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Renowned Pan-Africanist, John Kofi Annan, Extends Gracious Letter to President Paul Kagame of Rwanda

Renowned Pan-Africanist, John Kofi Annan, Extends Gracious Letter to President Paul Kagame of Rwanda

 

Esteemed Pan-African advocate, John Kofi Annan, has penned a heartfelt letter addressed to His Excellency Paul Kagame, President of Rwanda, in which he expressed deep admiration and appreciation for President Kagame’s exceptional leadership over the past 23 years. The letter commended President Kagame’s transformative efforts in Rwanda and respectfully advocated for a graceful transition of power to foster the nation’s continuous progress and prosperity.

Under President Kagame’s visionary leadership, Rwanda has emerged as a beacon of development and progress on the African continent. The letter lauded President Kagame’s unwavering commitment to rebuilding Rwanda following historical challenges and praised the remarkable strides achieved in various sectors, including economic growth, infrastructure development, healthcare, education, and women’s empowerment.

Mr. Annan invoked the spirit of iconic figures such as Nelson Mandela in South Africa and Flt. Lt. Jerry John Rawlings in Ghana, emphasizing the importance of democratic governance and the legacy of leadership transitions. He urged President Kagame to consider this opportune moment for Rwanda to embrace fresh leadership, outlining key reasons for his plea:

  1. Institutionalization of Progress: Mr. Annan noted that transitioning power could help institutionalize and sustain the remarkable progress Rwanda has achieved, ensuring its continuity beyond any individual leader’s tenure.
  2. Youth Empowerment and Innovation: Recognizing the potential and innovative ideas within Rwanda’s youth, Mr. Annan suggested that stepping aside could open doors for younger leaders who can harness the energy and creativity of the youth to drive the nation forward.
  3. Strengthening Democratic Institutions: Transitioning power, he argued, would further strengthen Rwanda’s democratic institutions, encouraging participatory governance and instilling a sense of ownership among citizens regarding their country’s future.
  4. Elder Statesman Role: The letter proposed that President Kagame assume the role of an elder statesman, offering wisdom, insights, and experience to guide Rwanda’s development from a different perspective, without the day-to-day responsibilities of the presidency.
  5. Smooth Succession Planning: Mr. Annan emphasized that an orderly transition would facilitate carefully planned succession, minimizing potential disruptions and uncertainties often associated with abrupt leadership changes.

Concluding his letter, Mr. Annan acknowledged President Kagame’s enduring legacy in Rwanda’s history and the undeniable contributions to the nation’s growth. He noted that by embracing a transition of power, President Kagame would set an inspiring example for leaders worldwide, while his continued guidance as an elder statesman would ensure Rwanda’s path towards progress and development remains unwavering.

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About John Kofi Annan

John Kofi Annan is a renowned Pan-Africanist known for his dedication to promoting African unity and progress. With a deep commitment to democratic governance and sustainable development, Mr. Annan has been an influential voice in African affairs, advocating for leadership that empowers the continent’s youth and ensures a brighter future for all Africans.

About President Paul Kagame

His Excellency Paul Kagame has served as the President of Rwanda since 2000. Under his leadership, Rwanda has witnessed remarkable growth and transformation, becoming a model for development and progress in Africa. President Kagame is known for his commitment to reconciliation, nation-building, and fostering innovation in various sectors.

A Record 1,490 Fintechs entered the Ecobank Fintech Challenge 2023 with Eight (8) reaching the Final

A Record 1,490 Fintechs entered the Ecobank Fintech Challenge 2023 with Eight (8) reaching the Final

Eight finalists emerged from an impressive pool of 1,490 Fintechs drawn from 64 countries in and beyond Africa; the Grand Finale will take place on 6 October at the Ecobank Group Pan African Centre (www.Ecobank.com) in Lomé, Togo; all finalists will be admitted into the Ecobank Fintech Fellowship Programme; the overall winner of the Ecobank Fintech Challenge will receive a cash prize of US$50,000, in addition to being admitted into the Fellowship Programme.

 

Over 1,400 Fintech startups from 64 countries across Africa and beyond applied for this year’s Ecobank Fintech Challenge with eight of them making the cut to the final where they will compete for the ultimate prize. This is the sixth edition of this international competition, with the highest number of applications on record.

 

Ecobank Group, Africa’s leading pan-African banking group, said this year’s applications had more than doubled compared to last year’s 703 applications received from 59 countries. In 2022 Nigeria’s fintech startup, ‘Touch and Pay’, wowed the jury with their ‘Cowry App’ to win the top prize of US$50,000.

 

The eight finalists who emerged from the fiercely competitive pool will compete for the coveted top prize of US$50,000 at the Grand Finale, which is scheduled to take place at the Ecobank Pan African Centre in Lomé, Togo, on 6 October 2023.

 

The 2023 Ecobank Fintech Challenge finalists in alphabetical order are:

 

  • Flexpay Technologies (Kenya) – FlexPay offers customers a merchant-embedded saving-based purchase experience called Save Now, Buy Later.
  • IPOXCap AI (South Africa) – FinanceGPT is a financial analysis platform for frontier markets. It processes structured and unstructured financial data to generate actionable insights, using advanced algorithms for financial forecasting, health monitoring and valuation.
  • Kastelo (South Africa) – Provides a democratised solution through diversified products, focusing on transaction, savings and forex offerings, aimed at banking the underbanked in emerging markets through client-centric solutions.
  • Koree (Cameroon) – Koree is a card wallet application that addresses sub-Saharan Francophone Africa spare change scarcity by digitising cash merchant payments, while empowering millions of African consumers through an incentive reward system.
  • Kori Tech (Senegal) – Koripass is an E-wallet linked to physical payment accessories such as
    bracelets, stickers and keychains. It enables quick and easy merchant payments
    using NFC and QR Code technology. No internet or smartphone required.
  • Smart Teller Technologies Limited (Nigeria) – Empowering cooperative digital banking, IT services, and online bill payments for seamless services.
  • Rubyx (Belgium and Senegal) – Rubyx enables digital lending solutions for service providers in emerging markets to bridge the financing gap that faces informal entrepreneurs and small businesses to fund their activities.
  • Wolf Technologies (Democratic Republic of Congo) – Makuta is a state-of-the-art application that provides a simple, convenient and secure electronic money transfer and payment experience.

 

Ecobank Group Chief Executive Officer, Jeremy Awori, who will be hosting the Fintech Challenge final for the first time said: “We are encouraged by the very high number of applications received for the sixth edition of our Ecobank Fintech Challenge. The significant increase in the number of participants reflects the growing impact of our investments in the fintech space, and on our operations and fintech initiatives across Africa. The finalists went through a rigorous process, and we look forward to the pitches of the eight competitors vying for the top prize and ultimately partnering with the Ecobank Group.”

 

On his part, Dr. Tomisin Fashina, Ecobank Group Executive, Operations and Technology, congratulated the eight finalists of the 2023 Ecobank Fintech Challenge and said, “We are proud to support the development of fintechs to drive digital banking transformation across Africa and beyond. The ever-increasing level of participation – from just 412 applications in 2018 to 1,490 submissions this year – reflects the richness of the untapped innovation and talent that exists across our continent.”

 

As in previous editions, all the finalists in the 6th edition will be inducted into the Ecobank Fintech Fellowship Programme which offers:

 

  • Product roll-out on a pan-African scale: Providing the opportunity to explore product and business integration with Ecobank and potentially launch products or services in all or part of Ecobank’s 35-country pan-African ecosystem.
  • Access to Ecobank’s pan-African Banking Sandbox: Opportunity to test and develop products in the pan-African market.
  • Priority access to Ecobank’s venture capital partners: Opportunity for access to funding.

 

The Ecobank Fintech Challenge recognises and promotes groundbreaking African fintech start-ups. The initiative is consistent with Ecobank’s Fintech strategy of building partnerships with African fintechs to help transform digital finance and banking.

 

The 2023 edition of the Ecobank Fintech Challenge is co-sponsored by Huawei, Arise Invest, Asky Airlines and Proparco, and supported by ALX Africa, , ABAN Angels, Africa Fintech Network, MEST Africa, Bluespace, Naija Startups, Jeune Afrique, TechCabal and Konfidants.

How financial institutions can safeguard against deepfakes

How financial institutions can safeguard against deepfakes
In a matter of seconds, it is possible to hold your phone up to your face and see what you will look like in 40 years. Or you could fuse the image of your face with that of a celebrity. You could even record a birthday song for a friend in the voice of their favourite artist. With deepfake technology, it is simple and possible to edit a person’s facial and vocal likeness with alarming accuracy. For the most part, this can be seen as harmless entertainment. But what if your likeness was used to drain your savings or commit fraud? As the technology to create deepfakes becomes easier and cheaper, the need to guard against these cybercrimes have come to the forefront.

 

A deepfake is a video, visual, or audio recording that has been distorted, manipulated, or synthetically created using deep learning techniques to present an individual, or a hybrid of several people, saying or doing something that they did not say or do. These deepfakes are often used in digital injection attacks which are sophisticated, highly scalable, and replicable cyberattacks that bypass the camera on a device or are injected into a data stream.

 

Murray Collyer, Chief Operating Officer of iiDENTIFii (http://www.iiDENTIFii.com/), says, “Digital injection attacks present the highest threat to financial services, as the AI technology behind it is affordable, and the attacks are rapidly scalable. In fact, a recent digital security report by our technology partner, iProov (http://www.iProov.com/), illustrates how, in an indiscriminate attempt to bypass an organisation’s security systems, some 200-300 attacks were launched globally from the same location within a 24-hour period. As more and more South Africans embrace digital banking, deepfake technology is a serious threat.”

 

Recent research (https://apo-opa.info/3L09o3T) by Discovery Bank and Boston Consulting Group (BCG) into the future of retail banking in South Africa found that most (86%) South Africans are ready to do all their banking digitally, particularly via an app. Much of this trend stems from previously unbanked people. The Covid-19 pandemic naturally accelerated the trend.

 

As more South Africans set up digital accounts and do their banking online, financial crime and cybercrime have become more inextricably linked than ever before. Interpol states that financial and cybercrimes are the world’s leading crime threats and are projected to increase the most.

 

Digital injection attacks present the highest threat to financial services, as the AI technology behind it is affordable, and the attacks are rapidly scalable

Collyer adds, “Deepfake technology is one of the most rapidly growing threats within financial services, yet not all verification technologies are resilient to it. Password-based systems, for example, are highly susceptible to fraud. South Africa needs to strengthen their technology to outwit cyber criminals.”

 

While deepfakes are a severe threat, the technology and processes exist to safeguard financial services companies against this method of fraud.

A growing percentage of face biometric technology incorporates some form of liveness checks – such as wink and blink – to verify and authenticate customers. Liveness detection uses biometric technology to determine whether the individual presenting is a real human being, not a presented artefact. Therefore, this technology can detect a deepfake if it were to be played on a device and presented to the camera.

 

While many liveness detection technologies can determine if someone is conducting fraud by holding up a physical image (for example, a printed picture or mask of the person transacting) to the screen, many solutions cannot detect digital injection attacks.

 

Collyer says, “Specialised technology is required to combat deepfakes. Within iiDENTIFii, we have seen success with the use of sophisticated yet accessible 4D liveness technology, which includes a timestamp and is further verified through a three-step process where the user’s selfie and ID document data are checked with relevant government databases. This enables us to accurately authenticate someone’s identity.”

 

Collyer will be part of the speaker panel that will present to delegates at the 8th instalment of the AML, Financial Crime Southern Africa Conference (https://apo-opa.info/3KYm7Ec), that also includes representatives of companies such as Financial Intelligence Centre South Africa, Investec, Sanlam, Stanlib, Albaraka Bank, Standard Bank Mozambique, iiDENTIFii, Nice Actimize, SABRIC, Rand Merchant Bank, S & P Global Intelligence, FirstRand Namibia, Corruption Watch and many more.

The high-level conference will be hosted on 6 & 7 September at the Indaba Hotel Fourways South Africa and is attended annually by professionals from banks, insurance and investment companies, service providers, government, and MLCO’s from non-designated financial service providers.

“With the right technology, it is not only possible to protect consumers and businesses against deepfake financial crimes but also create a user experience that is simple, accessible and safe for all,” Collyer concludes.

Fak’ugesi African Digital Innovation Festival: Embracing ‘More Flow’ at this Year’s Tech Festival

Fak’ugesi African Digital Innovation Festival: Embracing ‘More Flow’ at this Year’s Tech Festival

 

 

The countdown has begun for the 10th edition of the Fak’ugesi African Digital Innovation Festival, where the worlds of technology and creativity unite to shape a brighter future for Africa’s digital landscape.

 

With this year’s theme, “More Flow”, this landmark event is poised to inspire, educate, and foster collaboration among the next generation of content creators from across the continent.

 

“In this digital age, Fak’ugesi has played a pivotal role in nurturing the creative talents of Africa’s youth,” says Eduardo Cachucho, the Festival’s Creative Director. “As we step into our 10th year, we’re thrilled to invite you to join us in celebrating the possibilities that lie ahead, #MoreFlow.”

 

A Beacon of Creativity and Innovation

The 2023 Fak’ugesi African Digital Innovation Festival marks a decade of igniting creativity and innovation on the continent. As the premier platform for emerging talents, Fak’ugesi brings together visionaries, thought leaders, and enthusiasts to explore the intersection of technology and creativity. Through a blend of immersive experiences, workshops, and thought-provoking discussions, the festival sets the stage for a new era of digital ingenuity in Africa.

 

#MoreFlow: Pioneering the Future

Embracing the #MoreFlow theme, Fak’ugesi challenges participants to reimagine the digital landscape and harness its potential for positive change. #MoreFlow brings interactive exhibitions, 360 virtual reality experiences, and AI showcases. Attendees are invited to dive into virtual worlds, interact with experts, and witness live hackathons and jams, providing a window into the energetic core of digital innovation.

 

#More Flow, AI and Social Responsibility

#MoreFlow extends beyond technology, delving into socially responsible AI and the idea that technology is a tool to amplify creativity rather than solely for profit. Noteworthy collaborations include AI showcases featuring AI-generated elements with the Goethe Institut’s leading figures involved in the global project ‘AI to Amplify’ as well as a collaboration with Dr. Sechaba Maape, one of the curators for this year’s Venice Architecture Biennial representing South Africa. In an era where AI is poised to reshape industries and interactions, Fak’ugesi positions itself in ensuring that future developments align with African principles, cultural values, and social considerations. The festival’s showcases and discussions explore the dynamic interplay between AI and human creativity while fostering conversations that centre around the responsible and inclusive deployment of AI solutions.

 

Fak’ugesi extends an invitation to not just witness the capabilities of AI but to actively engage in dialogues that shape the trajectory of AI’s influence. By addressing the critical question of ethical AI, Fak’ugesi becomes the melting pot where innovation and responsibility unite, propelling us towards a future where technology harmonises with culture and society.

 

A Synergy of Innovation: Partnership with Tshimologong Digital Innovation Precinct

The collaboration between Fak’ugesi and the Tshimologong Digital Innovation Precinct creates an ecosystem where the convergence of hardware, software, and content takes place. This partnership has been instrumental in fostering innovation, propelling Africa to the forefront of the digital revolution. Together, these entities are shaping the continent’s digital destiny.

 

Unveiling Africa’s Digital Evolution

The festival’s focus on immersive realities, gaming, music, animation and digital art mirrors the dynamic evolution of digital content creation in Africa. These categories reflect the diverse and rapidly evolving creative landscape on the continent, showcasing Africa’s capacity to innovate and captivate audiences globally.

 

Empowering the Creators of Tomorrow

Selected applicants of the Fak’ugesi Awards can anticipate a journey of growth and support.  These awards acknowledge outstanding achievements in digital creativity, bestowing recipients with prizes and prospects within our initiatives, whether they entail acceleration or exhibition opportunities in collaboration with our partners and expansive global network.

 

Global Recognition and Beyond

Winners of the Fak’ugesi Digital Creativity Awards receive not only local acclaim but also international exposure. Residencies in France, the Netherlands and beyond promote participation in industry events that provide a unique platform for winners to showcase their talents on the global stage. This unparalleled recognition solidifies Fak’ugesi’s role in shaping the future of digital creativity.

 

With a commitment to fostering innovation, collaboration, and creativity, Fak’ugesi is set to empower the next generation of digital trailblazers. “Fak’ugesi has always been a beacon for emerging African creatives in the digital sphere and we look forward to this milestone event,” Cachucho adds. “As we celebrate our 10th year, we invite you to embark on a journey of discovery, inspiration, and transformation. Join us in shaping the future of African digital creativity, because from now on, the possibilities are limitless.”

 

To see the full programme, visit: https://fakugesi.co.za/

Renowned Philanthropist Ezeonu Ototoo Recognized for Remarkable Contributions

Renowned Philanthropist Ezeonu Ototoo Recognized for Remarkable Contributions

 

 

Ezeonu Ototoo, a figure celebrated for his exceptional generosity and dedication, is gaining widespread recognition for his outstanding support and contributions. In an era where many individuals pave their own paths and often neglect opportunities to assist others, Ezeonu Ototoo stands out as a true “king maker” who has opened doors for numerous individuals.

In today’s society, where the ethos of standing alone prevails, it is crucial to remember the value of collaboration. Ezeonu Ototoo’s selfless actions serve as a beacon of hope, demonstrating that those who extend a helping hand enable others to flourish. His remarkable contributions extend beyond mere words – he has invested in the talents of others, providing them with opportunities for growth.

Ezeonu Ototoo’s support for various individuals, including artists and ministers alike, has earned him comparisons to entertainment impresario Tunde Ednut. Much like the famed Olamide of the South South, Ezeonu Ototoo has cultivated an environment where talent can thrive and flourish.

Ezeonu Ototoo exemplifies the idea that greatness is not solely defined by personal achievements but by the transformative influence one has on others. He has willingly offered his support as a stepping stone for aspiring individuals, enabling them to reach new heights.

In the realm of ministerial ethics, it is imperative to acknowledge those who have played pivotal roles in shaping one’s journey. Many individuals, including the undersigned, owe their success and development to Ezeonu Ototoo.

While it may not be his birthday, the ongoing celebration of Ezeonu Ototoo’s life and contributions serves as a testament to the profound impact he continues to have on countless lives.

As we recognize his unwavering commitment, we encourage all to join us in offering words of gratitude and prayers for this remarkable individual who stands as a towering Iroko tree in our community.

Executive Vice Chairman of NCC, Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta, Addresses the Emerging Technology Forum: “Contextualizing the Network Readiness Index for Nigeria”

Executive Vice Chairman of NCC, Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta, Addresses the Emerging Technology Forum: “Contextualizing the Network Readiness Index for Nigeria”

 

 

 

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) took a significant step towards advancing the nation’s telecommunications industry by hosting the “Emerging Technology Forum: Contextualizing the Network Readiness Index for Nigeria.” The event, which featured an inspiring welcome address by Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta, the Executive Vice Chairman of NCC, took place on August 24th, 2023.

In his address, Prof. Danbatta emphasized the remarkable growth trajectory of the Nigerian telecommunications sector, highlighting its role as an engine of economic growth. He acknowledged the critical need for increased connectivity, reliability, and accessibility standards in response to the surge in data utilization, the proliferation of the Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence, and cutting-edge technologies.

The Executive Vice Chairman underscored the importance of innovation, strategic investments, and a growth-friendly ecosystem to navigate the transformative era effectively. He described the forum as a gateway to innovative and disruptive solutions that can positively impact the industry and urged participants to investigate emerging technologies and their potential applications.

One of the key challenges addressed during the forum was Nigeria’s Network Readiness Index (NRI) ranking, which, despite the nation’s impressive telecommunications metrics, ranked 109th out of 131 countries in 2022. Prof. Danbatta stressed the significance of prioritizing network readiness, as measured by the NRI, in driving social and economic transformation.

The forum featured thought-provoking discussions on the four key categories of the NRI: technology (infrastructure), governance, people, and impact. Renowned professionals in the technology landscape delivered presentations to provide insights into these pillars.

Prof. Danbatta concluded his address by expressing his gratitude to the participants for their unwavering commitment to progress and their faith in the industry’s potential. He encouraged collaboration and innovation, envisioning a more prosperous digital future for Nigeria.

Exploring the Future: Nigeria’s Emerging Technology Forum Aims to Propel Telecommunications Industry

Exploring the Future: Nigeria’s Emerging Technology Forum Aims to Propel Telecommunications Industry

 

The highly anticipated “Emerging Technology Forum for the Telecommunications Industry” is set to take place in Nigeria, with a mission to establish a National Network Readiness Index (NRI). This initiative seeks to delve into the driving forces behind emerging technologies while critically examining the sustainability and challenges faced by the NRI’s four key pillars: Technology, People, Governance, and Impact.

The NRI, a widely recognized tool for monitoring access and assessing the impact of Information and Communication Technology (ICT), has proven invaluable for identifying gaps, stimulating action, shaping policy dialogue, and monitoring ICT readiness over time. Notably, Nigeria’s tech industry has been a focal point of the nation’s growth, evident in recent investments in infrastructure and digital services. According to statistics from the National Bureau of Statistics, the ICT sector’s contribution to Nigeria’s total GDP surged from 14.07% in the first quarter of 2020 to an impressive 17.47% in Q1 2023.

The Federal Government’s steadfast commitment to the Tech Industry, particularly its focus on nurturing the advancement and growth of emerging and new technologies, is commendable. This aligns seamlessly with the objectives of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), notably articulated in its strategic pillar: Promotion of the DIGITAL ECONOMY. This vision extends to the New Media and Information Security Department, one of its critical mandates. Enhancing the productivity ecosystem is expected to lead to a substantial enhancement of the nation’s innovative capabilities in the years ahead.

Nigeria has witnessed remarkable developments in its ICT infrastructure, marked by skyrocketing mobile penetration rates and expansive internet connectivity. The Commission’s dedication to enhancing network infrastructure, combined with contributions from the private sector, has profoundly transformed the nation’s connectivity landscape. Importantly, the NRI encompasses not only the latest technologies or high-speed internet access but also includes elements such as affordability, digital skills, and the availability and adoption of digital services across various sectors of the economy.

The Potulans Institute’s reports on Nigeria’s performance in the NRI index from 2020 to 2022 reveal a mix of improvements and persistent challenges. Therefore, applying the Network Readiness Index within the Telecommunications Industry is of paramount importance in Nigeria’s current digital ecosystem. Leveraging the insights it offers enables the nation to capitalize on its strengths, address challenges, and steer towards a brighter digital future.

While recognizing the pivotal role of the NRI in channeling the strengths and opportunities of the tech ecosystem, it is equally imperative that metrics are localized to reflect Nigeria’s current realities. As the nation moves forward, embracing the insights provided by the NRI will guide policies, investments, and collaborations. This, in turn, will empower Nigeria to harness the potential of emerging technologies, invest in human capital, foster innovation, bridge the digital divide, and create a prosperous and inclusive digital future.

We extend our best wishes for a successful and enlightening discourse at the Emerging Technology Forum and anticipate a positive outcome that will shape Nigeria’s digital destiny.

TONY NWOSU

FIN International Trade/Investment & Leadership Forum & Award Reception 2023 Empowering Africa: Uniting for Progress at the Power for Africa Conference

FIN International Trade/Investment & Leadership Forum & Award Reception 2023 Empowering Africa: Uniting for Progress at the Power for Africa Conference

 

The stage is set for a momentous gathering as global leaders, industry pioneers, and change agents converge for the highly anticipated FIN InternationalTrade/Investment & Leadership Forum & Award Reception 2023, themed “Power for Africa.” This exceptional event is poised to drive Africa’s economic prosperity forward through collaboration, innovation, and transformative leadership.

📣 Highlights:
– Event: FIN International Trade/Investment & Leadership Forum & Award Reception 2023
– Location: Africa Union Mission Office, opposite United Nations Headquarters, New York, United States
– Date: 20th September 2023
– Time: 9:00 AM
Register here: https://foreigninvestmentnetwork.com/events/

The esteemed Foreign Investment Network (FIN) is hosting this forum to illuminate Africa’s vast international trade and investment potential. At the heart of the discussions is the recognition of strong leadership as a catalyst for unlocking these opportunities, ushering in a new era of transformative growth. The crescendo of the event will be a prestigious award ceremony, honoring exceptional individuals and organizations that are charting groundbreaking paths for Africa’s progress. This event promises to be a convergence of inspiration, knowledge, and celebration, providing attendees with unparalleled insights and networking opportunities.

Some of the confirmed attendees include His Excellency, Olusegun Obasanjo former President, Federal Republic of Nigeria; His Excellency Faure Gnassingbé, President of Togo; His Excellency Hakainde Hichilema, President of Zambia; His Excellency Felix Tshisekedi, President, Democratic Republic of Congo; His Excellency Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, President of Egypt; His Excellency Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, President of Ghana; His Excellency Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, President of Zimbabwe; President of Madagascar and His Excellency Lazarus Chakwera President Republic of Malawi.

Other dignitaries include Prof. Ngozi Okonjo-Iwella Director General World Trade Organization (WTO); Mercedes Narcisse, NewYork City Council member, Mohammed Dewji, CEO and President MeTLf Group; Prakash Hinduja, Chairman Europe Hinduja; Senator Margaret Chuba Okadigbo Chairman NNPC Ltd; Mike Jocktane Gabonese Presidential candidate; Mohammad Abuhilal. CEO Sun Synergy Group, and many others.

🔗 For partnership inquiries and sponsorships: Reach out to us at dominic.a@finmagazine.com or call +234 (0) 813 070 8359 or +44 (0) 744 142 8496.

According to Mr. Dominic Ajayi, Chief Operating Officer of FIN, the upcoming Power for Africa Conference is poised to redefine the discourse around energy and development. Set against the backdrop of global challenges, this event will bring together leaders, experts, and stakeholders to deliberate on strategies for enhancing power infrastructure across the African continent. The conference, under the theme “Empowering Africa: Illuminating the Future,” will take place on 20th September 2023 in New York.

Africa stands on the brink of transformative growth, with accessible and reliable energy being a pivotal factor in its development agenda. The Power for Africa Conference is designed to facilitate robust dialogues on sustainable energy solutions, exploring how they can drive economic progress, ensure social inclusion, and advance environmental sustainability.

Key highlights of the Power For Africa Conference:

– High-Profile Speakers: Esteemed speakers, including government officials, industry leaders, academics, and international organization representatives, will share diverse perspectives and insights, fostering meaningful discussions on energy policies, technological innovations, and investment opportunities.
Meet Institutional investors, financiers and funding partners: Capital Nexus Associates,
FundMinds Alliance, Elite Capital Collaborative, WealthBridge Syndicate, Apex Finance, Connect, Horizon FundCrafters, Quantum FundQuarters, Catalyst Capital Allies,
Visionary FundVanguard, Momentum Finance Consortium etc…

– In-Depth Sessions: The comprehensive agenda will cover topics ranging from renewable energy integration and grid modernization to energy storage solutions, rural electrification, and public-private partnerships. These tailored sessions will address the unique challenges and opportunities that African nations encounter in their pursuit of energy security.

Inspiration and Motivation: Award recognition serves as a beacon of inspiration for leaders who tirelessly work to drive progress in the power sector. It motivates them to continue their efforts and encourages others to follow in their footsteps, creating a cycle of positive change.

Industry Validation: Receiving an award validates the hard work, innovation, and strategic thinking that leaders pour into the power sector. It showcases their impact and contributions, enhancing their credibility within the industry and among stakeholders.

Platform for Visibility: Awards provide a significant platform to showcase not only an individual’s achievements but also the projects and initiatives they have undertaken. This visibility can attract attention, partnerships, and investment opportunities, further propelling the growth of the power sector.

Knowledge Sharing: Recognized leaders often become ambassadors for their field, sharing insights, experiences, and best practices. This contributes to the overall knowledge sharing within the power sector, promoting learning and collaboration.

Networking Opportunities: Award ceremonies bring together a diverse group of industry professionals, stakeholders, and influencers. This creates valuable networking opportunities, facilitating connections that can lead to new partnerships, collaborations, and synergies.

Encouraging Excellence: Awards establish a benchmark for excellence in the power sector. By celebrating outstanding achievements, they foster healthy competition, pushing individuals and organizations to continually strive for betterment.

Government and Policy Impact: Recognized leaders can have an amplified voice when advocating for policy changes, regulatory improvements, and increased support for the power sector. Awards lend credibility to their recommendations, potentially influencing positive policy shifts.

Attracting Investment: Awards can enhance the attractiveness of power projects to potential investors. An award-winning project demonstrates its viability, innovation, and positive impact, thereby increasing its potential for securing funding.

National and Regional Pride: Award-winning leaders become symbols of progress and innovation for their nations and regions. Their success reflects positively on their home countries and contributes to a sense of pride and achievement.

In essence, award recognition for exceptional leaders in the African power sector not only celebrates individual accomplishments but also accelerates industry growth, knowledge dissemination, and positive change. It reinforces the notion that dedication and innovation in this critical sector are vital components of Africa’s journey toward sustainable development.

The Power For Africa Conference signifies a collective effort to ignite change, enhance regional cooperation, and shape a brighter energy future for Africa. Stakeholders will align efforts, share best practices, and accelerate momentum toward a resilient and inclusive energy ecosystem.

For media inquiries, registration details, and sponsorship opportunities, please contact dominic.a@finmagazine.com. Register here: https://foreigninvestmentnetwork.com/events/

Join us at the Power For Africa Conference and become part of the driving force that illuminates the path toward progress in Africa.

Social Media:
Follow us on LinkedIn for conference updates and join the conversation using #PowerForAfrica.

Dominic Ajayi
Chief Operating Officer
Foreign Investment Network, UK

 

We want women to be given a voice in the IT ecosystem – Youth Johnson

We want women to be given a voice in the IT ecosystem – Youth Johnson

 

 

Youth Johnson,  the convener of StartHub Women in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, a community of young women championing the visibility of women in our society through technology and entrepreneurship talks about the impact of technology in the lives of women in the state, their interventionist projects in schools for kids and the challenge of accessing public schools.Anthony Nwosu captures this in an exclusive interview for Tech and Biz News Ng

Tell us about your organization – StartHub Women? 

Starthub Women is a not-for-profit initiative of Start Innovation Hub Technology Foundation. It was founded in July 2018 at Start Innovation Hub as a community of young women using technology and entrepreneurship to champion the visibility of women in the society. We envision a community where women are proportionally represented as technical leaders, executives, founders, VCs, board members and software engineers.We do not only encourage women to start up faster in technology entrepreneurship, but also support the growth of women that are already in tech.

Do you think that Starthub Women have made an impact on the lives of women in the state?

Well, I am not assessing  myself, but I believe that we are trying. We are the very first that is focusing on women and empowering them to use  technology or information technology. The role of women can’t be over emphasized in the society. We believe that women can strongly be part of the new narrative which is technology.  Yes, we  are making strides in the ecosystem, we have created kids coding program during the holiday periods and parents are impressed on how we have  been able to expose the kids to the nitty gritty of computing. Having started the kids coding program, the responses are reassuring by the parents and the kids. Our kids program is one of the most effective in the region and with this; we can say that we have created an impact in the society.

How is your kids coding program and what is the level of acceptance in a state like Akwa Ibom?

The response has been impressive and overwhelming; this is with the Africa Code week. Our success stories in the holiday program have encouraged us over these past two years that we established. The children are overwhelmed and overjoyed. The kids would come to us and tell us that they will want to learn more about coding. One girl that was among those that we were teaching coding came and told me “Madam, we didn’t know that coding is this interesting”, this is the level of recognition.  Our holiday program is so accepted in Uyo that top government functionaries bring their kids to learn coding and computing. We have also the Africa Code week here, built relationships with selected schools and they have shown promise. Note, we didn’t only partner with schools in urban area we engaged the schools in rural areas also. These schools in rural areas have shown tremendous promises.

How has your engagement with public schools?

Well, accessing public schools for partnership is a bit challenging because of various factors such as bottlenecks and access to computer labs. It was easier for us to work with private schools but we came to the realization that majority of the children are in public schools and these public schools do not have computer labs and computing program. This we are trying to change by our interventionist program for these kids. We strongly believe in Starthub Women that women and children must be equipped in the area of IT , this  would prepare them for the 4th industrial revolution. Accessing public schools are challenging though talents and children with fantastic ideas are in public school but access is an issue.

StartHub Women as a project, what is it about?

We are just a community of women in Start Innovation Hub, we started last year and we want women to know and appreciate technology. We came about this when companies write us that they want coders and when we source coders we realize that women are just less than ten percent of those that are given to clients. StartHub Women are dedicated to changing this narrative and making women love technology.  We want women to be given a voice in the information technology ecosystem; we want them to be visible and impactful. That is our critical mission. Ours is to start a community of women that loves IT and code. 

Are women getting interested in this project?

The number of women in the hub has been on the increase since we started. We also deploy them to go implement STEM curriculum in schools.. We in startup Women, We strongly believe that women’s role in life transformation using technology is vital.  We also encourage women to incorporate technology in whatever they are doing. Let’s take, for instance, if you make hats, we expose you to digital marketing tools and how to leverage various online platforms for visibility, these women want to learn and they are doing great. 

What are the challenges that you are facing?

Well, funding has always been an issue for us, we are strictly a private venture and we have limitations on what we can do, though we would want to reach more in terms of empowerment and capacity building. We have smart kids that are good in computing, if we can nurture these kids, they would go a long way, we also have seen women in the state and region that have great products but do not know how to make these visible. We have been able to bring many women on board as coders, we have thought somehow to code and there are many success stories, we have also made a whole lot of other women how to integrate IT in their business. We would love to do more, but we are incapacitated by funding. We want to reach out to rural schools, Girls’ schools and also impact in the lives of these kids by giving them the desired exposure. Also, there should be policies by the government to ensure that women are impacted.  We would want to work more with these public schools, but the resources are what I don’t have and it is heartbreaking.

Do you think that kids in public schools can compete and grasp this IT concept? 

There are smart kids out there and I have seen them in public schools and these kids don’t have the opportunity because there are no facilities to take them to a new level. How I wish there are facilities in these public schools, we can work or partner with government on what to do in these public schools. This is in the area of IT and how these kids can benefit from the intervention program we are offering in the state.  The scratch education that we have in place, it has exposed us to the potentialities of kids in the state, though private schools have put it in their curriculum and it is a year in year out thing but unfortunately the public school is a challenge. Accessing them is a big challenge and funding greater challenge. 

God First Ministry Inc Marks 34th Anniversary: Bishop Isaac Idahosa Reflects on His Extraordinary Journey

God First Ministry Inc Marks 34th Anniversary: Bishop Isaac Idahosa Reflects on His Extraordinary Journey

 

In a dazzling celebration of faith and dedication, God First Ministry Inc, under the charismatic leadership of General Overseer, Bishop Isaac Idahosa, commemorated its 34th Anniversary. The vibrant event unfolded at the Illumination Assembly Church Auditorium in Lagos and was a testament to divine guidance, perseverance, and a relentless commitment to God’s work.

An Inspiring Tale of Humble Beginnings

During an exhilarating press interview, Bishop Isaac Idahosa couldn’t contain his excitement as he reminisced about 34 remarkable years of unwavering faith. His journey began with a jaw-dropping story: in 1989, armed with a mere 50 kobo, he laid the foundation for God First Ministry in Niger state. His message rang clear – it’s not about how one starts but the steadfast commitment, focus, persistence, and obedience to God’s calling that truly matter.

The Unstoppable Power of Grace

Bishop Idahosa highlighted that grace is the driving force behind the miraculous. It attracts destiny, propels individuals to greatness, and brings God’s favor into their lives. This divine grace has transformed God First Ministry into a global spiritual powerhouse, all while making it look effortless.

From the Pulpit to Politics: A Thrilling Transition

In an unexpected twist, Bishop Idahosa ventured from the pulpit into the realm of politics. Contrary to those who labeled politics a “dirty game,” he accepted the challenge. He recounted a pivotal conversation with His Excellency Dr. Kwankwaso about potentially working as a running mate. Little did he know that he would ultimately become the running mate himself.

Promoting Unity and a Shared Vision

Throughout his political journey, Bishop Idahosa has remained a beacon of unity, peace, and shared vision for Nigeria. He demonstrated that the transition from ministry to politics can be a harmonious journey toward a brighter future.

A Life Story That Inspires

Bishop Isaac Idahosa’s life story is a thrilling narrative of faith, passion, and an unwavering commitment to God’s calling. It serves as a reminder that obstacles can be overcome with grace and courage.