Perhaps the most significant outcome of last summer’s study-abroad trip to South Africa is the impact it could have on next summer’s programme. Each year, about 20 University of Florida students travel to South Africa with Sanethia Thomas, Ph.D., a senior lecturer in UF’s Department of Computer & Information Science & Engineering. For six weeks…
Access to affordable digital technology remains a major challenge to the productivity and competitiveness of Nigeria’s Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). In response, the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) and global technology company, Zoho, have launched a new initiative targeting 25,000 businesses. Under the partnership, Zoho will provide wallet credits…
The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (Rtd.), has reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to building a strong, self-reliant and globally competitive defence industrial base through joint production, technology transfer and local manufacturing. Musa said the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) Act 2023 provides an important institutional and legal framework for advancing this ambition while creating…
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has called for increased investment in locally developed technology as part of efforts to reduce Nigeria’s dependence on foreign software and strengthen the country’s digital independence. The NCC Executive Vice Chairman, Aminu Maida, made the call during the closing ceremony of the fourth NCC Hackathon Live Show in Abuja. The…
As Nigeria continues its efforts to build a more competitive and digitally driven economy, a startling revelation has emerged at the 66th Annual General Conference of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA). About 57% of technology products procured by government Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) and corporate organisations in Nigeria are reportedly refurbished products that are…
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has invested $8 million in the Ventures Platform Pan-African Fund II to support early-stage technology companies in Nigeria and four other African markets. The investment will provide growth capital to startups across Nigeria, Côte d’Ivoire, Egypt, Morocco and Senegal, with the goal of promoting innovation, business expansion…
Smart Africa has been urged to transform its continental network into a powerful commercial distribution engine capable of helping African technology companies expand across borders and compete globally. Henri Nyakarundi, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of ARED Group, said the alliance could be missing a major opportunity despite already having many of the relationships and…
Microsoft has announced the appointment of Angela Nganga as its Country Lead for East Africa. A long-standing member of the Microsoft Middle East and Africa (Emerging Markets) leadership team, Nganga brings extensive experience in government engagement, strategic business development, stakeholder management and digital transformation to her new role. Nganga will advance Microsoft’s commitment to empowering…
A Lagos-based technology company has commenced a strategic investment drive to support its expansion across Nigeria and other emerging African markets. The founder and Chief Executive Officer, Mark Odenore, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday in Lagos. Odenore said the company was positioning itself at the centre of Africa’s rapidly evolving digital compliance ecosystem,…
The United States has expressed its readiness to deepen its partnership with Nigeria through technology, trade, investment and the creative economy. The new US Consul General in Lagos, Brandon Hudspeth, disclosed this on Thursday at a reception held in his honour in Lagos, describing Nigeria as a major source of commercial and cultural opportunities with…