Culled from remarks by Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede CFR, Chairman, Access Holdings & Coronation Group (www.Coronation.ng)

 

Gazelles. Camels. Elephants. In the language of venture capital, we have a full menagerie to describe a startup’s growth progression. However, in the past decade, the ultimate aspiration remains the unicorn: privately held companies valued at over $1 billion. Globally, there are approximately 1,200 unicorns across various industries, and while Africa’s list is smaller, it is growing. As of February 2023, the seven identified African unicorns predominantly operate in the fintech and digital sectors, addressing payment challenges across the continent.

For many startups in Africa, achieving unicorn status remains a distant dream due to structural challenges. To bridge this gap, governments and the private sector must foster ecosystems that nurture innovation and entrepreneurial growth at all levels.

Under ideal circumstances, gazelles—fast-growing companies essential for economic growth and employment—can mature into unicorns. These unicorns, in turn, can evolve into elephants: mega-companies that dominate markets. However, the key lies in cultivating gazelles first. Across Africa, there is a clear need to focus on five imperatives that can drive this transformation:

  1. Talent Catalysation
    Talent is Africa’s greatest asset, yet its potential is being hindered by ongoing skills migration. Educational systems must promote a culture of innovation while ensuring local talent remains competitive. Without nurturing our intellectual capital, startups cannot thrive.
  2. Infrastructure Development
    Startups struggle to scale without reliable infrastructure. Basic access to internet and energy, which is taken for granted elsewhere, remains a challenge in many regions. The fintech sector has flourished precisely because pioneers tackled Africa’s underdeveloped payment systems head-on. Addressing similar gaps in logistics, transportation, and energy will unlock opportunities across other industries.
  3. Startup Support Systems
    Government-sponsored accelerators and incubator programs have proven effective in nurturing small and medium enterprises. Egypt provides an excellent example, where 40% of its startups have leveraged such initiatives, fueling rapid growth in its tech sector. Replicating this success across more African nations will bolster innovation.
  4. Access to Venture Capital
    Venture capital funding is vital to an innovation economy. It complements traditional bank loans by providing startups with resources to scale and innovate. However, a legislative environment that mitigates investment risk is necessary to attract investors.
  5. Policy as a Catalyst
    The right policies can deliberately stimulate demand, develop successful businesses, and strengthen economies. From tax incentives to startup-friendly regulations, policy frameworks must be tailored to nurture gazelles and unicorns alike.

 

The private sector also has a crucial role to play. Africa’s world-class banking sector has already proven its ability to facilitate growth, whether through funding, strategic partnerships, or economic advisory. Collaboration with governments can provide the support startups need to achieve scale and sustainability.

Yet, achieving unicorn status comes with its own challenges: lofty revenue expectations, intensified scrutiny from regulators and competitors, and demanding boardroom dynamics. Recent economic events, including the pandemic and the “great market reset” of 2021/2022, further underscore the volatility. African startups must adopt disruptive approaches to not only achieve but maintain unicorn status on a global scale.

Successful startups demonstrate three critical attributes: a clear value proposition, a scalable business model, and an unmatched understanding of their target market. Combined with visionary leadership capable of executing plans at scale, these factors allow African companies to compete globally.

To vastly increase the number of gazelles—and by extension, the likelihood of unicorns—stakeholders must work together to overcome existing barriers. Governments, private sector players, and policymakers each have a role in redefining industries, creating jobs, and building Africa’s economic resilience. The path to success is challenging, but with deliberate efforts, Africa’s unicorns and elephants will reshape the future.

Vodacom Group (www.Vodacom.com) has been named Africa’s number one employer by the Top Employers Institute for the second year running. This prestigious certification and first place ranking have also been awarded to Vodacom Group, Vodacom South Africa, Vodacom Mozambique, Vodacom Tanzania and Safaricom Kenya.

 

The Top Employers Institute Companies bestows this accolade to companies based on their performance in key HR domains such as people strategy, work environment, talent acquisition, learning, and well-being.

“We are incredibly proud to be certified as the Top Employer in Africa for the second year in a row. We believe that the well-being of our employees contributes directly to our ability to fulfil our purpose of connecting for a better future. By continually enhancing our Employee Value Proposition through empathetic and inclusive policies and practices, we are cultivating a workplace culture where people feel valued, empowered, and inspired to reach their full potential,” says Shameel Joosub, CEO of Vodacom Group.

As we embark on a new year, we want to encourage young people, whether they’re students, job seekers or aspiring entrepreneurs, to benefit from the Digital Skills Hub

In 2024, Vodacom strengthened its Employee Value Proposition with employee offerings that endorse its commitment to creating an inclusive and supportive workplace. With an emphasis on Compassion, Acceptance, Respect and Empathy (C.A.R.E.), the company’s enhanced wellness initiatives include support for all stages of life, such as menopause, and a more encompassing family responsibility leave policy.

“Maintaining our position as Africa’s Top Employer once again demonstrates our dedication to enabling our employees to thrive. However, our focus on nurturing talent and career development in the tech industry extends to the millions of young people across the continent who are the future of work. There is an urgent need to prepare the next generation for the rapidly evolving digital economy. To this end, we have launched the Digital Skills Hub, with the goal to equip one million young people in Africa by 2027 by providing access to self-paced, digital skills training for those aged between 18 and 35,” says Matimba Mbungela, Chief Human Resources Officer at Vodacom Group.

Developed in collaboration with other tech organisations, including Amazon Web Services and Microsoft, the Vodacom Digital Skills Hub aims to boost digital literacy across Africa, bridging the digital skills gap across eight African countries including in South Africa, Ethiopia, Tanzania, Mozambique, Lesotho, Egypt, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Kenya.

The Vodacom Digital Skills Hub is designed to empower the next generation, to consider a career in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), and entails fun and engaging practical digital skills training for young people on the continent. AWS Educate is one of the first programs to be offered through the Digital Skills Hub and an additional program to Vodacom’s various existing online learning platforms. AWS Educate offers beginners an extensive library of self-paced online training that covers a range of topics from cloud fundamentals to artificial intelligence and machine learning.

“As we embark on a new year, we want to encourage young people, whether they’re students, job seekers or aspiring entrepreneurs, to benefit from the Digital Skills Hub. By supporting digital skills training as a Top Employer, we are empowering the next workforce and ensuring that everyone can connect to a better future,” concludes Joosub.

At Menxtt Technology NG, your best plug for smartphones and heavy-duty laptops, we always keep you informed about the latest tech trends. If you’ve ever wondered why different smartphones use different chipsets, we’ve got the answers!

Why Do Smartphone Brands Use Different Chipsets?

Smartphone manufacturers choose different chipsets based on:
Performance Needs – Flagship phones need high-speed, AI-driven processors, while budget phones prioritize efficiency and battery life.
Battery Optimization – Efficient chipsets like Apple’s A-series and Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 use advanced 3nm technology to reduce power consumption.
Gaming & Graphics – Powerhouses like Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 and MediaTek Dimensity 9300 handle high-performance gaming with top-tier GPUs.
Camera & AI Processing – AI-driven chipsets like Google’s Tensor G3 and Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 enhance photography and video quality.
5G & Connectivity – Some chipsets include faster 5G modems for better internet speed and call quality.

Top Smartphone Chipsets and Their Use Cases

📌 Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 – For flagship Android gaming and AI tasks.
📌 Apple A17 Pro – Unmatched speed and security in iPhones.
📌 MediaTek Dimensity 9300 – High-speed AI processing and photography.
📌 Google Tensor G3 – Smart AI-driven performance in Pixel devices.

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By Okeh Onyekachi

In a world where success is often met with skepticism, it is alarming how easily people wish misfortune upon others, especially those who have worked their way to prominence. Obinna Iyiegbu, popularly known as Obi Cubana, is a prime example of this phenomenon. Some of you are disappointed that he has not been arrested, eagerly waiting for a downfall that may never come. You may have to live with that disappointment for a long time—perhaps even for the rest of your lives.

It is astonishing how quickly people latch onto rumors and baseless allegations, weaving elaborate tales without a shred of credible evidence. Some have confidently claimed that Obi Cubana is involved in illegal activities, suggesting that Abba Kyari was merely a front for him. But let’s take a moment to reflect: What is the real motivation behind such claims? Are they based on facts, or are they a projection of our own cynicism and bitterness?

Success in Nigeria, and indeed in many parts of the world, often comes with undue scrutiny. Many find it difficult to believe that wealth can be acquired through legitimate means. Instead of celebrating a person’s achievements, some would rather dig deep, searching for dirt—even when none exists. But here is the harsh truth: if your desire to prove a false narrative leads you to actively wish for someone’s downfall, you need to take a closer look at yourself. You may be allowing negativity to consume you, transforming you into a person who finds satisfaction in the misfortunes of others.

Why is there such an eager anticipation for scandal? What exactly has this man done to warrant such bitterness from so many? Is it simply because he has defied the odds and become incredibly successful? If you live to a ripe old age and he is never convicted of any crime, will you have the courage to admit that you were wrong? More importantly, would you be bold enough to ask for forgiveness for the lies and negative energy you have projected?

We must ask ourselves: Do we truly believe that success is only possible through illegitimate means? Have we become so accustomed to corruption and criminality that we assume anyone who rises to wealth and prominence must have done so dishonestly? If so, we must reevaluate our perspectives. The truth is that while some may cut corners to achieve success, many others build their empires through hard work, discipline, and smart decision-making.

If your hope for Obi Cubana’s arrest is rooted in a genuine desire for justice, that is understandable. However, if it is merely to validate your own prejudices, assumptions, or misguided predictions, then perhaps it is time to reflect. What do you truly gain from wishing evil upon another man? Does it bring you wealth? Does it improve your life? Or does it simply serve as an excuse for your own lack of progress?

I do not claim to know Obi Cubana personally, nor can I vouch for every aspect of his business dealings. But one thing is certain—until proven otherwise, he remains a man who has built a name for himself through hard work, determination, and strategic thinking. If, God forbid, he is ever found guilty of wrongdoing, then he will face the consequences. However, until that day—if it ever comes—why not direct your energy towards your own personal and professional growth instead of fixating on someone else’s potential downfall?

The world is vast, and opportunities abound. The sky is wide enough for all birds to fly. Instead of waiting for someone else’s wings to break, why not strengthen your own and take flight?

ThinkCyber Nigeria proudly announces the appointment of Ikem Michael Uche, Country Director of ThinkCyber Nigeria Ltd, as a Wazuh Ambassador. This prestigious recognition underscores his dedication to advancing open-source cybersecurity solutions and enhancing security awareness across Africa and beyond.

Driving Open-Source Security Adoption

As a Wazuh Ambassador, Ikem will champion the adoption of Security Information and Event Management (SIEM), Extended Detection and Response (XDR), and Compliance solutions through the Wazuh open-source platform. His efforts will focus on equipping businesses, institutions, and cybersecurity professionals with cutting-edge security tools, while also integrating ThinkCyber Nigeria’s training cohorts into the Wazuh infrastructure.

A Leader in Cybersecurity Education

With extensive experience in cybersecurity education, workforce development, and penetration testing, Ikem Michael Uche has played a pivotal role in shaping the next generation of cybersecurity professionals. Through ThinkCyber Nigeria’s simulator-based training programs, he has been instrumental in enhancing SOC operations, threat intelligence, and security resilience.

“This role is more than a title—it’s a commitment,” said Ikem Michael Uche. “Wazuh is transforming cybersecurity with its open-source SIEM and XDR solutions. As an ambassador, I am dedicated to closing the knowledge gap, delivering hands-on training, and collaborating with industry experts to strengthen Africa’s cybersecurity defenses.”

Impact on the Cybersecurity Community

As a Wazuh Ambassador, Ikem will actively:
✅ Advocate for open-source security solutions to drive adoption and awareness.
✅ Deliver specialized training for cybersecurity professionals and organizations.
✅ Collaborate with global cybersecurity leaders to enhance security operations.
✅ Share expertise on advanced threat detection, incident response, and compliance strategies.

Strengthening Cyber Defenses in Africa

With cyber threats becoming increasingly sophisticated, organizations need proactive security strategies. Wazuh’s open-source security platform offers scalable and cost-effective solutions to enhance security operations.

ThinkCyber Nigeria congratulates Ikem Michael Uche on this well-earned recognition and looks forward to the transformative impact of his leadership in strengthening cybersecurity across Africa and beyond.

Wazuh is a leading open-source security platform offering SIEM, XDR, and compliance solutions worldwide. It provides real-time threat detection, analysis, and response to help organizations maintain strong cybersecurity defenses.

ThinkCyber Nigeria Ltd is a premier cybersecurity training company, leveraging advanced simulation technology to equip professionals with industry-ready skills. Through its world-class Cyberium Arena & Specto simulator training, ThinkCyber is shaping the next generation of cybersecurity leaders in Africa.

#WazuhAmbassador #CyberSecurity #SIEM #XDR #OpenSourceSecurity #ThinkCyber #ThreatDetection #IncidentResponse

 

 

 

Today Friday, 14th February 2025 marks a significant milestone in the Federal Government of Nigeria’s efforts to secure the socio-economic wellbeing of the future generation, as the ground was opened for commencement of construction of the Sustainable & Emerging Technologies Institute (SETI) under the aegis of the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), The Presidency.

 

The Executive Vice Chaiman/Chief Executive Officer (EVC/CEO) of NASENI, Mr. Khalil Suleiman Halilu during the Ground-breaking ceremony held at the Bayero University Kano (BUK) New Campus said the new institute sits on 30 hectares of the BUK land to be built, featuring state-of-the-art facilities, including innovation hubs devoted to Artificial Intelligence and other cutting-edge technologies, complemented by reliable power supply. “NASENI will fully build and equip and support the new Institute” said the EVC/CEO.

 

The future of socio-economic development for nations rests on human creativity, innovation and cooperation, Artificial intelligence, robotics amongst others.

 

Halilu said that the establishment of SETI in Nigeria is to rapidly respond to the waves of young people globally revolutionizing world economies with unprecedented emergence of socio-economic frontiers as by-products of innovations and ingenuities of these young minds.

 

“We in NASENI are firm believers in the potential of young Nigerians to be the prime catalysts of the type of transformation that Nigeria requires. And we will do everything within our powers to support them to fulfil this important responsibility”

 

“We are gathered here today to kickstart a project that will transform the lives and careers of future generations of young Nigerians. The Sustainable & Emerging Technologies Institute (SETI), located at the Bayero University Kano (BUK) by NASENI. This is very much in line with our operating principles; what we call our 3Cs: Collaboration, Creation, and Commercialization. These 3Cs are the principles that passionately drive us and guide the work that we do to ensure the industrialization of Nigeria in line with the Renewed Hope agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”

 

SETI will produce innovators, technologists, entrepreneurs who will make their mark not just in Nigeria but around the world. “I’m eagerly looking forward to the day, not too long from now, when the Institute’s first set of beneficiaries will astonish the world with what they’re capable of accomplishing. These stories will put not just BUK on the global innovation map, but also Kano State and the entire Nigeria” said Halilu.

 

While carrying out the symbolic foundation laying ceremony of the institute as Special Guest of Honour, the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Geoffrey Nnaji, described the project as not only laudable but NASENI’s another way of fast-tracking  the placing of Nigeria on the global map of innovation and industrialization. The minister called the project an “ace project” and a pointer to secure a veritable socio-economic development for the nation.

 

In his goodwill message, the Vice Chancellor of BUK, Professor Sagir Adamu Abbas described the new institute as a vehicle for bringing together the three critical tripods for economic and sustainable development for nations, that is, the government, academia and industry. He described the ground-breaking event as the beginning of Nigeria’s journey in pursuit of sustainable development, massive job creation opportunities for the youths, and that the BUK was delighted to be host to such laudable initiative and momentum.

 

There is also, in addition to SETI, a second NASENI project for BUK is an Agri-preneurship Training Hub, that will be equipped with modern greenhouses, and facilities for Soil-less Farming, and Tissue Culture; occupying 10 hectares of land at the Old Campus. These projects collectively represent what NASENI stands for, that is, building capacity, advancing industrialization, supporting economic growth and prosperity.

 

NASENI appreciates the Government and people of Kano State, and the Vice Chancellor, management and students of Bayero University Kano (BUK), for all the support. Special gratitude goes to the Honourable Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Geoffrey Nnaji, the Special Guest of Honour.

 

NASENI thanked members of the National Assembly for their support, especially the NASENI oversight Committees in both chambers. And of course, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who has given NASENI the opportunity to serve Nigeria through his unwavering demonstration of commitment to the success of the Agency.

 

The family of the late chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Dr. Cairo Ojougboh, led by his wife, Mrs. Bose Ojougboh, marked his one-year memorial anniversary with a series of charitable initiatives aimed at honoring his legacy of philanthropy and service to society.

 

The memorial activities included the donation of school books and bags to pupils of Erigbe Primary School, in Agbor within the Ika South Local Government Area (LGA) of Delta State, where Dr. Ojougboh had received his early education.

The outreach also included extension of financial assistance to patients at Central Hospital, Agbor, and the provision of toiletries, cash, and food items to children at the Salve Regina Children’s Home, Agbor.Bose Ojougboh (@graceboseojougboh) • Instagram photos and videos

 

The outreach was carried out under the ‘Dr. Cairo Ojougboh Foundation’, a family-led initiative established to immortalise him and continue his lifelong commitment to education, healthcare, and social welfare.

Speaking during the event which took place recently, Mrs. Ojougboh reaffirmed the family’s dedication to sustaining the ideals of the late APC chieftain, describing him as a man who strongly believed in education and giving back to society.

“We are here to celebrate the life of my husband, Late Dr. Cairo Ojougboh, who passed on a year ago. In his honour, we decided to give back to society. He was a man who valued education and was always willing to help others. It is only fitting that we continue his legacy through acts of generosity,” she stated.

 

“Dr. Cairo was a selfless man who touched many lives. His contributions to the Nigerian political landscape, his mark in Agbor Kingdom, Delta State, and the country at large, will always be remembered. He may be gone, but his impact will continue to be felt for generations,” she said.

Honouring his passion for education

 

The first visit was to Erigbe Primary School, where Dr. Ojougboh had received his early education. The Foundation distributed school bags, writing materials, and food packs to the pupils. The family encouraged the pupils to take their education seriously and strive to become responsible citizens.

 

Supporting patients at Central Hospital, Agbor

At Central Hospital, Agbor, Mrs. Ojougboh and her entourage moved through the medical wards, offering financial support to patients to assist with their treatment costs. The hospital staff and beneficiaries responded with prayers and words of gratitude for the kind gesture.

Reaching out to orphaned children

The outreach team also visited Salve Regina Children’s Home in Agbor where they donated cash, food items, and toiletries to the children. The Matron of the home expressed her deep appreciation to the Ojougboh family, commending their commitment to sustaining the late politician’s legacy of compassion and social impact.

Dr. Cairo Ojougboh’s enduring legacy

 

Grace Bose Ojougboh (@GraceOjougboh) / XReflecting on her late husband’s contributions to society, Mrs. Ojougboh emphasised that his legacy of generosity and service to humanity would not be forgotten.

 

“Dr. Cairo was a selfless man who touched many lives. His contributions to the Nigerian political landscape, his mark in Agbor Kingdom, Delta State, and the country at large, will always be remembered. He may be gone, but his impact will continue to be felt for generations,” she said.

 

The Dr. Cairo Ojougboh Foundation has pledged to continue supporting education, healthcare, and social welfare initiatives in his memory, ensuring that his vision for a better society lives on.

The Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, has warned that Nigeria will take decisive action if Canada fails to address the controversy surrounding its refusal to grant a visa to the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa.

Matawalle made this assertion in an official statement signed by Iyogun Sunday, Director of Information and Public Relations at the Ministry of Defence. He emphasized that Nigeria must assert itself on the global stage, particularly in light of the recent diplomatic incident in which General Musa and other members of the Nigerian delegation were denied entry visas to Canada.

The delegation had been scheduled to attend a major event honouring Nigerian war veterans in Canada, but their travel plans were abruptly halted due to the visa denials.

Expressing deep disappointment, the minister condemned the action as a direct challenge to Nigeria’s sovereignty and international standing.

“This is not a mere bureaucratic mistake; it is an affront to our national dignity and integrity. We cannot allow our country to be disrespected in this way on the global stage,” Matawalle declared.

He called for an urgent investigation into the matter, insisting that Nigeria must not remain passive in the face of such treatment.

“We cannot afford to be passive in the face of such disrespect. The Nigerian government must take a strong diplomatic position. If we do not receive a satisfactory explanation, we must be prepared to take appropriate and assertive action,” he warned.

The visa denial has raised concerns over Canada’s treatment of Nigerian military officials and the broader implications for diplomatic relations between the two nations. It remains to be seen how the Nigerian government will respond if the issue remains unresolved.

 In a significant push toward enhancing digital learning in Nigeria, Airtel Nigeria and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) reaffirmed their commitment to education through a high-profile visit to St. Agnes Nursery and Primary School, Mende, Lagos. Leading the delegation was Airtel Group CEO, Sunil Taldar, accompanied by Airtel Nigeria CEO, Dinesh Balsingh, as they assessed the impact of the Reimagine Education program—a partnership aimed at improving access to quality education for children nationwide.

The visit provided an opportunity for Airtel’s leadership to observe firsthand how the initiative is transforming learning experiences through digital tools, internet connectivity, and modern educational platforms. The Reimagine Education program, launched in collaboration with UNICEF, seeks to empower students and teachers by integrating technology into classrooms, ensuring that children, particularly in underserved areas, receive high-quality education.

One of the key highlights of the visit was an interactive session where Mr. Taldar observed students and teachers engaging with the Nigeria Learning Passport (NLP)—a digital platform designed to enhance learning through online resources, virtual lessons, and self-paced studies.

“What I witnessed today at St. Agnes is truly remarkable,” Taldar remarked, emphasizing how the use of technology is reshaping traditional learning methods and making education more accessible to Nigerian students.

Also in attendance was the Lagos State Commissioner for Education, Hon. Jamiu Tolani Alli-Balogun, who commended Airtel and UNICEF for their efforts in bridging the digital divide in education. He acknowledged that such partnerships are essential in driving the government’s vision of leveraging technology to improve learning outcomes across the state.

Expanding Access to Digital Learning Across Nigeria

St. Agnes Primary School is one of over 1,200 schools nationwide benefiting from the Airtel-UNICEF Reimagine Education initiative. The program has equipped schools with digital tablets, internet connectivity, and access to curated educational content, enabling teachers and students to interact with global-standard learning materials.

Through this initiative, students can now engage in interactive lessons, access a vast repository of knowledge, and develop essential digital skills that will prepare them for the future. Teachers also receive specialized training to effectively integrate technology into their teaching methodologies, ensuring that digital education is maximized for better learning outcomes.

Airtel’s Commitment to Nigeria’s Education Sector

The partnership between Airtel Nigeria and UNICEF underscores Airtel’s broader corporate social responsibility (CSR) strategy, which prioritizes education, digital inclusion, and youth empowerment. By investing in initiatives like Reimagine Education, Airtel aims to bridge the digital divide, empower students with essential 21st-century skills, and contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4, which focuses on quality education for all.

As Airtel Nigeria continues to expand its digital education footprint, the company remains committed to leveraging technology to transform learning experiences, ensuring that no child is left behind in the rapidly evolving digital landscape.

“This initiative is just the beginning,” said Dinesh Balsingh, CEO of Airtel Nigeria. “We are dedicated to scaling this program to reach more schools, empower more students, and create a lasting impact in Nigeria’s education sector.”

With technology playing an increasingly pivotal role in education, collaborations like the Airtel-UNICEF Reimagine Education program stand as a beacon of hope for Nigeria’s young learners, promising a future where every child has access to quality, technology-driven education.

The power sector is undergoing a rapid transformation, with Artificial Intelligence (AI) playing a central role in enhancing efficiency, reliability, and sustainability, according to Folake Soetan, CEO of Ikeja Electric.

In a statement, Soetan highlighted how AI is revolutionizing the industry by predicting failures before they occur, optimizing energy distribution, and improving the integration of renewable energy sources into the national grid. She emphasized that AI-powered predictive maintenance is helping utilities detect potential faults in transformers, power lines, and substations, thereby reducing downtime and preventing costly outages.

“Power outages can be costly and disruptive. AI-driven predictive maintenance allows utilities to analyze data from sensors and historical trends, enabling them to identify and address potential failures before they happen. This ensures a more stable power supply,” she explained.

Beyond maintenance, AI is also reshaping energy distribution by balancing electricity supply and demand in real time. As energy consumption fluctuates throughout the day, AI-driven systems help utilities allocate power more efficiently, reducing waste, lowering costs, and improving overall grid performance.

The integration of renewable energy sources remains a key focus for the industry, and AI is proving to be a game-changer in managing their unpredictability. “AI helps analyze weather patterns and adjust energy production from solar and wind sources accordingly, ensuring a more stable and seamless integration of renewables into the grid,” Soetan stated.

However, despite AI’s transformative potential, Soetan pointed out that the biggest challenge lies in adoption. She stressed that for digital transformation in the power sector to succeed, there must be a concerted effort to develop skilled talent, improve infrastructure, and encourage a shift in mindset towards modern energy management practices.

“The question is, are we ready to maximize AI’s potential in the energy sector? While the technology is here, its success depends on how well we embrace it,” she said.

As AI continues to reshape the power industry, stakeholders, including governments, businesses, and consumers, are being urged to collaborate in leveraging its full potential to create a more efficient and sustainable energy future.