those start-ups at pre-seed capital, is a vital consideration.

    But in short, Morar says: “Like every other serious investor out there, I look for the coherence between the pitch story and the data points. If it’s not there, there’s no chance of us getting involved.”

    The top ten looking to win the AfricaIgnite Pitch Competition Final are:

    AsaanaPay (https://apo-opa.info/46O2WGc)- a payments and rewards platform for minority owned businesses enabling offline and online payments and unrestricted cash back rewards to attract and retain customers. Asaana facilitates local and global payments through a variety of channels from mobile wallets and traditional banks to everything in between. Headquartered in Kenya, Asaana services the world.

    Tausi App (https://TausiApp.com/)– beauty is freedom and beauty is also big business in Africa, which is how Tausi came about. An app that connects beauticians to clients and provides professional hair and make-up and other services to make clients feel fabulous, with a rating system and in-depth onboarding process that is simple to use. Headquartered in Kenya with more than 6000 registered beauticians on their books and having helped more than 20 000 clients.

    Bus54 (https://Bus-54.com/)– Based in Nigeria, Bus54 is a mobility technology company providing a platform to aggregate intercity bus transportation in Africa, allowing passengers to search, compare, book, and manage their journeys online. The platform enables transport operators to manage their end-to-end operations from a secure portal with no need for additional investment in IT software or hardware, and an additional channel to sell their tickets.

    Delta Scan (https://DeltaScan.global/)– a specialist engineering inspection, digitisation and BIM company based in South Africa that digitize the world around us to create powerful analytical 3D models to extract engineering value. The company, based in South Africa, strives to improve efficiency, bring down costs, and provide comprehensive information to make better informed decisions. Combining cutting edge aerial platforms and scanning technology together with 3D digitization, artificial intelligence and engineering analysis principles.

    Oneway Connect (https://www.OnewayConnect.co.za/)- a cutting-edge job matching and recruitment software prioritizing cultural alignment that is shaping the future of hiring. Beyond traditional CVs, the platform evaluates capabilities and traits, fostering purposeful performers for businesses. At the heart of their mission is creating a fair candidate experience. With a simple click, jobseekers are seamlessly connected to their ideal roles while assessments empower employers to truly understand candidates’ potential beyond mere keywords.

    Ukwenza VR (https://UkwenzaVR.com/)- a social enterprise based in Kenya that focuses on creating educational Virtual Reality (VR) content to complement classroom learning and offer additional learning on social and environmental issues e.g. conservation and plastic pollution.

    We work with schools & educators to create and deliver the content to ensure it meets learning standards that serve the community.

    Hippocampus Education (https://HippocampusEducation.io/)- Hippocampus is an adaptive tutoring Facebook Messenger bot that provides differentiated instruction and instant feedback that is customized to meet each individual’s learning needs. It acts as a liaison between the lecturer and the student or between the tutor and the student, supporting in assessment activities, facilitating a learning environment that meets each student’s learning needs, and provides positive and constructive feedback on the progress and performance of the student.

    BenaCare (https://BenaCare.or.ke/)– a Kenyan based social enterprise that delivers affordable clinical and supportive care to patients with life limiting illnesses at the comfort of their own homes.  They also reduce and re-distrinbute unpaid care performed by women family caregivers in rural Kenya, by training them on the basics of caregiving like wound care, vitals taking, grooming, ambulation, pressure are care and toileting.  IN this way Benacare improves the outcome of the patients taken care of and equip these women with caregiving skills which can then earn them a living.

    Gradlinc (https://Gradlinc.co.za/)– more than a matchmaker between graduate and employer and vice versa, Gradlinc helps prepare graduates for the workplace from helping with CVs to creating personal brands and is free to graduates.  It is a vital two-way bridge between ‘people’, not jobs and workers, as matching values, and individuality in people – whether the graduate or the employer – builds long-term successful relationships with mutual benefits.

    Kyanda Africa (https://Kyanda.co.ke/)– seamless payment solutions with easy financial reach, Nairobi-based Kyanda Africa provide safe and easy access to financial and related services simultaneously in an affordable, efficient, and transparent manner for all at all times.  They are on a mission to drive down the number of unbanked and underbanked people across Africa.

    The AfricaIgnite Pitch Competition Final takes place at Africa Tech Festival in the Auditorium 2 of the CTICC on 16th November from 2pm to 3.30pm. An open-to-all feature, the Final will bring a great crowd of founders, tech leaders and investors to witness who will be crowned winner. Free entry to start-ups and visitors is available – please see below for further details about registration.

    For more information about Africa Tech Festival, please see website here: https://apo-opa.info/3myppVu
    For more information about the AfricaIgnite Pitch Competition, please visit: https://apo-opa.info/46I88vaFor more information about the Startup World Cup, powered by Pegasus, please visit: https://www.StartupWorldCup.io/View all ticket options for Africa Tech Festival, including start-up passes, here (https://apo-opa.info/3Q04o2r)

    For media enquiries, interviews and/or images please contact: 
    Kaz Henderson kaz@networxpr.co.za or call on +27 (0) 82 339 1199

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Africa Tech Festival.

     

  • Liquid Intelligent Technologies introduces Tanzania’s second Azure Stack, further accelerating the local digital transformation

    Liquid Intelligent Technologies introduces Tanzania’s second Azure Stack, further accelerating the local digital transformation

    DAR ES SALAAM, Tanzania, October 10, 2023/ — Liquid Intelligent Technologies (Liquid) (https://www.Liquid.Tech/), a business of Cassava Technologies, a pan-African technology group, has partnered with wingu.africa a pioneer provider of carrier-neutral data center services in Tanzania, and the foremost specialist carrier-neutral data center group in East Africa to introduce the second Azure Hyperconverged Infrastructure (HCI) stack. This investment from Liquid Tanzania will provide a more conducive environment for local businesses to accelerate their digital transformation journeys.

    “In 2021, we were the first to bring Azure Stack to Tanzanian businesses, helping them gain access to cloud solutions that met the local data regulatory requirements and efficiently run latency-sensitive business applications. This is yet another milestone we achieved as we continue to work towards empowering our customers to adopt cloud and contribute to making Tanzania a digital economy,” said Manish Govindji, Acting CEO of Liquid Intelligent Technologies Tanzania.

    The innovative solution offered by Azure Stack HCI ensures that businesses meet the local compliance standards by letting customers run applications designed for virtualised infrastructure. Additionally, with the carrier-neutral offering from the Wingu group, companies have a further advantage of choosing the connectivity service provider.

    “The Wingu group is thrilled to collaborate with Liquid Intelligent Technologies in introducing Tanzania’s second Azure Stack, a pivotal step in accelerating the nation’s digital transformation. By offering local businesses access to cutting-edge cloud solutions, we aim to empower them to thrive in the digital age.

    Our carrier-neutral data center complements this initiative, allowing companies to choose their preferred connectivity service provider. Together with Liquid, we are contributing to Tanzania’s digital economy, fostering economic ties, and leveling the technology playing field for local businesses.

    This partnership signifies a significant milestone in expanding technology access and affordability in Tanzania. We look forward to a future of increased connectivity, innovation, and growth for the region, “said Nicholas Lodge, Co-Founder and Chief Strategist at wingu.africa.

    Liquid’s continuous investment towards extending its fibre backbone and improving access to affordable digital solutions is critical to enhancing digital transformation in Tanzania and the rest of the continent.

    Ensuring local businesses have access to high-speed connectivity and digital services fosters economic and technological ties across countries. Also, it levels the technology playing field for businesses as they push themselves to a global stage to compete against their counterparts in more developed economies.

    “With the availability of the second Azure Stack in the region, Liquid is yet again ensuring that it is a one-stop shop for all technology requirements. Especially since one of the greatest deterrents to cloud adoption in Tanzania is the high cost of accessing cloud solutions locally.

    Liquid has deployed Azure Stacks in multiple African countries, and we have the in-house expertise required by our customers to ensure that their IT needs are catered to by us end-to-end while they focus on their core business,” concluded Govindji.

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Liquid Intelligent Technologies.
  • New academic year: Dubai school students to get hi-tech buses

    New academic year: Dubai school students to get hi-tech buses

    School bus services ensure the security of children through surveillance cameras, and a system to ensure that no student is left behind

    RTA’s Dubai Taxi Corporation (DTC) will roll out state-of-the-art school buses to serve about 25,000 students across the city.

    The school transport fleet has been upgraded to meet the highest quality of safety in local and international standards, reported state news agency WAM.

    DTC said the upgraded bus service is part of its commitment to provide quality transportation services in order to meet consumer needs.

    Ammar Rashid Al Braiki, director of Fleet Operation, DTC, said: “Using DTC’s extensive experience and resources, combined with investments in advanced technologies in school buses, highlights our strategic drive to boost the confidence of parents and the entire community while providing a safe and secure transportation environment for students during the school year.

    “Such a drive which is aligned with the highest safety and monitoring standards observed in Dubai, will also promote the confidence of the Emirates Schools Establishment towards building a long-term partnership in delivering school transport services.”

    How smart features are transforming the average school bus

    School bus services ensure the security and monitoring of children through surveillance cameras, along with a system to ensure that no student is left behind at the end of each journey.

    The buses are also equipped with a system to detect student movement in transit, and an emergency alert system for making immediate contact with the emergency management centre.

    “Buses are also outfitted with advanced electronic tracking system using GPS technology and a radio frequency identification (RFID) system to streamline the boarding and disembarkation of students as well as an automatic fire-suppression system for engines,” Al Braiki added.

    “DTC is eager to promote safe and responsible driving skills among school bus drivers and attendants by engaging them in specialised high-level training courses. DTC also conducts drills on the handling of emergency cases and first aid to ensure that the team is ready and able to deal with any emergencies that may arise during the school transport process,” he added.

    Credit:(GULF BUSINESS)

  • Nigeria’s Simi Nwogugu named Top 10 finalist for Africa Education Medal 2023

    Nigeria’s Simi Nwogugu named Top 10 finalist for Africa Education Medal 2023

    Founded by T4 Education and HP in collaboration with Microsoft, the Africa Education Medal is Africa’s most prestigious education accolade
    Nigeria’s Simi Nwogugu, CEO of JA Africa, has been named as a Top 10 finalist for the Africa Education Medal 2023. Founded last year by T4 Education and HP in collaboration with Microsoft, the Africa Education Medal is Africa’s most prestigious education accolade.
    The Africa Education Medal was established to recognise the tireless work of those who are transforming education across the continent – to celebrate the stories of those who have lit the spark of change so others will be inspired to take up the torch. It is given to an outstanding individual who has demonstrated impact, leadership, and advocacy in the field of education.
    Simi Nwogugu is CEO of JA Africa, part of the Nobel Peace Prize-nominated JA Worldwide, one of the world’s largest youth-serving NGOs that prepares young people for the future of work. She was first introduced to JA while working at Goldman Sachs in New York City. Impressed by the organisation, she quit her lucrative job at age 24 to bring JA to Nigeria, where it now reaches more than 100,000 young people annually, before going on to head up JA’s operations across the continent.
    The vital importance of Nwogugu’s work is highlighted by the fact that 60% of the population of sub-Saharan Africa and about 37% of its workforce are under the age of 25. By 2025, Africa will be home to 25% of the world’s youth population. Through the delivery of hands-on, blended learning in financial literacy, work readiness, and entrepreneurship, her organisation empowers young people to grow their entrepreneurial ideas, hone their work readiness skills, manage their earnings and secure better lives for themselves, their families, and their communities.
    For 25 years, Nwogugu has been leading JA’s efforts in various capacities as it embarked on a mission to help young people to generate and effectively manage wealth, create jobs for their communities, as well as apply entrepreneurial thinking to the workplace and skills that will secure their financial future. Her passion for strategy and innovation led to the development of many impactful programmes that are ensuring young Nigerians have the skillsets and mindset to succeed.
    She is a passionate advocate for girls’ education and one of her unique initiatives includes the Leadership, Empowerment Achievement & Development (LEAD) Camp for Girls, which has inspired and empowered over 1,200 young girls to become high-achieving women leaders in society.
    Another initiative she has championed is the Venture in Management Programme (ViMP), which is designed to empower young people in the different facets of managing a business, making crucial business decisions and developing skills for General Management and social responsibility.
    Graduates of the programme have gone on to become founders of Nigeria’s leading businesses as well as leaders of the most impactful non-profit organisations on the continent. She also built digital and out-of-school youth programmes that enabled her organisation to reach underserved populations in the North of Nigeria, even during the Boko Haram crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic.
    Prior to becoming JA Africa CEO in 2020, she led JA Nigeria to impact the lives of over 1 million Nigerians in 5,000 schools. Among the many JA alumni who have gone on to become job creators and social entrepreneurs is Iyin Aboyeji, the founder of two unicorns: Andela and Flutterwave.
    Nwogugu also serves as President of the governing board of the Harvard Business School Alumni Association of Nigeria (HBSAN), and has been recognised by the school with numerous awards including the Bert King Award for Social Impact presented by the Harvard Business School African-American Alumni Association. She is currently a fellow of the Aspen Institute’s Africa Leadership Initiative for West Africa (ALIWA) where she is pursuing her passion to empower and equip 10 million African girls to build thriving communities by 2050.
    Mayank Dhingra, Senior Education Business Leader, Southern Europe, Middle East and Africa, at HP said:
    “My warmest congratulations to Simi Nwogugu on being named a Top 10 finalist for the Africa Education Medal 2023. Her tireless work to improve education stands as an inspiration to us all and I hope many others will follow in her footsteps to become leaders in the field.
    “HP has a bold goal to accelerate digital equity for 150 million people globally by 2030. Only by joining forces and aligning with NGOs, government, educators and businesses can we truly improve the education environment. The Africa Education Medal brings together all those who are changing the face of African education, whose vital work deserves to be celebrated.”
    Vikas Pota, Founder and CEO of T4 Education, said:
    “Africa’s teachers and school leaders, and its leaders of governments, NGOs and businesses, all play a crucial part in unlocking the continent’s potential through quality education. African education stands at a crossroads in the wake of the pandemic, but if leaders from across the continent in every field can work together then they can build the lasting change needed.
    “I congratulate Simi Nwogugu on her achievements in skilling up Africa’s young people and I hope her success serves as a rallying cry for changemakers to come forward and make a difference.”
    The Top 10 finalists for the Africa Education Medal are:
    Mary Ashun, Principal of Ghana International School, Ghana
    Laura Kakon, Chief Growth & Strategy Officer of Honoris United Universities, Morocco
    Rogers Kamugisha, Country Director of Educate!, Rwanda
    Grace Matlhape, CEO of SmartStart, South Africa
    Mary Metcalfe,  former policymaker and CEO of Programme to Improve Learning Outcomes (PILO), South Africa
    Martha Muhwezi, Executive Director of FAWE, Uganda
    Jean-Claude Nkulikiyimfura, Executive Director of Agahozo-Shalom Youth Village, Rwanda
    Simi Nwogugu, CEO of JA Africa, Nigeria
    Sara Ruto, Former Chief Administrative Secretary of Kenya’s Ministry of Education and former CEO of PAL Network, Kenya
    Snehar Shah, CEO of Moringa School, Kenya

    Nominations for the Africa Education Medal opened in February 2023 for individuals working to improve pre-kindergarten, K-12, vocational and university education who are either educators, school administrators, civil society leaders, public servants, government officials, political leaders, technologists, or innovators.

    The winner of the Africa Education Medal will be announced in July. Finalists will be assessed by a Jury comprising prominent individuals based on rigorous criteria.

    ABOUT T4 EDUCATION:

    We believe every child everywhere deserves a good education. We are building the world’s largest community of teachers and schools to achieve this. Together. Our digital media platform provides opportunities for educators to network, collaborate, share good practices, and support each other’s efforts to improve learning and school culture. We work to amplify teachers’ voices because the world we want to see will only be built by listening to those at the heart of education.

    Our global community of over 200,000 teachers and our digital media platform provides an engine for organisations to run education prizes that cut through in both the international media and the public consciousness.

  • Annual Investment Meeting Highlights Digital Transformation, Financial Inclusion and Sustainable Finance in the Arab World

    Annual Investment Meeting Highlights Digital Transformation, Financial Inclusion and Sustainable Finance in the Arab World

    Experts provided insights on the opportunities and challenges of digital transformation in the financial sector within the Arab world

    Abu Dhabi, UAE, May 2023:  The 12th edition of The Annual Investment Meeting (AIM) hosted interactive and insightful discussions on digital transformation, financial inclusion and sustainable finance in the Arab world at the “Future Finance Forum,” which took place at the Sustainability Room of the Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Centre.

    The opening ceremony featured welcome remarks from high-level dignitaries such as Rajaa Kammouny, Director & Advisor at the Secretary General Office – Union of Arab Banks; Dr. Wissam H. Fattouh, Secretary General – Union of Arab Banks; Mohamed Mahmoud Ahmed El-Etreby, President, Banque Misr; and H.E. Ahmed Aboul Gheit, Secretary General – League of Arab States.

    Kammouny, the host and Director/Advisor at the Secretary General Office of the Union of Arab Banks, discussed the challenges that they are currently facing and will face in the future. She emphasized the need to be prepared for all these challenges. Dr. Fattouh mentioned that their focus will be on investment opportunities and the sustainability of those investments. He highlighted that steps are being taken to ensure that the challenges they face are being solved.

    El-Etreby, for his part, discussed in this forum the various ways to enhance business and the challenges that businesses are facing, especially due to the pandemic. He acknowledged that the pandemic has changed the economic world and that digital advancements have helped them become more advanced. H.E. Aboul Gheit expressed his gratitude to the Government of the UAE for their efforts in making the forum possible. He mentioned that they are already in the process of achieving digitalization and need to reassess the obstacles they are currently facing.

    This was followed by a panel discussion on ‘Digital Transformation of Financial Sectors in the Arab World and the Role of Financial Technology in Economic Diversification’. Experts in this session provided insights on the opportunities and challenges of digital transformation in the financial sector within the Arab world.

    This session was led by Anwer Kotob- Moderator, Chief Digital/ Technology Officer, People Leader, United Arab Emirates; Hossam Heiba, General Authority for Investment and Free Zones; Malachi Halliday, CEO & Founder – Halliday Growth; and Rodrigo Garca De La Cruz, Founder & CEO – Finnovating.

    Kotob discussed the role of Fintech in the Arab world and how it plays a crucial role in the development of financial countries. Heiba from GAFI discussed the digital transformation of sectors and the efficiency of Fintech in comparison to traditional methods. He also talked about how digitalization helps government services prosper during the pandemic and promotes investment opportunities using digital platforms.

    Halliday emphasized the significance of startups in economic diversification, stating that access to working capital is crucial for their success. He explained how his company helps solve this challenge by granting easier access to working capital. De La Cruz, the Founder and CEO of Finnovating, emphasized the importance of collaboration and innovation in accelerating growth for companies. He also discussed the top three techs being used in Fintech, including AI and blockchain, and how Finnovating can help Fintechs find the right partners to work within the UAE.

    In addition, there was a presentation by H.E. Su Xing, the Secretary-General of the Organizing Committee of the Boao Summit Forum on World Financial Firm Technology from the People’s Republic of China, who highlighted how financial technology has become an important support for the development of countries around the world and how they are using digital technology, data resources, and intelligent technology to promote digitalization. He described the ‘Shenquan Forecasting System,’ which has an accuracy rate of up to 85% and helps guide financial institutions and individual users to increase their accounts up to 4 folds in 13 trading days.

    He also mentioned how China’s financial technology companies are launching various innovative products and services, such as real-time global market forecasting technology, digital currency, artificial intelligence, blockchain, cloud computing, and big data, and have brought these financial technologies into the UAE.

    The digital transformation of the financial sector in the Arab world has been accelerating in recent years. With the rise of financial technology (fintech), traditional financial institutions are increasingly adopting digital solutions to enhance their services and reach new customers. Fintech is also playing a significant role in economic diversification in the region, helping to create new business opportunities and stimulate innovation.

    Experts in this session highlighted that by leveraging advanced technologies such as blockchain, artificial intelligence, and machine learning, fintech startups and established players are transforming the way financial services are delivered in the Arab world, making them more accessible, efficient, and secure. This, in turn, is fuelling economic growth and creating a more diversified and resilient economy in the region.

    -ENDS-

  • Admirals Expands Global Presence with Opening of New Office in Nigeria

    Admirals Expands Global Presence with Opening of New Office in Nigeria

    Global fintech player expands its presence in the African market

    8 May 2023, Lagos – Admirals, a global fintech leader with 22 years of experience and expertise, has announced the establishment of its the physical presence in Nigeria, aiming to further position itself as a major financial services provider on the African continent.

    Admirals offers a wide range of financial products and services to the Nigerian traders, such as trading with stocks, forex and CFDs on indices, metals, energies, stocks, bonds, and digital currencies. It is also set to boost financial literacy in the region with the help of its educational materials such as courses, webinars, seminars, e-books to name a few.

    The inaugural event was held in Lagos at the end of April, featuring prominent financial services industry experts, Boriss Gubaidulin, Admirals Africa Director, Davies Babalola, Admirals Global Sales Team Lead, and Nelson Daramola, stockbroker and authorised dealer on the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX), confirming their commitment to educating and empowering traders with the knowledge and tools needed to succeed in the financial markets.

    Expressing his excitement at the launch event Boriss Gubaidulin, Admirals’ Africa Director, and a veteran in the financial industry said, “We are extremely thrilled to have opened another hub on the African continent.”

    “With Admirals being a well-regulated and renowned global fintech company, we plan to expand our conventional trading by granting access to international financial markets and educational resources in Nigeria,” he continues.

    “Our end goal remains the same, and that is to enhance financial accessibility and literacy for traders in the local region by providing them with strong financial services and support. Admirals is looking forward to helping the growth of our traders, investors, partners, and anyone who is interested in expanding their financial knowledge,” Gubaidulin said.

    Admirals’ Nigeria Manager and Sales Team Lead, Davies Babalola, commented on the launch by stating, “We have received significant traction from traders in Nigeria, which prompted us to establish a local presence to better support our community of local traders in Nigeria.”

    “With this launch we are reiterating our goal to allow traders to safely engage in online forex trading in developing countries, and to diversify their investment portfolio with Admirals’ tailor-made solutions,” Babalola said.

    The Admirals launch event presented attendees with an engaging opportunity to learn about the Admirals brand and the world of trading and investing. Attendees were also informed about the Admirals special trading features such as the Welcome bonus and the No Deposit Bonus, for new and advanced traders to sign up and start trading.

  • State House hosts annual High Achievers event in honour of best performers

    State House hosts annual High Achievers event in honour of best performers

    14 April 2023 | Education

    The President of the Republic, Mr. Wavel Ramkalawan hosted the annual High Achievers Award Ceremony at State House yesterday morning, where some 58 students in public and private schools were recognised for having excelled in the 2022 National and International Examinations in Cambridge IGCSE, and Advanced Level.

    President Ramkalawan congratulated the students for their outstanding performance and on behalf of the country have expressed pride in view that there has been an increase in the number of students that have excelled in their studies this year. He thanked their parents for the support they have given them throughout their studies.

    “I want to encourage you to persevere, never give up, and keep following your dreams. Do not allow yourself to be distracted by what is not important and remember that there is a time for everything and I believe right now your time is to study even harder, have a target, and be focused. I wish you the very best, I know I will be receiving some of you back here when you complete your A’ Levels and I am looking forward to welcoming the others when you complete university. You have the support of everyone, and we will continue to give encouragement for our students to do even better and that challenges are overcome by what we invest in you and what we invest in all those that go through our education system here in Seychelles,” said President Ramkalawan.

    On her part, the Principal Secretary for Education Services, Ms. Merna Eulentin commended the students for their outstanding results where she described them as role models for those who are struggling to pass their exam. She underlined that this event is very important in view that it recognizes the aptitudes of candidates from both; the private and public institutions. She noted that parents, teachers, stakeholders, and everyone else must continue to work together to give every child the best education.

    “Your achievements symbolises the immense pride you have in your education. Please, do take note, that sometimes when you are at your highest peak, which is on top of the mountain, this is where you will encounter a few or many challenges. My advice to you is that you stay focused, keep moving forward, ignore the noise, and think of the bigger picture. Dear parents continue to invest in your children’s education in all the ways possible and I am confident that your rewards will be remarkable,” said Ms. Eulentin.

    Also present was the Minister for Education, Dr. Justin Valentin, Principal Secretary for Education Sector Development, Mr. John Lesperance, Ministry of Education officials, Principals, and teachers from the various schools.

    SOURCE

    State House News Alert, Seychelles

  • Canon Student Development Programme 2023- Unlocking Potential & Empowering Young Photographers

    Canon Student Development Programme 2023- Unlocking Potential & Empowering Young Photographers

    The prestigious programme will allow 100 selected participants to attend key industry events and receive one-to-one mentorship from experts
    DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, April 11, 2023/ — The Canon Student Development Programme 2023 (Canon-CNA.com) aims to provide aspiring photographers with the necessary resources and opportunities to take their careers to the next level and become professional photographers.

    This programme includes a range of valuable offerings, such as mentorships, industry visits, grants, portfolio reviews and networking. Supporting events such as Instagram live sessions (IG live sessions) will be held on Canon’s official Instagram page (https://apo-opa.info/3ZU4wC5), featuring Canon ambassadors and CSDP 2022 Alumni.
    Applications are open until April 16th, 2023. To apply to be a part of the 2023 Canon Student Development Programme or view the entry criteria, please visit: https://apo-opa.info/3JSvaXc

    Summary

    The esteemed Canon Student Development Programme (CSDP) is a platform for young, aspiring photographers to fast-forward their creative journey with the help of rewarding opportunities such as mentorships, grants, industry visits, portfolio reviews and networking. For its seventh edition of CSDP, the prestigious programme will allow 100 selected participants to attend key industry events and receive one-to-one mentorship from experts representing established news agencies and publications, and Canon Ambassadors, along with excellent networking opportunities with influential photographers from across the globe.

    Fueling Aspirations: Inspirational Sessions for Young Minds

    In a bid to spread light about this initiative that seeks to empower young photographers, Canon will host an array of live sessions on Instagram. These sessions will provide key insights on what students can expect from the programme, how they can support their careers through CSDP, and testimonials from previous winners. Canon’s most recent IG live session was held on April 6th with Canon Ambassador, Muhammed Muheisen, and Canon Student Development Programme 2022 Alumni, Samuel Alabi, who shared their experiences about the programme: “Working in the creative industry differs from working in the corporate industries, it is highly significant for creative industry aspirants to network and get involved in opportunities that may provide them with exposure of how the industry works. A programme like CSDP can be highly beneficial for young photographers as it provides myriad opportunities that can help them hone their skills and gain valuable knowledge needed to transition from an ‘amateur’ to a ‘professional’ in the industry,” said Muhammed Muheisen. Samuel Alabi added, “This opportunity changed my life for good. It got me out of the country and gave me a new family, and new opportunities. My work was also exhibited at a photo fair in Paris.”

    The next IG live session will take place on April 13th with Canon Student Development Programme 2022 Alumni, Muhammed Mahdy, along with Egyptian fine art photographer and Canon Ambassador, Menna Hossam, on Canon Central and North Africa’s official Instagram page (https://apo-opa.info/3ZU4wC5): “The Canon Student Development Programme is a ladder for aspiring photographers to jump forward in their careers as it presents invaluable opportunities such as mentorships from well-established professionals in the industry, access to esteemed photojournalists, and networking opportunities. I encourage all young students to become part of CSDP and attend the IG live sessions. This is a great opportunity that can open a lot of doors to accelerate career growth,” said Menna Hossam. When asked about CSDP’s contribution towards career acceleration, Muhammed Mahdy, CSDP 2022 Alumni, said, “A fundamental core towards success is to have resources of knowledge and networks that could help you along your career, and Canon provided that at every stage of the Canon Student Development Programme.”

    Don’t miss out: Apply now!

    Of the 100 selected students to receive mentorship from industry experts as part of the Canon Student Development Programme, 30 students will be invited to participate in a five-day workshop in Girona, Spain including a visit to Visa pour l’Image international photo-journalism festival in Perpignan, France. The final five mentees will receive a €2,000 grant along with an exclusive experience at the third edition of the Hamburg Portfolio Review, and top-of-the-line Canon equipment worth up to €9000 to support their creative journey ahead.

    Interested applicants and students above 18 years of age, or those who completed their course in the 2022-23 academic year, can submit their entries until April 16th, 2023, by clicking on this link- https://apo-opa.info/3JSvaXc

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Canon Central and North Africa (CCNA).

    Media enquiries, please contact
    Canon Central and North Africa
    Mai Youssef
    E-mail: Mai.youssef@canon-me.com

    APO Group – PR Agency
    Rania ElRafie
    E-mail: Rania.ElRafie@apo-opa.com

    About Canon Central and North Africa:
    Canon Central and North Africa (CCNA) (Canon-CNA.com) is a division within Canon Middle East FZ LLC (CME), a subsidiary of Canon Europe. The formation of CCNA in 2015 was a strategic step that aimed to enhance Canon’s business within the Africa region – by strengthening Canon’s in-country presence and focus. CCNA also demonstrates Canon’s commitment to operating closer to its customers and meeting their demands in the rapidly evolving African market.

    Canon has been represented in the African continent for more than 15 years through distributors and partners that have successfully built a solid customer base in the region. CCNA ensures the provision of high quality, technologically advanced products that meet the requirements of Africa’s rapidly evolving marketplace. With over 100 employees, CCNA manages sales and marketing activities across 44 countries in Africa.

    Canon’s corporate philosophy is Kyosei (https://apo-opa.info/3xeczh6) – ‘living and working together for the common good’. CCNA pursues sustainable business growth, focusing on reducing its own environmental impact and supporting customers to reduce theirs using Canon’s products, solutions and services. At Canon, we are pioneers, constantly redefining the world of imaging for the greater good. Through our technology and our spirit of innovation, we push the bounds of what is possible – helping us to see our world in ways we never have before. We help bring creativity to life, one image at a time. Because when we can see our world, we can transform it for the better.

    For more information: Canon-CNA.com

    SOURCE
    Canon Central and North Africa (CCNA)

     

     

  • OIC General Secretariat Disappointed over Afghan Girls’ Ban from University Entrance Exams

    Date: 29/01/2023

    The General Secretariat of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) expressed its disappointment over the decision announced on Saturday 28 January 2023 by the de facto Administration in Afghanistan, banning female students from taking university entrance exams this year in all public and private universities across the country.

    This latest decree further tightens the sweeping restrictions proclaimed by the Kabul de facto authorities on girls’ and women’s access to education and public work. The ban comes shortly after the OIC Executive Committee convened on 11 January 2023 an Extraordinary Meeting on the “Recent Developments and the Humanitarian Situation in Afghanistan”.

    The Final Communique of the meeting vehemently called on the de facto Afghan authorities to “…strive towards reopening schools and universities for girls and enable them to enroll in all levels of education and all specializations required by the Afghan people.”

    The OIC General Secretariat strongly reiterates the Executive Committee’s call. It exhorts the de facto authorities to reconsider this latest decision and earlier similar edicts for the sake of shunning the academic exclusion of girls and women and its far-reaching social and economic ramifications.

    Source:(OIC)

  • OIC General Secretariat Disappointed over Afghan Girls’ Ban from University Entrance Exams

     

    Jeddah, 29 January 2023  
    The General Secretariat of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) expressed its disappointment over the decision announced on Saturday 28 January 2023 by the de facto Administration in Afghanistan, banning female students from taking university entrance exams this year in all public and private universities across the country.
    This latest decree further tightens the sweeping restrictions proclaimed by the Kabul de facto authorities on girls’ and women’s access to education and public work. The ban comes shortly after the OIC Executive Committee convened on 11 January 2023 an Extraordinary Meeting on the “Recent Developments and the Humanitarian Situation in Afghanistan”.
    The Final Communique of the meeting vehemently called on the de facto Afghan authorities to “…strive towards reopening schools and universities for girls and enable them to enroll in all levels of education and all specializations required by the Afghan people.”
    The OIC General Secretariat strongly reiterates the Executive Committee’s call. It exhorts the de facto authorities to reconsider this latest decision and earlier similar edicts for the sake of shunning the academic exclusion of girls and women and its far-reaching social and economic ramifications.
    Source:(Source)