Infotech
Nigeria now global supplier of tech talents — FG
…As 60 African Startups get $4m Google funding
By Ogaga Ariemu
Director General/CEO National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Mr Kashifu Abdullahi said Nigeria is now a global supplier of tech talents.
This is coming as a U.S. based tech giant Google unveiled 60 Africa Startups grantees of its second cohort Black Founders Fund (BFF) initiative.
Abdullahi in his remarks on Tuesday during the unveiling ceremony in Abuja, said the project will boost Nigeria’s Digital Economy.
According to him, “This is the a golden opportunity for our Startups, because funding is one of the biggest challenge facing the Nigeria tech ecosystem.
“We have global talent shortage, everywhere they are looking for talents. In Nigeria we have the talents that is why they are coming to tap from the pool.
“This kind of initiative will help us create more talent in country because it is the people component of technology.
“If you don’t have the people that we think and invent new ideas, there is no way we can have a good technology.
“It is an opportunity to position ourselves to be the global talent suppliers. Because we cannot compete with this big countries in terms of hardware manufacturing but in terms of software and talent. This initiative will help build more in-country talents, solve local problems and upscale them to global scale. This will open up Nigeria tech industry to the global market.”
Meanwhile, in his remarks, the Head Startup Ecosystem Africa, Mr Folarin Aiyegbusi disclosed that Africa challenges need to be solved through deliberate effort by Africans and globally. He said there is no better time than now to solve this challenges.
He explained that, “Africa is a diverse continent with massive opportunity but the continent is faced with the challenge of limited diversity in venture capital funding flow. We hope that the Black Founders Fund program will be able to bridge the gap of disproportionate funding between expat startups over local and black-led companies.
“The equity-free cash assistance to startups will enable them to take care of immediate needs such as paying staff, funding inventory, and maintaining software licences. This is to help the grantees buffer the cost of taking on debt in the early stages of their business as many of them do not have steady revenue streams yet.”
One of the grantees, the founder of Norebase, Tola Onayemi, lauded Google for promoting tech innovation in Africa.
Grantees include, LifeBank, HerVest, Healthtracka, Agrickool, Ajua, Awabah, Bailport, Estate Intel, Bag Innovation, Bee, Bookings Africa, Branstorne, Built, BuuPass, Cauri Money, Clarifa, Eden Life, Flex Finance, Gamr, Haul247 and others.
The Winners made up of 50% women-led businesses, hail from Nigeria, Botswana, Cameroon, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Rwanda, Senegal, South Africa and Uganda. They specialise in sectors such as fintech, healthcare, e-commerce, logistics, agtech, education, hospitality and smart cities.
Each of the selected Startups will receive support in the form of a 6-month training programme that includes access to a network of mentors to assist in tackling challenges that are unique to them. Including tailored workshops, support networks and community building sessions. The 60 grantees will also get non-dilutive awards of between $50,000 and $100,000 and up to $200,000 in Google Cloud credit.
Nigerian NewsDirect gathered that previous cohort grantees of BFF such as CredPal, Wellahhealth have started contributing tremendously to the growth of tech industry.
Infotech
May Day: Glo salutes Nigerian workers
Digital telecommuni cations solutions provider, Globacom, has saluted Nigerian workers as the country observes this year’s edition of the International Workers’ Day. The company enjoined them to rededicate themselves to excellence so as to take Nigeria to the next level.
In a solidarity message released on Tuesday, Globacom lauded the resilient spirit of workers in spite of present challenges. It urged them to use the opportunity of the Workers’ Day to reflect on how their contributions can build a better and more vibrant society.
“We salute Nigerian workers on this day and commend them for the hard work, commitment, resourcefulness and industry which are essential for the growth of the economy of any nation,” Globacom said, and urged them not to rest on their oars.
The company noted that the story of Nigeria cannot be complete without the huge contributions of workers, both in the public and private sectors.
The International Labour Day is observed annually on May 1 to recognise the contributions of workers all over the world. It is also used to promote a fairer and more sustainable future for all by advocating for workers’ rights.
Infotech
Abaranje fire: Company sues for calm, assures victims of healthcare support
By our reporter
Carville Integrated Ventures Limited, a leading telecoms facility management services provider, has appealed for calm following the recent fire incident at Abaranje Base Station.
The company manages base stations on behalf of Airtel Nigeria.
In a statement, the Management of Carville noted that the incident occurred during maintenance operations on a leaking part of a diesel tank, resulting in injuries to some individuals from the local community who forcefully gained unauthorised access into the facility hosting the base station during the maintenance work.
The company however sympathised with the victims while promising to provide healthcare support to them.
“The management of Carville Integrated Ventures, extends her condolences to the affected individuals and their families, stating, ‘Our hearts go out to those injured in the unfortunate incident. We are committed to providing support and assistance during their recovery process.’
“We stand by our commitment to the communities we serve, and we will continue to prioritize their welfare in all our operations.”
“Furthermore, Carville appeals to community leaders and members to cooperate with the company in implementing safety measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.”
“Safety is our top priority,” the management affirmed. “We urge everyone to adhere to safety protocols and guidelines to ensure the well-being of all.”
“Carville is working closely with local authorities and regulatory bodies to conduct a thorough investigation into the incident and implement necessary measures to prevent recurrence,” the statement read.
Meanwhile, Airtel Nigeria has also in a statement sympathised with the victims of the fire incident.
Infotech
Digital identity: FG, Bill Gates partner to harmonise database
By our reporter
The Federal Government and Microsoft Founder and Philanthropist, Mr. Bill Gates are in talks to develop a system that will help Nigeria harmonise her identity system database.
The Microsoft Founder made this known when he met with President Tinubu on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum Special Meeting in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on Sunday.
According to Gates, “We are working with Mr. Wale Edun, the Coordinating Minister of the Economy and Minister of Finance, on digitisation. Before you came into office, there were a few things attempted in identity management. But they have been very scattered. There have been multiple identification systems.
“Now, there is a plan to take that technology called MOSIP and use it for this identification platform so that people can get digital benefits. We are providing support for that, and we can provide more support.
“With MOSIP ID, there is potential application in all government payment programmes. It helps with payment efficiency and bank accounts, and eventually, when everyone is using that, it makes tax collection easier. That benefit will take a few years. However, there will be more bank accounts, more financial inclusion, and effective government payment programmes,” the Former Chief Executive Officer of Microsoft said.
Mr. Gates said Nigeria has the capacity to manage this system and related-technological systems as the nation brims with talented youths.
“The last time I went to the Microsoft office in Lagos, I saw the amazing work that they were doing and how they were growing their operations. So, you have a lot of Nigerian talents to manage these systems,” he said.
Responding, President Tinubu noted that his administration is investing in technology that is tailored towards ensuring transparency and accountability in government and accelerating public-sector performance and service delivery to the Nigerian people.
Emphasising his unwavering commitment to deliver reliable technology that will support a national consumer credit system and many other critical new government interventions for all Nigerians, the President said resistance is often expected when efforts are made to strengthen systems and forestall malfeasance.
“Technology is the enemy of fraud, corruption, and irregularity. We have been working hard on improving technology.”
“There is always the initial resistance. Corruption, self-interest, and fraudulent activity will always be an enemy, but when you bend that curve, you will receive the benefit. The nation will receive the benefit,” the President said.
The President also stated that he is proud of Nigeria’s youths noting that they encourage him to continue to press his reform efforts forward for their future prosperity.
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