Technology August 19, 2020

Bayo Adekanmbi, CTO MTN Nigeria to speak as South Africa’s Minister of Communication and Digital Technologies to open AI Expo Africa 2020

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South Africa’s Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams is set to deliver the opening keynote at AI Expo Africa 2020.

The expo, which will this year be held as an online event, will take place on 3 and 4 September. Now in its third year, AI Expo Africa is the continent’s largest trade-focused Artificial Intelligence, Robotic Process Automation, and Data Science business conference.

Minister Ndabeni-Abrahams stated, “This event is taking place at a time when the whole world is grappling with new realities and a new normal brought about by the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic. Advances in artificial intelligence technologies hold the promise of bringing us closer to finding lasting solutions to help us solve the challenges we are facing as humanity. The world is undergoing fundamental changes due to advances in technology and progress made in the field of artificial intelligence (AI). Similarly the continent and my country South Africa, are going through same profound changes”

This year’s speaker line-up features keynotes by Kay Firth-Butterfield, Head of AI and Machine Learning at the World Economic Forum; Neil Sahota, IBM Master Inventor, UN AI expert and lecturer at University of California, and Fred Werner, Head of Strategic Engagement at the International Telecommunication Union, and Bayo Adekanmbi, CTO MTN Nigeria and founder of Data Science Nigeria, as well as Prof Tshilidzi Marwala, and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Johannesburg and Deputy Head of the 4IR Commission of South Africa.

AI Expo Africa 2020 has drawn heavyweight vendors like SAP, Huawei Cloud, Blue Prism, UiPath, Intel, Dell, Microsoft and Genesys who will be exhibiting their solutions and products at the expo. They will be joined by a contingent of local startups that includes Ashanti AI, Botlhale AI Solutions, DotModus, Predictive Insights, FinChatBot, FIRtech, Learning Machines, Kenai, Heat Vision A.I, WizzPass, Zindi, Synthesis and Future Fragment.

The expo will also feature dedicated French, Dutch and Swiss pavilions where startups from the three respective countries will showcase their AI and Data Science innovations and solutions.

In addition, delegates can also look forward to an Intel Youth in AI ePavilion which aims to foster inclusion of youth-focused AI entities and initiatives.

Nick Bradshaw, co-founder of AI Media Group curators of AI Expo Africa stated, “This is the 3rd year of us running the AI Expo Africa event and with he impact of COVID we have taken the entire community online this year. It means we can reach more countries and include more people. Uniquely this platform not only allows us to run our 2 day business event, but it also serves as a 30 day learning platform after the main event end. All the talks, vendor booths, posters and content are available for young people, students, entrepreneurs and learners from across South Africa and wider Africa to join us and learn about the latest technology driving the 4IR in Africa. Its a great opportunity for big business to find new buyers and suppliers, for start-ups to find more clients, and for young people to learn and even find a job. The reach of this online eConference will be bigger that our previous two shows – we cant wait to welcome everyone on 3rd September.”

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Nigeria Partners with UK’s Zander Corporation to Combat Desertification and Boost Agriculture

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In a move aimed at transforming agricultural practices and restoring degraded lands across Nigeria’s most vulnerable ecological zones, the Federal Government is set to enter into a strategic partnership with the United Kingdom’s Zander Corporation.

The decision was reached during a high-level meeting held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, between Nigerian government officials and the management team of Zander Corporation, led by Lord Raymond Benedict Asquith, the 3rd Earl of Oxford and Asquith OBE, a member of the UK House of Lords.

Speaking at the meeting, the Nigerian government reaffirmed its commitment to afforestation as a core strategy in combating desertification, promoting sustainable land use, and ensuring long-term agricultural productivity. Officials emphasized the need for innovative biotechnology solutions to address the challenges of land degradation and food security in the country.

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Canon Miraisha Programme Expands Collaboration With Kings & Queens Art Academy in Nigeria to Empower Youth in Bariga and Makoko

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Canon Central and North Africa (www.Canon-CNA.com), the leading printing and imaging solutions provider, is pleased to announce the expansion of its inspiring collaboration with Kings and Queens Art Academy in Lagos, Nigeria, aimed at nurturing young talent. Building on the outstanding achievements of the previous year, in which 100 aspiring young students from Bariga in Lagos received training in photography and filmmaking, this year will see the initiative, under Canon’s Miraisha Programme, extend to Makoko community, one of the largest slum communities in Africa.

Embodying Canon’s corporate philosophy, “Kyosei”, which means living and working together for the common good, 120 young individuals from both communities will have the opportunity to receive photography and filmmaking training through a series of four comprehensive week-long workshops during March and April. This year’s increased participation rate, with an emphasis on gender balance, reflects Canon’s strong commitment to diversity and inclusive…

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7 Simple Ways to Get Paid on Time Without Chasing Customers

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Running a business in Nigeria isn’t just about providing quality products or services; it’s also about making sure you get paid on time. Too often, business owners find themselves chasing payments, sending repeated reminders, and struggling with cash flow gaps. According to a PwC report, 48% of Nigerian SMEs experience delayed payments, which can disrupt operations, affect salaries, and slow down business growth.

But the real cost of these delays isn’t just the stress of waiting—it’s the uncertainty it creates. Businesses struggle to plan ahead, restock inventory, pay workers, or even keep the lights on. Without predictable payments, expansion is nearly impossible, and owners are left firefighting short-term financial struggles rather than focusing on growth.

If you’re tired of chasing customers for money, here are seven simple ways to ensure you get paid on time—without the stress. The seventh tip includes a newly unveiled tech tool.

1….

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Nigeria Hosts Landmark International Submarine Cable Resilience Summit in Abuja

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In a historic move for the country’s digital and telecommunications landscape, Nigeria successfully hosted the inaugural International Submarine Cable Resilience Summit in Abuja last week. The summit, which focused on the protection and security of subsea cables, was organized by the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy in collaboration with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the International Cable Protection Committee (ICPC). The event gathered key stakeholders from around the world to address the pressing issue of subsea cable security, a critical component of global internet infrastructure.

Dr. Bosun Tijani, Nigeria’s Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, expressed his deep pride and appreciation for the trust placed in Nigeria to host such a significant global event. Reflecting on the summit’s importance, Dr. Tijani emphasized, “The significance of the trust placed in us to host an event of this nature is not…

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CBN Joins Global Leaders in London to Celebrate Women in Central Banking

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The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has reaffirmed its commitment to gender inclusion and women’s empowerment in the financial sector by participating in Citibank’s inaugural Women in Central Banking event. Held in London, United Kingdom, on March 10, 2025, the prestigious gathering brought together top female leaders from central banks, financial institutions, and policy-making bodies across the world in celebration of International Women’s Day.

The event provided a significant platform to recognize the increasing role of women in shaping economic policies, financial regulations, and monetary stability across different regions. It also highlighted the progress made in breaking barriers for women in financial governance while addressing the ongoing challenges of gender disparity in leadership roles within the global financial ecosystem.

Distinguished Female Leaders in Attendance

Among the prominent financial experts and policymakers present at the event were:

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Payments Forum Nigeria (PAFON 2.0) Set to Address Customer Experience in AI-Driven Payment Ecosystem

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The highly anticipated Payments Forum Nigeria (PAFON) 2.0 is set to convene industry leaders, policymakers, fintech innovators, and key stakeholders to discuss the evolving landscape of digital payments, with a special focus on cybersecurity, trust, and regulatory compliance in the AI era.

PAFON 2.0, scheduled to take place on April 10, 2025 at the Function Room 1, Oriental Hotel, Lagos, builds on the success of its inaugural edition, solidifying its position as Nigeria’s premier platform for thought leadership in payments innovation.

This year’s theme, “Bridging the Customer Experience Gap for Financial Inclusion Using AI”, underscores the urgent need to safeguard digital transactions against emerging threats while ensuring seamless financial inclusion and innovation.

EBEHIJIE J. MOMOH, Chief Executive Officer, AfriGOPay Financial Services Limited, has been scheduled to present the keynote.

Other Speakers | participants are drawn the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN); e-Banking Heads;…

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FG Reinforces Commitment to Maritime Growth to Boost Coastal Trade, Job Creation

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In a significant move to revitalize Nigeria’s maritime industry, the Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to unlocking the sector’s full potential.

The Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, provided this assurance during a weekend meeting in Abuja with the Director-General and CEO of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dayo Mobereola. The discussions centered on fast-tracking the deployment of the Cabotage Vessel Financing Fund (CVFF), a crucial initiative aimed at supporting the growth of indigenous shipping companies.

The meeting focused on unlocking financing for local shipowners, reinforcing the government’s commitment to expanding coastal trade, creating jobs, and strengthening Nigeria’s position in the global shipping industry. Key stakeholders emphasized the need for efficient utilization of the funds to ensure the CVFF delivers maximum impact and positions Nigeria’s maritime industry for long-term growth.

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NDPC Strengthens Judicial Sector with Data Protection Workshop

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In a significant step towards bolstering data protection awareness in Nigeria’s judicial sector, the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) has conducted a capacity-building workshop for Fellows and ICT staff of the National Judicial Institute (NJI). The workshop follows a recent high-level visit by NDPC officials to the NJI, reinforcing the commitment to enhancing data privacy and security within the judiciary.

Speaking at the opening session, the National Commissioner and CEO of the NDPC, Dr. Vincent Olatunji, expressed satisfaction with the swift implementation of this collaborative initiative. He underscored the crucial role of data protection and privacy for judicial officers and ICT professionals, emphasizing that safeguarding data is key to upholding the rights of Nigerian citizens.