Yejide Gbenga-Ogundare
To foster inclusion for female entrepreneurs in Nigeria, various experts have identified the need for a concentrated effort on dissemination of accurate information, more access to finance, creating a pool for women with like businesses, breaking down of cultural barriers and more structured support from the government at all levels.
This was made known at the 2024 International Women’s Day celebration organised by ImpactHER, a foremost non-profit organisation with a mandate for empowering African female entrepreneurs by bridging the gender business financing gap so as to help them realise their full economic potentials in partnership with the African Union, ToolUp, BRAVE Women, GIZ and Lotus Bank. The training had in attendance over 400 female entrepreneurs.
In her remarks, Efe Ukala, founder, ImpactHER, urged the women to forge a strong bond of unity, pull resources together and serve as a torch bearer in their various business enterprises. She explained that ImpactHER is an inclusion platform that seeks to help female entrepreneurs become the best version of themselves.
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She said: “Inspiring inclusion is more than just a theme for International Women’s Day. It is a guiding light for us all, especially the vibrant community of African women entrepreneurs. It means creating spaces where every woman’s voice can echo with strength, where her ideas can flourish without boundaries and where her dreams are nurtured by the collective support of a community that sees no limit to what she can achieve. It means each of us committing to lift as we climb ensuring that our success is not a solitary journey but a shared voyage that paves the way for more women to step into their power.”
“For this training, we had a slot for 250 women, but today, we have over 400 women in attendance. These women came from all parts of Lagos, Ibadan, Ogun State and even Benin Republic to learn. This shows that women across Nigeria and even Africa truly need platforms like this where they can learn, network and receive guidance for sustainable business progression. Generally, ImpactHER helps even the most marginalized women to get free resources that allows them to build a more structured and sustainable business. For example, we provide free business registration service, book keeping and accounting so that they can access the finance needed to build their businesses. All these, we believe will help foster inclusion to help bridge the gender gap. During the event, we organised a market place with over forty vendors to showcase and sell their items. We appreciate all our sponsors for making this event very successful”.
Another facilitator, Olanrewaju Oniyitan, Founder/CEO, W-Holistic Business Solutions who spoke on the topic Growing Wealth: Growing an investable company as a woman founder hinted that people, a wonderful business model, track record of business growth, financial viability, scalability and risk management are some of the pointers needed for female entrepreneurs to become successful in their business.
Niger govt, AEDC partner to improve electricity supply
Adelowo Oladipo
Niger State Government in conjunction with the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) has come up with an initiative that will improve the electricity supply to residents of the State.
The initiative code name “Light Up Niger 2024” would be a collaboration between the state government and the AEDC to ensure a steady power supply to Nigerlites.
This was brought to the fore when the Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, received the AEDC delegation led by its Chief Operations Officer, Eng. Chijioke Okwuokenye at the Government House, Minna.
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Governor Umaru Bago described the initiative as a welcome development because Niger State is host to four hydroelectric power dams, adding that the dams contribute about 60 percent of electricity in Nigeria.
He also observed that power supply is key to development, especially as the State is moving into an industrialization and processing zone.
The Governor expressed optimism that the “Light Up Niger” project will also proffer a solution to the metering challenge in the state.
Governor Umaru Bago noted that the Electricity Act has been domesticated in the State, highlighting that the Niger State Electricity Regulatory Commission has been created.
He stated further that the necessary paperwork for the Regulatory Commission will soon be completed so that the State can start generating and distributing its power.
In his remarks, the Chief Operating Officer of AEDC, Engineer Chijioke Okwuokenye explained that the “Light Up Niger” project when it takes off, will pave the way for greater things to come as the whole scope is to come up with the best measures that will improve and sustain electricity supply to Niger State.
He commended the support of the Umaru Bago-led administration through the supply of transformers to communities, saying that “the private sector needs such support for survival and assured that the Company is willing to continue to partner with the State Government for the desired result”.
Meanwhile, the State Government recently described as unacceptable the continuous erratic and epileptic power supply in the state and demanded about 24 hours of power supply, or the state will withdraw from the AEDC to join another Distribution Company.
The situation improved immediately after that decision by the State Government, which has now brought about the “Light Up Niger” initiative.
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Oil, gas exploration frontiers include Namibia, Guyana, SLB CEO says
By Liz Hampton
HOUSTON, March 19 (Reuters) – Oil and gas companies have increased exploration of frontier areas in countries such as Namibia, Surinam and Guyana, and that will create a new wave of future projects, SLB CEO Olivier Le Peuch said on Tuesday.
“We have seen a rebound in exploration over the past two or three years,” he said at a conference in Houston, Texas. SLB is the world’s largest provider of oilfield services.
He pointed to developments in countries like Namibia as setting the next frontier for exploration. That country, which has yet to produce any oil and gas, expects first production from major offshore finds by 2030.
Companies are also focusing exploration efforts around areas where there is already existing infrastructure, Le Peuch said.
Majority of new oil production will come from the U.S., Canada, Guyana and Brazil in the near-term, the U.S. Energy Information Administration said last week.
In Guyana, Exxon Mobil anticipates bringing oil production to 1.2 million barrels per day by 2027, around 12 years after it drilled its first exploration well off the shores of the South American country.
South Africa and Zimbabwe enter landmark water sharing deal
Staff Writer
Water and Sanitation Minister Senzo Mchunu and the Zimbabwean Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries and Rural Development, Dr Anxious Jongwe Masuka, have signed an agreement for the transfer of treated water from Beitbridge Water Treatment Works to Musina.
The agreement is the product of the bilateral agreement of cooperation on water resources management, and the establishment and functioning of the Joint Water Commission established by the two countries in 2015.
The transfer of treated water from Beitbridge Water Treatment Works in Zimbabwe to Musina, Limpopo, is a medium-term solution to address water supply challenges in the area.
The capacity of the Beitbridge Water Treatment Plant is 35 million cubic metres/annum (96 Ml/day) and is currently not fully utilised in Zimbabwe, with only 10% of the capacity used for Beitbridge.
Mchunu has welcomed the signing of the agreement and assured the community of Musina that the transfer of water from Beitbridge will alleviate water supply challenges in the area, as the quantities to be supplied are more than the current demand.
According to the agreement, the two countries will kick-start an implementation plan and oversee the construction of a pipeline and of pump stations to transfer 15 million cubic metres (41 ML/day) of treated water from Zimbabwe to Musina.
The two implementing agents to oversee the construction projects include the South African Development Bank and the Zimbabwe National Water Authority. The project is expected to be completed in 2026.
The treated water to be transferred is expected to comply with South Africa’s water quality standards (SANS 241), set by the South African National Bureau of Standards (SABS), which is informed by World Health Organisation (WHO) guidelines.
Mchunu said in the interim, the Department of Water and Sanitation is working with the Vhembe District Municipality, which is the Water Services Authority for Musina Local Municipality, in addressing challenges with the existing water infrastructure, including rehabilitating the existing but non-functional boreholes, while the project is being implemented.
“We are looking at operationalising the non-functioning boreholes in Musina and we believe that with the transfer of water from Beitbridge Water Treatment Works, the challenges of water supply in Musina will be a thing of the past.
“…We are thankful to the government of Zimbabwe to be able to expedite this water sharing deal, which will change the lives of the people of Musina,” Mchunu said.
Masuka also welcomed the contribution of the government of Zimbabwe to ensure that economic development is sustainable in Musina.
“I am very pleased that this day has come to fruition. It has taken years of negotiation and I thank the technical team for having put their very best for their countries to ensure that we come to this level today,” Masuka said.
The Minister reiterated that Zimbabwe is committed to supplying the maximum 15 million cubic metres of treated water per year to Musina town for the duration of the agreement. He is hopeful that the contribution will alleviate the water challenges in Musina, and also contribute to the economic development of the region.
As part of the two-day programme, Mchunu, accompanied by Deputy Minister Judith Tshabalala, held a meeting with Vhembe District and Musina Local Municipality leadership on Friday to discuss immediate, medium- and long-term solutions to water and sanitation challenges affecting the region.
The leaders later held an imbizo, where they gave an update to the community of Musina on the plans underway to provide them with water, as well as interim measures to alleviate intermittent water provision.
Towards achieving 95% digital literacy in Nigeria
Shuaib S. Agaka
THE Director General of National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa, recently reiterated his agency’s commitment in collaborating with key partners to achieve 95 percent digital literacy coverage in Nigeria by 2030. He made the affirmation at programme hosted by e-health Africa, emphasizing the need for collective efforts to implement impactful digital initiatives. There is no doubt in saying that digital literacy stands at the forefront of global progress, serving as the backbone for socioeconomic development in the digital age. As a result , countries worldwide consistently seek ways to enhance their capabilities and harness the full potential of technology in various daily activities. Nigeria was also not left back in this frantic race as this prompted the NITDA, the pioneer in technological advancement in Nigeria, to ambitiously envision achieving 95 percent digital literacy by 2030. It is not merely a goal but a transformative journey. As NITDA embarks on this road, the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead shape a narrative that extends far beyond the boundaries of technology, touching the very essence of Nigeria’s future.
In today’s connected world, digital literacy is the pillar that empowers individuals, communities, and nations to handle the challenges of the digital era. It is a passport to inclusion, a catalyst for innovation, and a driver of economic growth. Nigeria’s aspiration to attain 95 per cent digital literacy by the 2030 close underscores a profound commitment to equipping its citizens with the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in the digital realm. However, this journey is not devoid of hurdles which need to be addressed for the vision to be realised. The hurdles range from Infrastructure barriers; urban-rural technology differences, educational landscape, and socio-economic factors, including the affordability of digital devices and internet services. Moreover, awareness and perceptions surrounding digital literacy require refined strategies to dispel myths and create an understanding of its transformative potential. In the pursuit of 95 percent digital literacy in Nigeria, a significant stumbling block arises from the challenges surrounding the infrastructure between urban and rural areas, contributing to an uneven distribution of digital resources. Urban centres often enjoy better connectivity and access to digital tools than their rural counterparts. Of course, the urban residents alone can’t make up 95 percent of the Nigerian population, which implies the rural residents must also be heavily involved. Not just that, also, the integration of digital literacy into the formal education system remains a challenge as well. Many educational institutions lack the necessary infrastructure, such as computers and software to facilitate meaningful digital education. In a situation where schools do have access to these resources, there is often a scarcity of updated and relevant educational content.
Furthermore, the effective blending of digital learning into the curriculum largely depends on how skilled educators are in using these tools. Regrettably, many teachers lack the necessary training to seamlessly include digital tools in their teaching methods. The fast-paced changes in technology make this challenge even more difficult, as educators find it challenging to keep up with the latest advancements. Also, affordability or provision of digital tools is also one of the hurdles. The cost of digital devices, to be used to attain digital literacy, including computers and smartphones, is not something 95 percent of Nigerians can afford. While the digital age has ushered in a wealth of opportunities, the expense associated with acquiring computers and smartphones serves as a challenge, particularly for those in lower-income brackets. Yet, potential solutions involve setting up more community technology centres that come equipped with computers and internet access. These centres can offer a place for people, especially those without personal devices, with a space to improve their digital skills. Furthermore, exploring e-waste recycling programs can be a sustainable approach. Repurposing and redistributing refurbished devices will make digital tools to be affordable for a broader segment of the population. Moreso, if possible, the implementation of policies that subsidize the cost of digital devices for low-income individuals will be a crucial step. Government-backed initiatives or collaborations with private sector entities can help make devices more accessible.
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The last hurdle worth noting is the lack of awareness of the potential of digital literacy. The broader population does not fully comprehend the transformative potential of digital literacy. Some individuals, influenced by misconceptions, view digital literacy as irrelevant to their daily lives or too complex to grasp. Consequently, there is a need for National awareness campaigns, local language outreach, hands-on demonstrations, storytelling and success narratives, and collaboration with media outlets. If all of these can be done, the lack of awareness of the potential of digital literacy will definitely be solved, as a result, significant participation and improvement in acquiring digital skills will soar. Therefore, for the vision to be achievable and be a widespread benefit, all these challenges must be solved.
Because the goal of reaching 95% proficiency by 2030 represents more than just an objective; it signifies a significant journey of transformation. This digital vision seeks to redefine Nigeria’s socio-economic landscape, aiming to make digital literacy accessible to all, turning it into a tool for widespread progress rather than a limited privilege.
The vision to achieve 95 percent digital illiteracy by 2030 is not just the responsibility of the government bodies, but it is also the responsibility of educational institutions, civil society, and individuals to unite in shaping Nigeria into a digitally empowered nation.
Agaka, an NYSC member, writes in from Kano.
South Africa eyes key role in global shift toward battery-powered future
Staff Writer
The world’s reliance on batteries is growing rapidly, encompassing everything from vehicles to electronics and energy storage. This trend could position South Africa as a major contributor, says Oscar van Antwerpen, head of geological consulting firm Minrom.
Van Antwerpen emphasises that battery minerals like lithium, cobalt, nickel, manganese, and graphite are essential to this transition. Yet, he expresses concern about South Africa achieving its renewable energy goals. The updated energy plan targets All rights reserved.
Burkina Faso reports bird flu outbreak in Ouagadougou, WOAH says
Reuters
Burkina Faso reported an outbreak of highly pathogenic H5N1 bird flu on a farm located in its capital Ouagadougou, the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH) said on Monday.
The virus, also called avian influenza, killed 441 birds out of a flock of 641, the Paris-based WOAH said in a report, citing local authorities.
Leapfrogging into Tomorrow: Africa’s tech revolution to support green growth
By the Africa report
As we navigate the early stages of the 21st century, Africa finds itself at a pivotal moment, facing the challenges of accelerating climate change impacts, and at the same time, the opportunities that the Fourth Industrial Revolution brings.
According to the 6th Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), the African continent is warming faster than the global average, and consequently risks losing up to 3% of its gross domestic product (GDP) by 2050 if current climate trends continue unabated. Yet, within this impending climate crisis lies an unprecedented opportunity for Africa to redefine its developmental trajectory by embracing the disruptive potential of the Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies.
The Fourth Industrial Revolution heralds the integration of digital, biological and physical systems, offering novel solutions to longstanding challenges. Africa’s burgeoning population—expected to double by 2050—requires an urgent and innovative approach to sustainability.
As a climate professional, I cannot say enough about how important it is to harness technology to catalyse Africa’s leap into a future where economic prosperity and environmental stewardship go hand in hand.
Technological advancements like artificial intelligence (AI), big data, blockchain, cloud computing, and the Internet of Things (IoT) are reshaping industries across Africa. These innovations can significantly enhance efficiency, increase access to essential services and improve the lives of millions.
In agriculture, for example, precision farming, enabled by AI, has shown promising results, with studies indicating up to 25% increase in crop yields and 30% reduction in water usage. Such advancements are crucial in addressing pressing challenges like malnutrition and hunger, which affect millions of people across Africa. By leveraging the capabilities of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, Africa can revolutionise its approach to food production, thus ensuring greater food security and nutritional outcomes for its population.
However, unlocking this potential requires a shift towards innovative financing mechanisms, especially considering recent trends. In 2023, Africa witnessed an alarming 36% decline in investment for startups. This reflects a challenging landscape for entrepreneurship and technological innovation. Despite this setback, countries like Kenya, South Africa, Egypt and Nigeria collectively absorbed nearly 75% of total funding raised by African startups, with fintech companies emerging as the frontrunners.
Green bonds, blended finance and other creative financial instruments are also essential to mobilise the substantial investments needed to propel Africa into a sustainable and tech-driven future. This approach both supports technological adoption and ensures that solutions are scalable, sustainable and accessible to all layers of society.
The African Development Bank is committed to advancing economic development and social progress across Africa, leveraging project and programme lending. It is focusing on strategic investments, policy advocacy and capacity building. In collaboration with governments, the private sector and international partners, the Bank’s goal is to implement Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies to tackle a wide spectrum of challenges – from climate change to fostering economic inclusivity.
Supporting grassroots youth initiatives, nonprofits and small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) is vital for turning technological innovations into real-world community benefits. The African Development Bank supports various initiatives across Africa, like the Ekiti Knowledge Zone and Jobs Creation project in Nigeria. With a commitment of US $80 million in loan financing, the Bank is spearheading this state-led pioneering special economic zone project to foster digital entrepreneurship and generate 26,000 jobs.
The Ekiti Knowledge Zone initiative aligns well with the Bank’s commitment to promote entrepreneurship talents as well as develop a skilled workforce matching employers’ needs, contributing to sustainable economic growth and job creation in Africa.
Similarly, the Zayed Sustainability Prize illustrates the significance of recognising and rewarding innovative SMEs and non-profit organisations that tackle critical challenges raised by African startups.
The Fourth Industrial Revolution presents Africa with a historic opportunity to redefine its development path, enhance resilience to climate change, and secure a prosperous future for its people. By embracing technological innovations and creative financing, Africa can overcome its current challenges. It can harness its immense potential and resources to lead the way in sustainable development.
The journey is complex and requires collective effort, but with determination and collaboration, Africa’s future in the Fourth Industrial Revolution is both promising and revolutionary.
What to expect from South Africa’s cybersecurity landscape in 2024
Staff Writer
As widely reported last year, South Africa received the most cybersecurity threats on the continent by far – 230 million compared to second-placed Morocco’s 71 million in 2022.
Virodh Sunderlall, Product Manager at Services and Solutions Aggregator Tarsus On Demand, says South Africa is particularly vulnerable because of affordability challenges. “More developed countries have more funds available to buy multiple security systems. Our economy has not been at its strongest, so people try to lower expenditure by cutting expenses that don’t generate money, such as security and insurance. This leaves enterprises open to attack.”
South Africans are, however, learning that cybersecurity is not a luxury, as with protection of physical property, he says. As the country ramps up its safeguards, here are five top trends to look out for in 2024:
- Multilayered security
Multilayered security was a key strategy for Tarsus On Demand and its partners in 2023, and will remain so in 2024, says Sunderlall. “With cyber threats becoming more sophisticated and diverse, relying on a single security layer is no longer sufficient. Multilayered security involves combining different security measures such as firewalls, encryption, access controls, behavioural analytics, and endpoint protection to create robust defences against potential breaches.”
This strategy also allows for adaptation to new threats – if one layer is breached, others can mitigate the risk, reducing the chances of a successful attack.
“Multilayered security has become so important that security vendors are now creating APIs to communicate to other vendors’ products on systems. This helps them leverage each other to bolster security strength. Forward-thinking companies will implement these APIs in 2024,” says Sunderlall.
- Better email protection
Between 90-95% of all security breaches happen through email, says Sunderlall. “As with home security, your most-used entry points are also the most vulnerable. Usually, that’s email. Almost every security vendor is trying to solve this, and we’ll see the most movement in this area in 2024.”
New regulations on Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting and Conformance (DMARC) compliancy, which governs how emails are sent, also come into effect from March 2024 and will affect security products going forward.
- More options, with more flexibility
Fixed term contracts are falling out of favour, with multiple vendors now offering customers more flexibility, says Sunderlall. “Vendors are no longer tying customers and partners into 12-month security contracts. Instead, they’re restructuring offerings around monthly payments, and making products easier to integrate and to scale up and down as needed.”
Vendors are also offering multiple solutions, where they used to focus on one or two products. “Consumers want more choice, and vendors are giving the market what it wants. Tarsus On Demand, for example, is now offering AWS alongside Microsoft and multiple cybersecurity stacks, making us one of very few authorised AWS distributors in Africa.”
- Cyber insurance
As threat vectors increase and more companies are being held ransom by attackers, cyber insurance products will become more necessary, says Sunderlall. “These products have only recently started seeing the light, but they’ll become commonplace very quickly. Soon, cyber insurance will be a standard and necessary business expense, like building insurance is.”
- AI defences
AI has been the most talked-about topic in security globally this past year, and we’ll see more real-world use cases in 2024, says Sunderlall. “We’ve seen some great AI-based defensive tools come out, especially in email security. And it became much more accessible this past year, with products like Mimecast becoming available to end users.
“But the converse is that AI is also being used to attack systems. It’s a double-edged sword and it’s not quite clear what it’s capable of yet. We can expect to see some big developments in the field this coming year, both good and bad. It’s going to be interesting to keep an eye on these developments as they shape the future.”
The challenges posed by the sheer volume of cyber threats, combined with economic constraints, have catalysed a strategic shift in the approach to cybersecurity. The adoption of multifaceted security measures, improved email protection, flexible vendor options, the emergence of cyber insurance, and the utilisation of AI in defence mechanisms underscore a proactive and dynamic response to the growing complexity of cyber threats. While these developments herald a more secure digital environment, they also signify a new era of continuous adaptation and vigilance.
UK-based firm to establish 25MW renewable energy plant in Nigeria
Paul Omorogbe
PRIME Teknologies, a company based in the UK and provider of renewable energy solutions, is set to boost power generation in Nigeria with the establishment of a utility-scale solar power plant in Nigeria.
The 25 megawatts (MW) photovoltaic (PV) power generating plant represents a significant step towards addressing the energy needs of Nigeria while promoting renewable energy and sustainable development.
Collaborating with its global partners in renewable energy deployment, Prime Teknologies UK said it is leveraging its expertise to implement clean energy solutions across Nigeria where communities have hybrid electricity options, with local solar plants supporting the national grid in generating, transmitting and distributing uninterrupted power.
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Heading the project is Charles Scott-Emuakpor, CEO of Prime Teknologies UK. Under his leadership, Prime Teknologies UK has assembled a team of seasoned professionals with extensive experience in the Nigerian power sector, which includes Francis Okosobo-Ibe, a consulting power systems engineer and a former business leader at NEPA/PHCN.
“We are building the largest utility scale power plant in Nigeria so far,” said Scott-Emuakpor.
“One of the key drivers behind our initiative is the pressing need to address Nigeria’s energy challenges with sustainable solutions, and the Prime Solar Power Plant represents a significant milestone in our commitment to promoting clean, reliable energy sources in Nigeria and beyond.
“By incorporating innovative technologies like Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) doing the energy storing at capacity for off-peak distribution alongside PV modules doing the energy harvesting, we aim to maximise the efficiency and reliability of this renewable power plant and the many others to come.
“This approach underscores our dedication to providing clean, affordable and sustainable electricity to Nigerian homes and businesses, while also contributing to the nation’s sustainable development goals,” he said.
Uche Ndubuokwu, Operations Lead for the project, said: “Our goal is to provide electricity from a renewable source to thousands of Nigerians, thereby easing the strain on the national grid and fostering a more sustainable energy future for the country.”
In addition to collaborating with foreign partners, Prime Teknologies management said it is working closely with Federal and state governments on the project.
It is also in communication with the National Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), on due diligence.
Beyond its economic benefits, the company stated that its solar power plant will have a significant social impact, creating over 2000 local jobs during the construction phase and providing ongoing employment opportunities in operations and maintenance. This commitment to local empowerment aligns with the company’s vision of fostering sustainable development and addressing climate change challenges.
As Prime Teknologies UK prepares to embark on this project, the company stated that it remains dedicated to its mission of driving positive change through innovation. By leveraging innovative technologies and fostering strategic partnerships, Prime Teknologies UK is poised to make a lasting impact on Nigeria’s energy sector and contribute to a greener, more sustainable future.