Marco Aquino and Felix Njini

LIMA/JOHANNESBURG, March 22 (Reuters) – The Democratic Republic of the Congo overtook Peru as the world’s second largest copper producer in 2023, though it still lags the South American country in exports, official data from both nations show.

Congo produced about 2.84 million tons of copper last year, the country’s central bank reported. Peru’soutput was 2.76 million tons, the Andean country’s mining and energy ministry said

Congo has been reeling in Peru’s No. 2 copper spot over recent years, with flagging mining investment in Peru linked to red tape and recent political turmoil and protests. Chile remains the distant top producer of the red metal.

Peru, however, is hanging onto its lead over Congo on copper exports. Peru exported some 2.95 million tons of the metal last year, more than its annual production due to sales of stocks held over from previous years.

Rómulo Mucho, Peru’s minister of energy and mines, said in early March he expected copper production to increase to 3 million tons in 2024. The ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Peru’s Andes are home to major mining firms including Freeport-McMoRan FCX.N, MMG Ltd 1208.HK, BHP BHP.AX, Glencore GLEN.L, Teck Resources TECKb.TO, Japan’s Mitsubishi 8058.T, and Southern Copper of Grupo México GMEXICOB.MX.

Congo out coppers Peru https://tmsnrt.rs/3RhwFlS

Congo out coppers Peru (Interactive) https://tmsnrt.rs/44LABOV

Copper exports: Congo reels in Peru https://tmsnrt.rs/3MNpEFN

Copper exports: Congo reels in Peru (Interactive) https://tmsnrt.rs/3Cbka2s

(Reporting by Marco Aquino in Lima and Felix Njini; Editing by Adam Jourdan and Richard Chang)

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.

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. 

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:

1. 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.

1. 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.

1. 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.”

1. 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.”

1. 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.

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.

Bizcommunity.com

In the pulsating heart of South Africa’s business landscape, a transformative force is quietly making its mark – Artificial Intelligence (AI).

The increasing reliance on AI technologies is reshaping how businesses operate, enhancing productivity, facilitating informed decision-making, and driving efficiencies across diverse industries. This article explores the burgeoning importance of AI in South African businesses and, more specifically, how Asus devices are at the forefront of this technological revolution, incorporating AI capabilities to elevate performance and efficiency.

The pervasive impact of AI on business

As the global business landscape evolves, the impact of AI becomes increasingly pervasive. In South Africa, businesses are recognising the transformative potential of the technology, from automating routine tasks to unlocking new possibilities in data analysis, decision-making, and operational efficiency.

The adoption of AI in South African businesses is a dynamic landscape. From large enterprises to burgeoning startups, organisations are exploring AI to gain a competitive edge. Trends, challenges, and opportunities abound as businesses integrate them into their operations, seeking innovative solutions to address industry-specific challenges.

AI’s role in boosting productivity is undeniable. Across industries, businesses are witnessing tangible improvements as AI-powered technologies streamline processes, automate repetitive tasks, and enhance overall operational efficiency. From optimising supply chains to revolutionising customer service, AI is a catalyst for transformative change.

Then there’s decision-making, where AI emerges as a formidable ally. The ability of these algorithms to analyse vast datasets in real-time empowers businesses to make informed, data-driven decisions. This enhances decision-making processes and positions businesses to navigate complexities confidently.

The application of AI in South Africa extends beyond generic use cases. In healthcare, AI aids in diagnostics and treatment planning. In finance, it revolutionises fraud detection and risk assessment. Industries such as manufacturing and logistics benefit from AI-driven predictive maintenance and supply chain optimisation.

Asus devices and AI integration

Asus is not merely keeping pace with AI-driven innovation but actively driving it in other regions in the world. The company’s commitment to helping advance the development of AI reflects a dedication to staying ahead of technological trends.

Asus devices are not just tools; they result from innovation, designed to meet the evolving needs of businesses in South Africa and beyond.

With their powerful computing capabilities, Asus devices become enablers of industry-specific advancements.

AI and workforce collaboration

It plays a pivotal role in fostering collaboration within the workforce. Asus devices help facilitate seamless communication, collaboration, and knowledge sharing among employees. Geographical distances become inconsequential as AI-powered apps and technologies empower teams to work cohesively, enhancing productivity and creativity.

Data security and privacy concerns are paramount in the age of AI integration. Asus addresses these concerns head-on, implementing robust security measures in devices incorporating AI technologies.

Ensuring the confidentiality and integrity of sensitive information is a cornerstone of Asus’s commitment to providing secure and reliable solutions.

Asus, as a leader in business solutions

Asus plans to bring exciting business devices to South Africa in the next few years. This cements the company’s commitment to innovation and positions it as a reliable partner for businesses seeking cutting-edge solutions.

These devices go beyond conventional expectations, embodying the future of technology and setting benchmarks for others to follow.

As we gaze into the future, the trajectory of AI in South African businesses is poised for continued growth. In alignment with its commitment to innovation, Asus stands ready to support businesses on their AI journey.

The Zimbabwean

Zimbabwe announced that it will construct its first utility-scale geothermal energy Independent Power Producer (IPP) and support the reduction of greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions in the country, of which the energy sector is the highest contributor.

The initiative emanates from the Green Resilient Recovery Rapid Readiness (GRRRR) and Geothermal Energy Development Project in Zimbabwe, which was identified as a key area of intervention after the investment plan and the GRRRR support for Zimbabwe were approved under the Green Climate Fund, according to Diana Tapedzanyika, project coordinator, Climate Finance Department at FBC Holdings Limited.

Zimbabwe’s total energy generation in 2021 comprised of 29 per cent from non-renewable sources and 71 per cent from renewable sources, with hydropower (at 69 per cent of total energy generation) comprising the largest share, according to the Climate Change Management Department (CCMD) under the Ministry of Environment, Climate and Wildlife.

The department said, however, that increased drought frequency, rainfall unpredictability and reduced water levels exacerbated by climate change have severely impacted hydropower levels, causing intensive load shedding, increased reliance on fossil fuels, fuelwood and electricity imports to make up for the deficit.

They added that the objective of the Geothermal Energy Development Project is to increase access to clean and reliable energy. According to CCMD, there is currently no operational geothermal IPP project in the country and the plant will complement and integrate with other existing energy systems.

They added that there are currently four existing Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority power stations, the Kariba South Hydroelectric Power Station and the coal-fired Harare, Bulawayo and Munyati thermal power stations.

The project will involve the design, construction, financing, operation and maintenance of a 10MW geothermal power plant, located in the Chimbwatata Hot Springs in Binga District of Zimbabwe, CCMD noted.

Binary cycle geothermal technology was considered best and appropriate based on the proposed site conditions, which produces electricity as well as the potential exploitation of waste heat as an additional revenue stream, said the department.

Electricity generated will be distributed through a transmission line under the responsibility of Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company (ZETDC), they added.

In 2021, Zimbabwe’s share of global GHG emissions was only 0.03 per cent, but the country is highly sensitive to extreme climate events despite its very low contribution to global GHG emissions and is ranked among the top 10 countries to be most affected by climate change, the officials of the department said.

At least 84 per cent of the current hydropower energy in the country is generated by the Kariba South hydroelectric power plant, the biggest power plant by installed capacity in Zimbabwe and the biggest source of domestic electricity supply in Zimbabwe.

Water levels in Lake Kariba dam, which feeds the plant, are reported to have dropped to below 1 per cent at the end of 2022, compared to 20 per cent a year earlier. This is reported to be causing an energy crisis in the country  with power cuts lasting many hours and also impacting neighbouring Zambia.

The CCMD said that given the energy generation mix being significantly dependent on hydropower, climate change-induced decreases in mean levels of precipitation are impacting hydro-based power. This highlights the need for alternative sources of renewable energy such as geothermal energy and minimising the use of fossil fuels, it added.

Zimbabwe has various renewable energy resources that have to date not been fully exploited. These include solar, hydro, wind and geothermal. There are no installed geothermal electrical energy plants despite 32 potential geothermal energy sites being identified by the Ministry of Energy and Power Development, the officials pointed out.

The project aims at reducing Zimbabwe’s reliance on hydropower energy sources by diversifying its energy mix and ultimately lowering the energy sector-based emissions compared to the business-as-usual scenario, according to the department.

Geothermal power generation is one of the best options to provide additional capacity to the grid to meet the growing power demand, they added.

Resultant short-term intervention measures created by higher incidence of droughts have included increased thermal inputs in the energy mix, massive load-shedding and severe power cuts, according to CCMD.

Various capital build electricity projects are proposed to increase generation capacity in Zimbabwe but the projected costs for the plants are beyond the financing capacity of the power utility, said Tumai Murombo, professor of law at Witwatersrand University in South Africa, in a presentation on the potential for low-carbon renewable energy, who acknowledged that the country has immense access to renewables ranging from solar and wind to biomass and biofuels

Unless the utility enters into joint ventures or private international capital which it is allowed to play a role, most of the projects will fail to take off, he added.

There is continuing aversion to solar projects by the power utility as well as the private sector, despite the country’s substantial solar potential owing to its geography, Murombo noted.

Ordinary solar system energy outputs are low and cannot provide power for cooking, heating or productive purposes such as welding, grinding or charging batteries commercially.

These constraints on solar have seen it play only a limited role in developing countries where, unfortunately, the bulk of solar energy is abundantly available throughout the year.

Other potential alternative energy sources in Zimbabwe include wind, methane gas, nuclear and biofuels, they added.

“These are not touted as solutions to the current energy crisis, but they could be used to complement and supplement thermal and hydropower,” Murombo said.

Bizcommunity.com

Forecasts suggest that AI expenditure on the continent will jump from $3bn in 2023 to $6.4bn by 2026.

As global developments in AI, like OpenAI’s DALL-E 2 and conversational agents like ChatGPT, continue to shape the future, our continent stands ready not just to adapt but to lead.

The concept is not high-minded or unattainable. It has immediate potential in the device sitting on your desk or in the palm of your hand.

Integration of AI into gadgets

Gadgets, once considered mere tools, have evolved into intelligent companions, as the integration of AI into gadgets has unlocked a realm of possibilities.

Modern smartphones, equipped with AI, can recognise scenes, adjust settings in real-time, and even enhance images post-capture, all autonomously.

Similarly, in the world of wearables, AI-driven algorithms analyse sleep patterns, heart rate variability, and stress levels, providing insights that were once the domain of specialised medical equipment.

Whether it is smartphones adapting to user habits, smart speakers processing voice commands, or fitness trackers analysing health metrics in real-time, AI is at the heart of these advancements, making gadgets more intuitive and user-centric.

AI innovation and application in Africa

A new McKinsey Global survey says global AI adoption is surging, doubling from its commencement in 2017 and the continent is not just a follower in this narrative.

With its exponentially growing youth demographic, burgeoning middle class, and escalating mobile and internet penetration, there is convincing evidence that the continent could soon be a torchbearer in AI innovation and application.

For instance, AI’s imprint on healthcare in Africa is transformative. Companies like Eden Care from Rwanda, which is streamlining health insurance processes, and Zuri Health in Kenya, which extends healthcare access to remote regions, show how Africa is harnessing AI for the greater good.

And AI’s potential does not merely orbit around healthcare. Pioneering startups across the continent are leveraging AI to tailor-make solutions for unique African challenges.

This is the pivotal moment

So, look, there it is. The bandwagon is ready and waiting for you to climb on. But what do you need?

Companies need to partner with local talent, understand grassroots challenges, and develop solutions in collaboration with communities. Building robust data infrastructure will be paramount.

Then recognise that one-size-fits-all solutions will not suffice. Develop AI models that cater to Africa’s unique socio-economic and cultural landscape.

Ethics need to be considered so companies need to develop AI responsibly and ensure that it does not perpetuate biases or inequalities. Address ethical concerns head-on and ensure transparency in AI processes.

So, to corporations, governments, startups, and individuals—this is the pivotal moment. Engage with AI, funnel investments, stimulate innovation, and in unity, craft an AI-led era where Africa does not just adapt but paves the way.

Bizcommunity.com

IBM announced an expansion of its partnership with Amazon Web Services (AWS) to help more clients operationalise and derive value from generative artificial intelligence (AI). As part of this expansion, IBM Consulting aims to deepen and expand its generative AI expertise on AWS by training 10,000 consultants by the end of 2024. The two organisations also plan to deliver joint solutions and services upgraded with generative AI capabilities designed to help clients across critical use cases.
Generative AI holds exciting potential to drive transformation and boost productivity in Africa. According to a recent IBM report, CEO Decision-Making in the Age of AI, 69% of African CEO’s see the broad benefits of generative AI across their organisation, while in the Middle East, 43% of CEOs are currently leveraging generative AI for strategic decision-making.

IBM Consulting and AWS already serve clients across a variety of industries with a range of AI solutions and services. Now, the companies are enhancing those solutions and services with the power of generative AI designed to help clients integrate AI quickly into business and IT operations building on AWS.

Initial solutions

Contact centre modernisation with Amazon Connect. IBM Consulting worked with AWS to create summarisation and categorisation functions for voice and digital interactions using generative AI, which are designed to allow for transfers between the chatbot and live agent and provide the agent with summarised details that expedite resolution times and improve quality management.

Platform services on AWS. The new generative AI capabilities give clients tools to enhance business serviceability and availability for their applications hosted on AWS through intelligent issue resolution and observability techniques. Clients can expect an improvement of uptime and mean time repair which means they can act quickly and effectively to potential issues that arise.

Nigerian Tribune

The Federal Government has said that science, technology and innovation are critical to the revival and renewing of the economy and naira, stressing the need to adopt the right technology and partnership to explore opportunities in the sub-sector.

Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Nnaji Uche, stated this during the 38th annual national conference and scientific workshop of the Association of Science Laboratory Technologists of Nigeria (ASLTON) held at the Federal College of Animal Health and Production Technology, Moor Plantation, Ibadan, Oyo State.

Uche who was represented by the Chief Scientific Officer, Science and Technology Promotion, Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology, Mrs. Fisayo Omowumi Eneh, in Abuja, said that adopting the right technology could help entrepreneurs automate processes and engender national development.

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He stated that the laboratory acts as a catalyst for innovation, knowledge, partnership, incubating and piloting, and promising new ideas that would build entrepreneurial ecosystems.

The professional body at the event inducted nineteen fellows.

Dr. Jackson Osuh, in his lecture titled: ‘Entrepreneurial Role of Science Laboratory Technology in Sustainable Development for National Growth’, stressed the need for members of the ASLTON to do away with colonial master mentality, but embrace entrepreneurship.

Also, in his message, Provost of Oyo State College of Nursing and Midwifery, Eleyele, Ibadan, Dr. (Mrs.) Gbonjubola Owolabi, said: ”We are not supposed to continue to be a dumping ground for all other nations of the world.”

Director-General/Registrar, Nigerian Institute of Science Laboratory Technology, Ibadan, Yemi Gbadegesin, said: ”We have a long way to go as we continue to deal with the proliferation of quacks in both teaching and manning of science laboratories across all sectors of the economy.

In his message, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde encouraged scientists to take advantage of licences issued for the growth of the nation and not depend on white-collar jobs.

Also in his speech, National President of ASLTON, Ayotunde Omorilewa, maintained that with the current crop of technologists, the nation could migrate from importation to massive exportation.