Nigerian states are ramping up initiatives to accelerate their digital transformation in line with the federal government's objectives. This effort spans all sectors of the economy, including education.

In Nigeria, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) plans to distribute over 1,000 laptops to its secondary schools. Valued at approximately 990 million naira (around $589,000), the acquisition was approved by the FCT Executive Council during a meeting on Monday, November 25.

According to Danlami Hayyo, the FCT Secretary for Education, the laptops will come preloaded with educational content and learning materials focused on vocational skills.

FCT schools will now transform into the digital education system, we will now move from normal teaching and learning classroom to media education system of learning,” said Chidi Amadi, Chief of Staff to the FCT Minister.

The laptop acquisition is part of a broader strategy to digitize the education system and improve teaching quality in the FCT. The Executive Council recently approved a contract for procuring examination materials. Earlier, in September, the FCT launched a program to train 3,000 primary school teachers in digital teaching methods.

The United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) highlights two key benefits of digital technology in education. “First, it can improve instruction by addressing quality gaps, increasing available time and opportunities to practise, and personalizing instruction. Second, it can engage learners by varying how content is represented, stimulating interaction and prompting collaboration,” according to the 2023 Global Education Monitoring Report.

Isaac K. Kassouwi

Posted On mardi, 26 novembre 2024 14:14 Written by

Guinea, confronted with the need for administrative modernization, is turning to digital solutions to streamline its processes. This initiative represents a significant step forward in public resource management, prioritizing innovation and international cooperation.

Guinea is looking to Rwanda as a model for its first-ever digital public procurement system. A strategic agreement was signed on Wednesday between the Guinean government and the Rwanda Cooperation Initiative (RCI).

We have proven expertise in digitizing public procurement, particularly in public financial management, and it is this experience we aim to share with Guinea. We signed this contract to formalize our commitment and support the country in establishing its digital system,” said Patricie Uwase, Director-General of the Rwanda Cooperation Initiative.

This agreement builds on a collaboration that began in 2023 between RCI and Guinea as part of the E-Procurement project. Championed by the transitional president, Mamady Doumbouya, the project seeks to enhance transparency, improve administrative efficiency, and optimize public resource management. It is also a critical tool in the fight against corruption—a persistent issue in Guinea’s public procurement sector, frequently criticized for its lack of transparency and questionable practices.

The new digital system aims to simplify and tighten control over procurement processes, ensuring greater traceability of transactions. Additionally, the digitization of public procurement is expected to reduce both delays and associated costs while boosting the confidence of foreign investors drawn to transparent and modern administrative practices.

By leveraging Rwanda’s recognized expertise, Guinea hopes to lay the groundwork for effective and transparent governance. If successful, this initiative could redefine public procurement standards in West Africa, positioning Guinea as a model for digital innovation and anti-corruption efforts. The government is targeting swift implementation, aiming for full digitalization of all public procurement plans by January 1.

Samira Njoya

Posted On mardi, 26 novembre 2024 12:33 Written by

Africa's cultural heritage, encompassing ancient artifacts, oral traditions, music, and manuscripts, forms the backbone of its identity. With thousands of artifacts at risk due to environmental degradation, conflict, and illegal looting, digitization safeguards against loss.

Telecommunications tower company IHS Nigeria announced, on November 21, a partnership with the National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM) and the Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, and the Creative Economy (FMACCE) to digitize Nigeria’s cultural heritage. This collaboration seeks to preserve and showcase the nation’s historical artifacts and cultural monuments through a cutting-edge digital museum platform.

Speaking on the initiative, Mohamad Darwish, CEO of IHS Nigeria, emphasized the company’s dedication to cultural preservation and community development. “As a company deeply rooted in Nigeria, we recognize the importance of preserving, protecting, and promoting our cultural heritage,” he said.

The digital museum, the first major project under Nigeria’s Digital Culture Initiative, aims to provide greater public access to the country’s rich cultural heritage. Leveraging advanced technology, the initiative will ensure that Nigeria’s historical and artistic treasures are preserved and made accessible to a global audience.

The initiative aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's Renewed Hope program, which aims to promote Nigeria's rich cultural heritage, diverse tourism landscape, and creative potential to catalyze economic growth in these key sectors. The program aims to strengthen communities, create sustainable jobs, and reinforce Nigeria's position on the world stage.

According to Olugbile Holloway, Director General of the National Commission on Museums and Monuments, “We believe that to keep ahead of current trends and attract a younger demographic, it is imperative to create and make available to the public a digital experience of our rich cultural heritage. The digital museum will be an invaluable resource for researchers, students, and the general public, both in Nigeria and worldwide, and will play a crucial role in the preservation of our national heritage.”

Hikmatu Bilali

Posted On mardi, 26 novembre 2024 09:39 Written by

Nigerian states are ramping up initiatives to accelerate their digital transformation in line with the federal government's objectives. Earlier this month, Anambra State approved a project to deploy a data management platform.

The Bauchi State government in Nigeria has partnered with Galaxy Backbone (GBB), a state-owned company specializing in ICT solutions and services, to strengthen digital infrastructure and expand the use of information and communication technologies (ICT) across the state. The two parties signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) last week to formalize this collaboration.

The partnership aims to enhance connectivity, build local ICT skills, provide specialized consulting services, and offer hosted ICT solutions. These initiatives are part of broader efforts to modernize governance and improve the delivery of public services in Bauchi State. To achieve these goals, GBB will leverage its data centers located in Abuja and Kano.

This agreement aligns with Governor Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed's vision to transform Bauchi State into "a hub of digital innovation, ensuring efficient governance and improved service delivery for our citizens." As part of this vision, the state is working on digitizing its education system through the implementation of a Teacher Management Information System (TMIS) and an Education Management Information System.

The collaboration is expected "to lead to an enhancement of Bauchi State’s ICT Infrastructure, through GBB’s resources and expertise, deepen training and consultancy services, while, enhancing economic growth to attract investments, create jobs, and drive economic opportunities through improved digital connectivity and service delivery within the state," GBB said in a statement.

This initiative also contributes to Nigeria's broader digital transformation, as Africa’s digital economy is projected to be worth at least $712 billion by 2050, accounting for 8.5% of the continent’s GDP, according to a joint study by the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and Google. In Nigeria, the ICT sector contributed 19.78% to real GDP in the second quarter of 2024, according to data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).

Isaac K. Kassouwi

Posted On lundi, 25 novembre 2024 17:12 Written by

The digital revolution is profoundly reshaping African economies, with technological infrastructure at the heart of this transformation. In this context, data centers are emerging as critical drivers, ensuring access to efficient and sovereign digital services.

Cameroonian cloud service provider ST DIGITAL launched the construction of its Tier 3 data center on Friday, November 22, at the VITIB technology park in Grand-Bassam, Côte d’Ivoire. This strategic project aims to bolster the country's digital sovereignty and meet the growing demand for advanced digital services.

"Our data center, spanning 4,000 square meters, will be a high-security, state-of-the-art, eco-friendly infrastructure with a reduced carbon footprint. We’ve even planned innovative initiatives such as creating artificial lakes and vegetable gardens using outputs from the air-conditioning systems," said Steve Tchouaga, CEO of ST DIGITAL.

This initiative comes as digital transformation accelerates across Africa, accompanied by a surge in cloud adoption. According to PwC's Africa Cloud Business Survey 2023, published in February 2024, 50% of African businesses have already integrated cloud technology into their operations, and 61% plan to fully transition by 2026.

Set to be operational by the end of the first quarter of 2025, the new data center will offer cutting-edge services, including modular colocation spaces, a landing station for submarine cables, and infrastructure designed for artificial intelligence. For Côte d’Ivoire, the facility represents a strategic lever to fast-track digital transformation, foster the local economy, and position Grand-Bassam as a leading tech hub in West Africa, driving innovation and attracting new investments.

Samira Njoya

Posted On lundi, 25 novembre 2024 08:15 Written by

Agriculture drives economic growth across Africa, but most smallholder farmers still rely on outdated tools, leading to low yields and profits. Digital technologies offer a solution by streamlining processes, improving access to data, and boosting productivity.

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) launched the "Fostering Digital Villages through Innovative Advisory and Profitable Market Services in Africa (FDiVi)" project on Novemeber 14 in Musanze District, Rwanda. This initiative is set to transform Rwandan agriculture through the integration of digital tools tailored to rural needs. The launch gathered key stakeholders, including representatives from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), farmer organizations, youth groups, women leaders, and field agents.

In his speech, Mr. Placide Nshuti Kanyabujinga, FAO Rwanda’s representative, highlighted the importance of partnerships in ensuring the success of the FDiVi project.

According to the Rwanda Development Board (RDB), the country’s agriculture sector accounts for about 25% of GDP and employs about 64.5% of the population. This highlights the critical importance of agriculture to the country's economy and its people.

The FDiVi project, developed in collaboration between FAO and Rwanda’s Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources (MINAGRI), aims to modernize agricultural practices by equipping farmers with access to real-time information, weather updates, and market opportunities. It aligns with national priorities of empowering youth and women while promoting sustainable economic growth in rural communities.

This launch underscores a commitment to enhancing rural digital skills and integrating innovative tools to optimize yields, boost market access, and build a sustainable agricultural future for Rwanda. It aligns with the FAO Strategic Framework 2022–2030 that aims to accelerate the transformation to more efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agrifood systems for better production, better nutrition, a better environment and a better life, leaving no one behind.

According to the GSM Association (GSMA), integrating technology with tools like big data, GPS, and drones could boost African crop yields by 10.5% to 20% over the next five years. In its May 2024 report, Driving Digital Transformation of African Economies, GSMA also forecasts a 23% rise in agricultural profits through increased ICT adoption. The report highlights the critical role of targeted digital investments by African governments to stimulate growth in agriculture and other key economic sectors.

Hikmatu Bilali

Posted On lundi, 25 novembre 2024 07:08 Written by

In an increasingly digital world, countries are striving to bolster their technological capabilities. Local solutions, particularly free and open-source software, play a crucial role in this dynamic.

On Tuesday, November 19, Algerian Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research Kamel Baddari presided over the official launch of Algeria's operating system at the Dr. Moulay Tahar University in Saïda. The Linux-based system marks a milestone in the country’s digital modernization efforts and the enhancement of its technological capabilities.

“This fully Algerian system is the outcome of collaborative work between students and software researchers from multiple universities. This Linux distribution, blending user-friendliness with robust security, will enhance computer performance and safeguard our information systems. It also lays the groundwork for an open technology economy by providing a strong foundation for the development of numerous software startups,” Baddari said during the ceremony.

The initiative is part of a broader national strategy to modernize Algeria’s universities and position them as hubs for technological innovation. Spearheaded by Dr. Moulay Tahar University, the project involved a nationwide competition, with 10 university teams tasked with designing the operating system. This effort mirrors other recent technological advances in Algeria, such as the launch of the country’s first electric car in April 2023, developed by the Industrial Technology Research Center (CRTI).

The launch coincides with robust global growth in the open-source software market. According to a 2024 report by research firm GitNux, the global open-source market, valued at $21.7 billion in 2021, is projected to reach $66.84 billion by 2026. Additionally, open-source software adoption reportedly saves companies around $60 billion annually worldwide.

These figures underscore the significance of Algeria’s project, which could strengthen the country’s position in the global open-source market while fostering local innovation. The Algerian operating system, designed to meet the demands for cybersecurity and efficiency, could play a pivotal role in the country’s digital transformation while showcasing the talents of its young researchers and entrepreneurs.

Samira Njoya

Posted On vendredi, 22 novembre 2024 12:26 Written by

Sub-Saharan Africa has one of the lowest internet penetration rates globally. This limited connectivity underscores the importance of locally driven solutions, such as the Upanzi Network, which aim to develop accessible, culturally relevant technologies tailored to African contexts.

The Carnegie Mellon University Africa (CMU-Africa) announced, on November 20, the expansion of a groundbreaking initiative aimed at fostering secure, inclusive, and resilient digital public infrastructure across Africa.

CMU-Africa’s director, Conrad Tucker, emphasized the importance of local context, stating, “There are no one-size-fits-all solutions for Africa. Collaboration among researchers from diverse regions is essential to create tailored digital solutions.”

Launched in 2021 at CMU-Africa’s Kigali campus, the Upanzi Network, an Africa-based collaboration of engineering research labs, has pioneered research in critical areas such as digital identity, payments, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and data governance. Building on this foundation, the initiative is now partnering with leading universities across the continent, including Al Akhawayn University in Morocco, the University of Botswana, and the University of the Witwatersrand in South Africa.

Each partner lab has been awarded a one-year seed grant to support research tailored to specific regional needs. In Morocco, Al Akhawayn University is establishing a lab to enhance governance through digital transformation, prioritizing efficiency, transparency, and inclusivity in public services. In Botswana, researchers at the University of Botswana are utilizing IoT technologies to address challenges in farming, such as animal health and water management, aiming to improve agricultural productivity and engage youth through targeted workshops.

Meanwhile, the University of Witwatersrand in South Africa is focusing on multilingual learning technologies to overcome social and educational barriers while advancing digital literacy across diverse linguistic contexts.

The network’s researchers will convene this week at a symposium focusing on digital identity and cybersecurity, underscoring the initiative’s commitment to addressing Africa’s most pressing digital challenges.

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) highlights digital public infrastructure (DPI) as a key enabler of digital transformation and efficient public service delivery. Properly implemented, DPI supports national priorities and accelerates progress toward Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Governments, donors, private entities, and civil society have a shared opportunity to shape inclusive and impactful digital ecosystems.

The Upanzi Network’s initiatives address critical challenges in digital infrastructure and human development, ensuring Africa’s digital future is inclusive, resilient, and innovative. This expansion represents a significant stride toward empowering Africa’s socio-economic development through localized, innovative, and inclusive digital infrastructure.

Hikmatu Bilali

Posted On vendredi, 22 novembre 2024 05:17 Written by

The Djiboutian government is prioritizing the digital economy as a key driver of its development strategy. To ensure that this sector contributes fully to the country's growth, the government is also heavily focused on securing its national cyberspace.

Mariam Hamadou Ali (photo, left), Djibouti's Minister of Digital Economy and Innovation, conducted an official visit to Qatar to discuss cybersecurity, according to the ministry's social media posts on Tuesday, November 19. During her visit, she met with Abdulrahman bin Ali Al Farahid Al Malki (photo, right), head of Qatar's National Cybersecurity Agency. Their discussions focused on the issue of cybersecurity and explored "ways to develop and strengthen the partnership in this field," as reported by the Qatar News Agency.

This visit aligns with the priorities outlined by Djibouti's President, Ismaïl Omar Guelleh, during the national political assembly in August. The president emphasized the crucial role of the digital and telecommunications sectors in the country’s development. It also comes ahead of the imminent launch of Djibouti's national cybersecurity strategy, a project underpinned by the formation of strategic alliances to bolster the nation’s defenses against cyber threats.

According to the Global Cybersecurity Index 2024 published in September by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), Djibouti is a Tier 4 country, with a score of 31.47 out of 100. This category, as defined by the ITU, includes countries demonstrating a foundational commitment to cybersecurity through government-led actions involving evaluation, establishment, or implementation of generally accepted cybersecurity measures in at least one pillar or across several indicators or sub-indicators.

In contrast, Qatar stands as a global leader in cybersecurity, earning a perfect score of 100 in the same ITU index. For Djibouti, a partnership with Qatar presents a significant opportunity. Potential benefits include the exchange of expertise, sharing of intelligence on emerging cyber threats, enhancement of digital infrastructure, and targeted investments. Such collaborations could play a pivotal role in building a resilient and robust cybersecurity ecosystem in Djibouti.

Adoni Conrad Quenum

Posted On jeudi, 21 novembre 2024 15:30 Written by

As digital adoption rises across Africa, so does cybercrime, threatening national security. Tackling these threats is essential for protecting digital economies and fostering sustainable growth.

Zambia announced on November 19 that it is strengthening its defenses against cybercrime through a partnership with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). This collaboration aims to enhance digital security by equipping prosecutors and law enforcement with advanced skills to tackle emerging cyber threats.

Technology and Science Minister Felix Mutati, speaking through his representative, director of communication and digital technologies, Milner Makuni emphasized that the escalating cyber threats demand continuous professional training and collaboration. Equipping law enforcement with skills in digital forensics and AI-driven tools for threat detection will create a safer cyber environment for citizens and businesses alike.

The event, hosted in collaboration with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the Zambia Information and Communications Technology Authority (ZICTA), highlighted the urgency of addressing rising cybercrime incidents.

Key initiatives announced include training and reskilling programs to equip prosecutors and stakeholders with expertise in digital forensics, electronic evidence management, and predictive analysis technologies. Legislative enhancements are also underway, with ongoing revisions to the Cyber Security and Cyber Crimes Act to ensure a robust and adaptive legal framework.

ITU representative Annrita Ssemboga praised Zambia’s proactive role in the Global Digital Compact and commended its efforts to advance cybersecurity on the continent. ZICTA Acting Director-General Engineer Collins Mbulo highlighted the growing scope of digital crimes, urging regulators and law enforcement to remain vigilant. 

In 2021, the Zambia Computer Incident Response Team (ZM-CIRT) recorded over 10.7 million cyberattacks, including mobile money scams, social media hijacking, and fraudulent online schemes. Between 2020 and the second quarter of 2022, the financial sector lost over K150 million, with K6 million attributed to pyramid schemes. These figures underscore the growing threat of cybercrime in Zambia.

This initiative strengthens Zambia's digital resilience, fostering economic opportunities while protecting its citizens and businesses from escalating cyber threats. By aligning with global standards and leveraging advanced technology, Zambia is setting a benchmark for cybersecurity in the region, essential for long-term socio-economic stability.

Hikmatu Bilali

Posted On jeudi, 21 novembre 2024 09:27 Written by
Page 5 sur 113

Please publish modules in offcanvas position.